Choosing a Christian self-publishing company isn’t easy. There are plenty of companies promising professional publishing, worldwide distribution, and help getting your book into readers’ hands. But they’re not all offering the same level of service, and some have a much better reputation than others.
We’ve looked at ten companies that work with Christian authors and compared their services, pricing, and independent reviews. We’ve also included ratings from the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), where available.
A word of warning: Just because a company made this list doesn’t mean we recommend it. Some are here because they’re well-known names in Christian publishing, and authors deserve to know about the complaints as well as the compliments.
And yes, Inksnatcher is on the list. We’re the company publishing this comparison, so you should absolutely compare us with the others.
1. Inksnatcher
- ALLi Rating: Partner (Excellent) — one of the highest.
- Google: 5.0/5 (small but consistent sample, ~23 reviews).
- Trustpilot/BBB: Limited data available.
- Typical Packages: $999–$4,499
- Details:
Inksnatcher is a small, hands-on self-publishing company founded in 2007 by editor Sally Hanan. We’ve worked on around 300 book projects, including Christian fiction and nonfiction. We also work with authors outside the Christian market.
We offer editing, cover design, interior formatting, e-book production, publishing setup, and launch support. Editing is priced separately, and packages range from $999 to $4,499.
Our approach is personal. Authors work with real people throughout production, and we handle the technical side of publishing rather than leaving them to figure it out for themselves. Authors keep their rights and royalties.
- Best For:
Authors who want professional publishing help and someone to guide them through the process.
- Considerations:
We’re a small team, so we’re not set up for high-volume, rush publishing. Complex books and projects requiring additional editing, graphics, or specialist formatting will cost more than the standard packages.
2. Redemption Press
- ALLi Rating: Watchdog Approved (Green).
- Trustpilot: ~4.6/5 (255+ reviews) — strong praise for professionalism and integrity.
- BBB: A+ (not accredited); some mixed notes (e.g., freelance editor payment issues).
- Typical Packages: $1,800–$6,500 (higher for heavier editing).
- Details:
Redemption Press is an established Christian publishing services company offering editing, book design, publishing, and marketing support. Christian publishing is its focus, rather than one of several markets it serves.
Author reviews frequently praise the company’s professionalism and understanding of faith-based content. Redemption Press also offers crowdfunding assistance, which may appeal to authors who need help covering their publishing costs.
- Best For:
Christian authors looking for a company that specializes in faith-based books and offers support throughout publishing.
- Considerations:
Costs can increase when extensive editing or additional services are needed. Check the contract carefully for ongoing distribution fees, maintenance charges, and any costs that continue after publication.
3. BookBaby Self Publishing
- ALLi Rating: Watchdog Approved (Green) — long-standing positive review with some caveats on costs/changes.
- Trustpilot: 4.3/5 (5,400+ reviews).
- Typical Packages: $1,199–$6,000+ (print/ebook/audiobook; layout often extra).
- Details:
BookBaby is one of the better-known self-publishing services in the US. It offers cover design, editing, formatting, printing, e-book distribution, and marketing services.
Unlike some companies on this list, BookBaby doesn’t specialize in Christian books. However, it works with authors across many genres, including Christian fiction and nonfiction.
It has a large customer base and plenty of independent reviews, which makes it easier to get a sense of authors’ experiences.
- Best For:
Authors who want a large, established company with a wide range of publishing and printing services.
- Considerations:
Some services cost extra, and the final price can be considerably higher than the advertised starting package. Reviews are mixed when it comes to customer service and changes requested during production.
4. MindStir Media
- ALLi Rating: Caution (Yellow).
- Trustpilot: 4.5/5 (small sample, ~29 reviews); strong Google (~5.0/5 from 300+).
- Typical Packages: $1,999–$15,000+ (up to $37k+ with big marketing bundles).
- Details:
MindStir Media offers assisted publishing, editing, design, marketing, and author mentoring. Founded by Christian author J.J. Hebert, the company appeals to writers who want considerable help with promotion as well as book production.
MindStir offers a wide range of packages, including expensive marketing services. Some authors report positive experiences, particularly with the attention given to their books, but its pricing and sales approach deserve careful consideration.
-
Best For:
Authors with larger budgets who want publishing and promotional services from one company.
- Considerations:
Some packages are substantially more expensive than those offered by other companies on this list. Before signing, get a detailed breakdown of the services included, particularly the marketing deliverables. Also check its current ALLi rating.
5. Outskirts Press Print on Demand
- ALLi Rating: Watchdog Approved (Green).
- Trustpilot: ~3.8/5 (small sample); Google/BBB mixed (~3.5/5 and 3.3–3.69/5 averages).
- Typical Packages: $1,000–$7,000 (budget-friendly basics).
- Details:
Outskirts Press has been providing self-publishing services for more than twenty years. It offers book design, formatting, print-on-demand publishing, distribution, and marketing services.
There are several publishing packages available, and authors can purchase additional services depending on what they need. Reviews are mixed, although some repeat customers praise the company’s print quality and publishing process.
- Best For:
Authors looking for an established self-publishing company with a choice of packages and services.
- Considerations:
Customer reviews raise concerns about communication and support after publication. Check what’s included in the package price and what you’ll need to pay extra for.
6. CrossLink Publishing
- ALLi Rating: Not listed (or limited data).
- BBB: ~3/5 (positive individual reviews noted).
- Typical Packages: $1,200–$5,000.
- Details:
CrossLink Publishing is a smaller Christian publishing company that works with faith-based fiction, nonfiction, and family-oriented books.
