Get Your Catholic Book Published: A Guide

Publishing a book can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to niche markets such as Catholic literature. The publishing landscape is dominated by a few giant publishing companies, which have merged with or acquired many mid-sized publishers. However, there are still a few mid-sized publishers left, and many small and independent publishers who are more likely to accept unsolicited submissions. Catholic authors should consider publishers such as Ave Maria Press, a Catholic publishing company that serves the spiritual and formative needs of the Church and its schools, institutions, ministers, and Christian individuals and families. Other Catholic publishers include Rafka Press, Emmaus Road Publishing, and Ignatius Press. Authors should be aware of scams in the publishing industry and thoroughly research potential publishers before submitting their manuscripts.

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Choosing a Catholic publisher

When choosing a Catholic publisher, it is important to consider the scope and size of the publishing company. Bigger publishers are often made up of publishing houses, which in turn are made up of imprints, each with its own brand identity and type of books it publishes. While bigger publishers have the resources to bring your book to market, smaller publishers are more likely to accept unsolicited submissions and can be a realistic route to publication.

It is also crucial to thoroughly vet each publisher on your list to ensure legitimacy and avoid scams. Once you are confident in the publishers' credibility, you can start submitting your manuscript.

• Ave Maria Press: A Catholic publishing company that serves the spiritual and formative needs of the Church, its institutions, schools, ministers, and individuals seeking spiritual nourishment. They publish spiritual nonfiction and educational books and are very selective in their process.
• Rafka Press: This press publishes a range of fiction and nonfiction and is currently seeking quality children's books. They require authors to submit a query letter and synopsis.
• Emmaus Road Publishing: A nonfiction publisher that produces Scripture- and Tradition-based Catholic resources for laity and clergy.
• Ignatius Press: A well-known Catholic press that specifically states they are not seeking fiction, children's books, poetry, prayer books, or pamphlets. They have precise submission guidelines and require manuscripts to be proofread before submission.

You can also refer to directories and resources provided by organizations like Reedsy and the Association of Catholic Publishers (ACP) to find more publishers accepting Catholic submissions and learn about industry trends.

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Preparing your manuscript

Understand the Publishing Landscape

Before submitting your manuscript, it's important to understand the Catholic publishing landscape. It's mainly comprised of small and independent publishers, who are often more accessible to new authors. Bigger publishers usually work through literary agents and may have more specific requirements. Therefore, identifying your target publishers and understanding their guidelines is essential.

Identify Your Target Publishers

Research Catholic-focused publishing houses and imprints that align with your book's content and your publishing goals. For example, Rafka Press publishes a range of fiction and nonfiction, including children's books, while Ave Maria Press focuses on spiritual nonfiction and educational books for Catholic institutions. Each publisher will have specific submission guidelines, so ensure your manuscript aligns with their expectations.

Prepare Your Manuscript for Submission

Ensure your manuscript is meticulously proofread and edited before submission. Most Catholic publishers, regardless of size, will expect a well-prepared and polished manuscript. This includes checking for grammar, spelling, and formatting consistency. Consider seeking feedback from beta readers or engaging professional editing services to ensure your manuscript is of the highest standard.

Craft a Query Letter and Synopsis

In addition to your manuscript, you'll typically need to submit a query letter and a synopsis. The query letter should introduce yourself, provide a brief overview of your book, and explain why you're interested in publishing with them. The synopsis should provide a more detailed summary of your book's content, including its unique selling points and how it aligns with the publisher's focus.

Follow Publisher Guidelines

Each publisher will have specific guidelines for submissions, so ensure you follow them precisely. For example, Ignatius Press requires manuscripts to be "carefully proofread" before submission. Respecting their guidelines demonstrates your professionalism and increases your chances of a successful submission.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to preparing a manuscript that meets the expectations of Catholic publishers and increases your chances of publication success. Remember to allow adequate time for each step and don't be afraid to seek professional guidance or feedback where needed.

