Christian Faith Publishing (CFP) is a hybrid book publisher offering a full range of services to independent authors who want the support and guidance of traditional publishing along with the freedom of self-publishing. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and hundreds of positive reviews from published authors, Christian Faith Publishing is a legitimate option for authors who want professional support to bring their books to publication.
Choosing the right partner to publish your book is a big decision. While reputable hybrid publishers like CFP work closely with authors to provide professional editing, design, and distribution services, some companies offer similar services but deliver a very different experience. These vanity publishers may use high-pressure sales tactics, charge high upfront fees for undefined services, or provide limited support to actually help you and your book succeed.
On the surface, it can be hard to distinguish a reputable publisher from a vanity press, especially because both may require an upfront financial investment from the author. It is not surprising that so many authors approach non-traditional publishing with caution.
In this article, we explore how to evaluate a publishing company’s legitimacy, the warning signs to look for when comparing hybrid and vanity publishers, and how Christian Faith Publishing’s good standing, business credentials, and customer reviews can give you the confidence you need to publish with our team.
How to Know if a Publishing Company Is Legitimate
Publishing your book with a hybrid or self-publishing partner is a significant investment. Before signing a contract, take the time to research a company and understand how it operates.
A few important considerations can help you make a more informed decision:
- Verify the company’s business presence. Look for a verifiable business address and accessible contact information. Research the company’s location and contact the office if you have questions about its operations.
- Review all services and promises. Look for clear descriptions of the services offered, realistic deliverables, and evidence of previously published work with major retailers. Be cautious of promises that the publisher cannot guarantee, such as bestseller status or a specific level of book sales.
- Request and review the publishing arrangement. Understand the exact services offered, the costs you may be responsible for, and what rights you retain as an author. Ask for written clarification of anything that seems unclear.
- Research independent reviews. Do not rely only on testimonials published on the company’s website. Look for third-party ratings and customer feedback across multiple platforms, including the Better Business Bureau, Google, author communities, and forums such as Reddit.
- Consult independent publishing resources. The ALLi Watchdog Desk and the Independent Book Publishers Association Publisher Criteria can help authors evaluate publishing companies and spot potential red flags.
No single rating or review can tell the whole story. Review multiple sources, examine customer experience details, and understand the terms of a publishing agreement to decide whether a company is the right fit for your book.
Vanity vs. Hybrid Publishers
Both hybrid and vanity publishers offer services to independent authors, and both may require authors to contribute financially to their book’s production. However, service quality, transparency, and value can differ widely.
When evaluating a publishing partner, look for these warning signs of vanity publishers:
- High upfront fees for vague services: An author-funded publishing arrangement is not automatically a red flag. However, you should know exactly what you are paying for, which services are included, and whether additional fees may apply.
- Unsolicited offers, high-pressure sales tactics, or unrealistic promises: Be cautious of companies that contact you first, pressure you to sign quickly, accept every manuscript, or promise outcomes they cannot control, such as bestseller status or guaranteed sales.
- Limited transparency: A lack of clear pricing, accessible staff, verifiable business information, or a demonstrable publication history warrants further investigation.
- Low-quality publications: Look at the books the company has previously published. Consider the editing, formatting, cover design, and overall production quality to determine whether they meet your expectations.
- Unclear or restrictive rights provisions: Carefully review the publishing contract before signing to understand copyright ownership, licensing rights, exclusivity, and the conditions that allow you to terminate the agreement.
The key distinction between a hybrid and vanity press is not simply whether a publisher charges authors. Instead, it is whether the company clearly explains its business model, provides meaningful services for the fees charged, and fulfills its contractual commitments in a way that truly supports authors.
A legitimate hybrid publisher should be transparent about its costs, services, and responsibilities. By contrast, a company that relies on predatory practices, makes misleading promises, or delivers substantially less than advertised deserves closer scrutiny.
Understanding these distinctions can help you look beyond marketing claims to evaluate a publisher based on its actual practices.