It offers publishing and distribution services, although its approach differs from companies that simply provide production services for a fee. Authors should check the publishing arrangement being offered, as this may affect how much control they have over the finished book.
There are fewer independent reviews available than for some of the larger companies.
- Best For:
Christian authors looking for a smaller publishing company with a specific interest in faith-based books.
- Considerations:
Limited independent feedback makes it harder to assess the company’s track record. Confirm the publishing model, editorial services, distribution arrangements, and costs before proceeding.
7. Covenant Books
- ALLi Rating: Caution (Yellow).
- Trustpilot: ~2.8/5 (limited reviews).
- Typical Packages: $2,500–$9,000.
- Details:
Covenant Books is a Christian publishing services company offering book production, distribution, and promotional services. It works with authors of faith-based fiction, nonfiction, and inspirational books.
Some authors report positive experiences, while others have raised concerns about costs, delays, and the services they received.
- Best For:
Christian authors considering a faith-focused publishing company that offers production and distribution services.
- Considerations:
Independent reviews are mixed, and there have been complaints about communication and unclear expectations. We’d recommend reviewing the contract and deliverables particularly carefully before signing.
8. Harmony Publishing
- Ratings: Unrated/limited on major platforms; positive client anecdotes for service.
- Typical Packages: $1,500–$6,000.
- Details:
Harmony Publishing is a smaller publishing company included here as an option for authors seeking a more personal service.
However, there is limited independent information available about its publishing packages, pricing, and customer experiences.
- Best For:
Authors interested in investigating smaller publishing companies rather than the larger national services.
- Considerations:
We haven’t found enough independent feedback to make a confident recommendation. Before considering this company, we’d want to see recent published titles, clear pricing, and independently verifiable author reviews.
9. WestBow Press
- ALLi Rating: Not Recommended (Red) — linked to Author Solutions history.
- Trustpilot: ~3.6/5 (800+ reviews); Google ~3.1/5.
- Typical Packages: $1,299–$7,000+.
- Details:
WestBow Press is a Christian self-publishing service associated with Thomas Nelson and Zondervan, both part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Its publishing packages are managed by Author Solutions.
WestBow offers editing, cover design, formatting, distribution, and marketing services. Its association with two well-known Christian publishers is attractive to some authors.
However, publishing through WestBow is not the same as receiving a traditional publishing contract from Thomas Nelson or Zondervan.
- Best For:
Authors who specifically want to publish through a Christian-branded service associated with established Christian publishing names.
- Considerations:
Author Solutions has attracted substantial criticism over its publishing practices, including complaints about sales pressure, upselling, and service quality. We’d recommend investigating these concerns carefully before committing to a package.
10. Xulon Press
- ALLi Rating: Not Recommended (Red).
- Google: ~2.7/5; BBB complaints notable (not accredited).
- Typical Packages: $1,000–$10,000+ (plus ongoing fees).
- Details:
Xulon Press has been serving Christian authors for many years, offering publishing packages that include book production and distribution.
It is an established name in Christian self-publishing, but its customer reviews raise concerns about the quality of service, communication, pricing, and additional fees.
Some authors report satisfactory experiences, particularly with straightforward publishing projects. Others have been considerably less happy.
- Best For:
Authors considering established Christian publishing services who are prepared to research the company’s reputation and contract terms carefully.
- Considerations:
There are enough negative reports that we’d recommend comparing Xulon with other providers before signing. Pay particular attention to additional charges, ongoing fees, and the services included in the advertised package.
Also Noted: Christian Faith Publishing
- ALLi Rating: Not Recommended (Red).
- Trustpilot: ~2.1–2.3/5; high complaints on BBB (delays, unfulfilled marketing, communication breakdowns, disputes).
- Details:
Christian Faith Publishing advertises extensively to Christian authors and offers assisted publishing services. However, it has received numerous complaints concerning costs, communication, marketing promises, and publishing outcomes.
Given the concerns raised in independent reviews, we wouldn’t place it among our recommended Christian self-publishing services. Authors considering the company should investigate its reputation and contract terms carefully.
Which Christian Self-Publishing Companies Would We Recommend?
Inksnatcher and Redemption Press are two options worth considering if you’re looking for personal service and experience with Christian books.
BookBaby is also worth a look, particularly if you’d prefer to work with a larger company.
Other companies on this list have more mixed reputations. That doesn’t mean every author has had a bad experience, but it does mean there’s good reason to do some research before handing over your manuscript and your money. Check each company’s current ALLi Watchdog rating, read its most recent Trustpilot reviews (sorted by date) and BBB complaint history, and ask to speak with a few recent authors.
And remember that the cheapest advertised package isn’t necessarily the cheapest way to publish your book. What matters is what you’re actually getting for the price. Ask for the full contract and an itemized quote before you pay, including any yearly maintenance or distribution fees, and confirm who owns the rights, how royalties work, and whether you can leave and take your files with you. If a marketing package is included, get a written list of exactly what it covers.
If you’d like to do it all yourself, tools like Amazon KDP + freelance professionals can lower costs.
Final Thoughts
Not every company helping Christian authors delivers what it promises, and the differences aren’t always obvious from their websites. Most promise professional publishing, distribution, and marketing support. The important part is finding out what they actually deliver.
We’ve included both the positives and the negatives in this list because authors deserve to know what they’re paying for. If you’re considering Inksnatcher, you’re welcome to take a look at our publishing packages and see how we compare.