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Submission guidelines

Each publisher will have its own submission guidelines, so it is important to check these carefully before submitting your manuscript. Here are some general guidelines to follow when submitting your Catholic book for publication:

• It is recommended that you submit your manuscript to traditional Catholic book publishers. You can also consider self-publishing as an indie author.
• Your manuscript should be carefully proofread before submission. A final professional proofread is always a good idea.
• Some publishers require both a hard copy and a soft copy of your manuscript.
• Your manuscript should be accompanied by a cover letter.
• Some publishers require a complete manuscript, while others may only need a query or proposal letter first.
• If you are submitting a proposal, include a sample chapter (preferably the first chapter), a working title and subtitle, a paragraph describing your work, and an annotated table of contents.
• Some publishers do not accept unsolicited manuscripts, so be sure to check their guidelines before submitting.
• Some publishers have specific types of books that they do not accept, such as fiction, poetry, children's books, or academic texts. Again, check the guidelines of your chosen publisher to ensure your manuscript aligns with their requirements.
• Ave Maria Press: [email protected]
• Loyola Press: [email protected]
• Sophia Institute: [email protected]
• Catholic Answers: [email protected]

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Publisher's role

Publishing companies differ in structure, with bigger publishers consisting of publishing houses that may, in turn, be made up of imprints, each with its own brand identity. However, regardless of size, a publisher's role remains the same: to do everything necessary to bring your book to market.

The first step in the publishing process is to find a publisher. There are many Catholic publishers to choose from, including Catholic Book Publishing, which has been a trusted source of Catholic publications for over a century, and Ave Maria Press, a ministry of the Congregation of Holy Cross that serves the spiritual and formative needs of the Church and its institutions. Other notable Catholic publishers include Rafka Press, which publishes a range of fiction and non-fiction books, and Ignatius Press, a well-known Catholic press that does not accept fiction, children's books, or poetry submissions.

When selecting a publisher, it is important to thoroughly vet each one to ensure they are legitimate. Scams are common in the publishing industry, so it is crucial to be cautious. Once you have a shortlist of trusted publishers, you can submit your manuscript to them. Some publishers may require a query letter and synopsis, while others may have more specific guidelines, such as requiring manuscripts to be carefully proofread before submission.

After signing with a publisher, they will handle the rest of the process to bring your book to market. The level of success in terms of sales volume may vary depending on the size and reach of the publisher. Larger publishers, often referred to as the "Big 5," tend to dominate the publishing landscape and generate higher sales volumes. However, smaller publishers should not be overlooked, as they can provide a realistic and worthwhile route to publication, especially for unsolicited submissions without a literary agent.

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Publishing trends

• Traditional Publishers vs. Small/Independent Presses: The Catholic book publishing industry is dominated by a few large, traditional publishers, such as Ave Maria Press and Ignatius Press. These established companies may have specific submission guidelines and may not accept unsolicited manuscripts directly. On the other hand, small and independent publishers like Rafka Press and Emmaus Road Publishing are more open to direct submissions and can provide a viable route to publication.
• Digital and Audio Content: While printed books remain important, there is a growing trend towards digital and audio formats in the Catholic publishing industry. The Association of Catholic Publishers (ACP) offers resources and webinars to help publishers stay up-to-date with new technologies and formats, such as e-books, audio, and video content.
• Target Audience: Understanding your target audience is crucial. Catholic publishers often cater to specific audiences within the Catholic community, such as clergy, Catholic institutions, families, or individuals seeking spiritual growth. Tailoring your book proposal or manuscript to the right audience increases your chances of publication.
• Quality and Precision: Catholic publishers tend to emphasise quality and precision in submissions. Many publishers, like Ignatius Press, require manuscripts to be carefully proofread before submission. It is essential to follow their guidelines precisely to increase your chances of success.
• Networking and Community: Building relationships within the Catholic publishing community is valuable. Organisations like the ACP offer opportunities for networking, skill development, and staying abreast of industry trends. Attending webinars, conferences, and utilising online platforms can help you connect with the right publishers and enhance your understanding of the Catholic book market.

Staying informed about publishing trends and adapting your strategies accordingly will help you navigate the Catholic book publishing process more effectively.

Frequently asked questions