The biggest challenge in how to publish a book on spirituality is in the task of whittling down the list of publishers of spirituality books. Remain diligent and committed enough to follow through on what you learn, and use any and all Web tools and networking opportunities you can, to find the most suitable home for your book.

Once your manuscript is written, edited and polished to the best of your ability, you're ready for the next steps. There are many religious book publishing companies to consider, and you should examine all avenues in order to find the one that works best for you, starting with whether you want to seek out book publishing agents to do the work for you or if you'll pursue publication on your own:

1. Traditional publishers welcome solicited agent material; unsolicited material may go directly to the slush pile. Research using industry books such as "Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents."

2. Online book publishers, also called e-book publishers, welcome new and already published authors, without requiring agent representation.

3. Vanity presses and self-publishing give an author the most freedom in the book publishing process.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Research publishers of religious books by networking and using publisher databases

It's important to know the niche for your spirituality book so you spend your time in the most productive manner. You may start your search looking at well-known presses which publish religious books similar to your own, but keep an open mind to smaller presses and e-book publishers.

I recommend: Baker Books requires agent representation for any submitted manuscript, however, their editorial staff attend conferences and if you can strike up a relationship, you can submit your work through one of their editors or writing services. SearchForPublishers.com provides free publisher searches by manuscript genre. Adams Media accepts manuscript proposals direct from authors. Open Directory offers a listing of spirituality book publishing companies. Remember to check out a publisher's website to see what they've published to date, before submitting.

Research alternative book publishing services

Self-publishing spirituality books is a great alternative for some writers, so do some investigating to see if it will work for you. If you want your book published quickly, if it's for family and friends, if you are great at marketing and know you can meet your financial book selling goal on your own, hiring a book publishing service may be a good fit. Many online book publishing companies are also paperback book publishers.

I recommend: Lulu offers complete book publishing services with no set-up fees for self-publishing ranging from pre-publishing tasks to marketing and distribution of any quantity for any type of book. Start selling your e-book as soon as you upload it to ShareWareeBooks.com. Xulon Press is an author-friendly publisher who will partner with you on your religious book project.

Hire an agent with exposure to spirituality publishers

Choosing the traditional route to book publishing includes agent representation. Having an agent represent you and who works diligently to see your book in print is the desire of most writers. Finding an agent who is as passionate about your manuscript as you are and who has a style that compliments your own will take diligence and research. The financial payoff of having agent representation can be significant, especially since large spirituality book publishers seldom accept unagented material.

I recommend: Your first stop in the search for an agent should be AgentQuery. Browse through the directory at WritersNet by location or topic for agent representation. A must for any search includes reading through Warnings and Cautions for Writers to educate yourself on agent representation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The religious book publishing market is large, so don't get frustrated with negative responses when you know you have a strong manuscript. Use the Web's many resources to prepare your manuscript and query: genre-based author sites, general and specialized e-mail loops, and blogs and peer editing boards.
• •  Examine any fees associated with self-publishing a religious book so you know you are paying for the exact services you want.