Guide 05 Writing on faith independent information
Catholic book publishers: how submissions usually work
This page does not publish a list of who is accepting manuscripts, because such lists go out of date quickly. It explains the process, so you know what to look for when you open a publisher's submissions page.
Check the list on the publisher's own page
Many Catholic publishers exist, from large houses with a religious imprint to small presses that print only a few titles a year. Examples that writers often mention include Ignatius Press, Ave Maria Press, Our Sunday Visitor, Pauline Books and Media, Loyola Press, Franciscan Media and Sophia Institute Press. Mentioning them is not an endorsement, and this site is not connected with any of them.
Policies change often. Some accept unsolicited proposals, some accept only agented submissions and some are closed for months at a time. Always read the current guidelines on the publisher's own website and follow them exactly.
Proposal, query and manuscript
Nonfiction is usually sold on a proposal: an overview, a chapter outline, sample chapters, an author biography and a note on the audience. Fiction is more often sold on a finished manuscript. Many houses want to hear first from a literary agent, and some religious publishers accept direct submissions. Do not send a manuscript until the guidelines ask for one.
Prepare the same materials for every submission: a one-paragraph pitch, a one-page synopsis, a short biography and the first chapters in the format requested. Track each submission in a simple table with the date and the response.
Writing a query letter
A query letter is a one-page business letter that makes someone want to read more. A common shape has four parts. A hook of one or two sentences about the central conflict. A short paragraph with the title, genre and word count. A line on why you chose this agent or publisher. A brief biography that mentions relevant experience only.
Skip the claim that the book will change lives and the summary of your spiritual journey unless the book is a memoir. Agents and editors read hundreds of letters and respond to clarity. Address a named person if the guidelines give one, and never send the same letter to a list of recipients at once.
Nihil obstat and imprimatur
Two Latin phrases appear in some Catholic books. Nihil obstat means nothing stands in the way, and imprimatur means let it be printed. They indicate that a church authority has found nothing contrary to faith and morals in the text. They do not mean the Church endorses every view in the book.
Church law asks for such approval for certain categories, such as catechisms and some textbooks. Novels and memoirs generally do not need it, and many reputable Catholic books carry neither phrase. Ask the publisher what it requires for your kind of book.
Self-publishing and small presses
Self-publishing is a real option, especially for parish histories, devotional booklets and niche fiction. It also means you pay for editing, cover design and distribution yourself. Be careful with companies that charge large fees and promise sales. A legitimate publisher does not ask you to pay for acceptance.
Whichever route you choose, a clean, edited manuscript is your strongest asset. Read the craft guides on faith fiction and spiritual memoir before you send anything out.