Research the topic. Use the knowledge you gain from the research and study to craft compelling, inspirational and concise content. Focus on the value of the what you write from the reader's perspective. To ensure that the material is timely, interesting and well written, submit sample chapters to professional gospel book critique groups which you can locate through major search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Excite. You can also hire a professional editor to review the manuscript and make suggestions for improvement before you send the manuscript to a publisher or printer.
Complete pertinent filings if you are self-publishing your book. Contact R.R. Bowker, the company that assigns book identification numbers such as the international standard book number (ISBN). IIBSN fees start at $275 for a set of 10 ISBNs.
Next, submit necessary paperwork to the U.S. Copyright Office to legally protect your manuscript should you ever have to go to court over claims of plagiarism. The fee is $25 if you are filing within the United States.
Work with a reputable printer. Databases such as Print Industry, Book Market and Spawn list book printers. Submit the details of your printing job, including the number of pages in your manuscript; whether there are pictures, charts or graphics included with the book; and the number of copies of the book you want to print. Compare quotes and rank-order printers. Ask about other writers and publishers the printer has worked with. Get their feedback before you negotiate a final deal and sign a contract.
Obtain a distributor or wholesaler. They can take orders from libraries, bookstores and specialty shops, and work with you to ship the books to buyers. Examples are Ingram Books, Brodart and Baker & Taylor, who have access to buyers in the religious, academic and business industries. Negotiate marketing and return requirements before you sign a contract with the distributor or wholesaler to avoid having them ship books out that can be returned if the bookstore is unable to sell the books.
Market and promote your book. Connect with local churches, colleges and universities, and other religious organizations. Telephone and email key contacts. Meet with their book buyers so you can describe your book briefly and discuss steps to get your Christian gospel books in their bookstores. For churches, address correspondence to the pastor. Explain what your book is about and how it will benefit the church's membership, then meet with the pastor to discuss holding a seminar on your book's topic at the church. Conclude the seminar with a book signing.
Write and send effective press releases to agencies such as PRweb.com, Send2Press.com and PRNewsWire.com. Visit religious websites and contact the website's owner. Ask to trade links and to have your Christian gospel book featured at the website.
Reach out to other media outlets such as local radio and television stations that are listed in Gebbie Press, a large media directory. Focus on religious media outlets listed in the directory. Contact the station producers and request a feature interview. Be open to conducting feature interviews on talk radio stations across genres and with secular media outlets.
Create web content for Christian businesses. Write articles for Christian websites. Include your name, book title and locations of where people can purchase a copy of your book in your article bylines. If you have a website, be sure to include the URL in your byline.
Build a website. Create an interactive website that allows users to connect with you via discussion forums, guest books and by leaving comments on your blog. Include sections like weekly tips, Scripture, current news and upcoming writer appearances on your website. Regularly update these sections to encourage visitors to return to your website regularly. Promote your website by submitting the URL to search engines.