How Christian Faith Publishing Works as a Hybrid Publisher
Christian Faith Publishing offers a wide range of services designed to help faith-based authors move from manuscript to published book.
Depending on your individual publishing arrangement, these services may include:
- Manuscript editing: Professional review and editing services to help authors prepare and refine their manuscripts for publication.
- Cover design and interior formatting: Design services that create a polished, attractive, reader-friendly book.
- Print and eBook production: Preparation of books for print and digital formats, including ISBN assistance and eBook conversion.
- Distribution: Support for making published titles available through major online retailers and other distribution channels.
- Marketing and publicity: Services that may include press releases, promotional materials, author interviews, and social media campaigns.
The services available to each author depend on your selected publishing package. Your publishing agreement clearly outlines the applicable services, costs, and responsibilities so you can understand what is included and what may require additional investment. Our publication specialists also serve as a point of contact throughout your publishing journey, helping authors navigate the steps involved in publication and answering questions along the way.
Whether you work with Christian Faith Publishing or another reputable hybrid publisher, you should always review your agreement carefully to ensure that you understand the scope of support you can expect from your publisher.
You can learn more about our offerings, pricing, and package details in our guide to CFP publishing packages and what they cost.
What Do Christian Faith Publishing’s Reviews Say?
Reviews from authors who have worked with a publishing company can offer valuable insight into the customer experience. Christian Faith Publishing has received positive feedback on the Better Business Bureau, Google, and its own author testimonials page.
These reviews offer perspectives on different aspects of the publishing process, including communication with the CFP team, guidance for authors, and the overall experience of moving a manuscript toward publication.
Customer experiences naturally vary, so look beyond star ratings to understand the details behind individual reviews. Consider recurring themes in both positive and negative feedback and whether those experiences align with your own priorities and expectations.
Better Business Bureau Rating and Accreditation
At the time of writing, CFP had an average customer rating of 4.72 out of five stars across 333 BBB reviews. We have also earned an A+ rating and BBB accreditation.
Many BBB reviewers describe receiving help navigating the publishing process, while others highlight communication, transparency, and progress toward publication. Some authors also report publishing multiple books with CFP, indicating that they chose to work with the company again after their initial experience.
The company’s BBB rating and customer reviews offer two distinct measures to consider. The business rating reflects the BBB’s assessment of our company, while customer reviews describe individual experiences.
Prospective authors can explore the Christian Faith Publishing BBB profile to review our company’s standing and read customer feedback firsthand.
Testimonials from Published Authors
Christian Faith Publishing also shares testimonials from authors who have worked with our team.
One example is Robert E. Hayhurst, who published his first novel, The Shepherd, with CFP. In his testimonial, Hayhurst describes receiving clear advice and guidance throughout the process. He specifically highlights the communication and patient support he received from his publication specialist.
Other authors featured on our testimonial page discuss their experiences working with their publishing teams, navigating the steps toward publication, and seeing their manuscripts become finished books.
While testimonials reflect the experiences of the people sharing them rather than guaranteeing every author will have the same experience, they offer valuable firsthand perspectives. Testimonials can reveal the publishing process and the support individual authors received from CFP.
To learn more, visit the Christian Faith Publishing testimonials page.
Google Reviews
As of this writing, Christian Faith Publishing had a 4.4-star rating from 581 reviews on Google.
Many reviewers discuss the time it takes to move a book from manuscript to publication, noting the process can take several months. Positive reviews also highlight the CFP team’s transparency and communication, with some authors naming their publication coordinators and thanking them for the guidance and encouragement they received.
Is Christian Faith Publishing Right for You?
Finding a legitimate publishing partner is an important first step toward publication, but the right choice for your book also depends on your manuscript, budget, expectations, and long-term goals. For authors considering Christian Faith Publishing, the themes and message of their books matter, too. With a focus on Christian literature, our mission is to help authors share their faith through their writing.
Before signing a publishing agreement, take time to ask questions and review the terms carefully. Consider having an attorney review the contract, especially if you have questions about your rights, financial obligations, or how the agreement can be terminated.
Important considerations include:
- Total costs: What is the cost of your publishing package, and are there any additional fees?
- Services and responsibilities: What will the publisher provide, and what will you be expected to do yourself?
- Distribution: Where will your book be available, and what does the distribution arrangement include?
- Royalties: How are royalties calculated, and when and how are payments made? For a detailed look at how self-published royalties work, see our guide on how much self-published authors make per book.
- Copyright and publishing rights: Who retains copyright, what rights are licensed to the publisher, and for how long?
- Contract terms: What are the conditions for ending the agreement, and what happens to your book if the publishing relationship ends?
It is also important to consider what matters most to you as an author. Perhaps you want professional support with editing and design, guidance through the publishing process, or assistance preparing your book for distribution. Understanding your priorities will help you determine whether a publisher’s services align with your needs.
Finally, consider your expectations for book sales and marketing. Distribution makes a book available for purchase, but it does not guarantee readers will find it or that it will reach a particular sales level. Ask prospective publishers what marketing services they offer and what you can realistically expect from them.
Choosing a publisher is a personal decision. Reviewing independent feedback, learning about available services, and understanding your publishing agreement can help you decide whether a company is a good fit for your goals.
Is Christian Faith Publishing Legit? Final Thoughts
Christian Faith Publishing is an established hybrid book publisher with an A+ BBB rating, positive customer reviews, and testimonials from authors who have worked with our team. These are important factors that have helped CFP build a positive reputation among authors.
If you are ready to explore your publishing options, Christian Faith Publishing invites you to learn more about our services and process, and how we work with authors to tell His story and inspire the world through publication.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christian Faith Publishing
Is Christian Faith Publishing a vanity press?
No. Christian Faith Publishing is a hybrid publisher, not a vanity press. The key difference is that CFP provides clearly defined professional services — including editing, design, distribution, and marketing support — with a transparent publishing agreement. Vanity publishers often charge high fees for vague or limited services and provide minimal support toward actual publication success.
What is Christian Faith Publishing’s BBB rating?
At the time of writing, Christian Faith Publishing holds an A+ rating and BBB accreditation, with an average customer review score of 4.72 out of five stars across more than 333 reviews. Authors can verify the current rating directly on the BBB website.
How much does Christian Faith Publishing charge?
CFP offers three publishing packages starting at $4,085. Each package includes a defined set of professional services, with higher-tier options adding marketing and promotional tools. Payment plans are available for all packages. For a full breakdown, see our guide to CFP publishing packages and pricing.
Does Christian Faith Publishing accept every manuscript?
No. Christian Faith Publishing works specifically with faith-based manuscripts and does not accept every submission. Authors whose work aligns with CFP’s focus on Christian literature are encouraged to reach out to discuss their project with a publishing representative.
Do authors keep the rights to their books?
Authors should review their publishing agreement carefully to understand copyright ownership, licensing rights, and the conditions for terminating the agreement. If you have questions about rights before signing, consider consulting an attorney who is familiar with publishing contracts.
How long does it take to publish a book with Christian Faith Publishing?
The publishing timeline varies depending on the manuscript and the services included in your package. Many authors note in their reviews that the full process from manuscript to published book can take several months. Your CFP publication specialist can give you a clearer estimate based on your individual project.
Where can I read independent reviews of Christian Faith Publishing?
Independent reviews of Christian Faith Publishing are available on the Better Business Bureau website, Google, and author communities and forums such as Reddit. Reviewing feedback across multiple platforms gives a more complete picture than any single source alone.
Take the Next Step With Christian Faith Publishing
If you are ready to move your manuscript forward with a publisher whose mission aligns with your faith, learn more about what to expect when working with Christian Faith Publishing and connect with a representative who can walk you through the process from start to finish.