Barbour Publishing Review – Do They Deliver?

Every writer dreams of seeing their work published and reaching the right audience.

For authors focusing on Christian-themed literature, choosing the right publisher can be a pivotal decision. Barbour Publishing has established itself as a leading name in this niche, but is it the best option for you?

In this detailed review, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Barbour Publishing and help you decide if it’s the right platform for your publishing journey.

What Is Barbour Publishing?

Barbour Publishing was founded in 1981 in Uhrichsville, Ohio, with the mission of spreading the life-changing message of the Bible. Over the years, it has grown into a respected name in Christian publishing, catering to a devoted audience of readers who value inspirational content rooted in faith.

Barbour specializes in publishing books that align with conservative, evangelical Christian values. Their catalog includes devotionals, inspirational fiction, Bibles, and even children’s books, making them a go-to publisher for Christian authors. The company’s commitment to its niche has made it a trusted name in the industry, allowing it to reach a well-defined audience.

For writers, understanding Barbour’s niche focus is key. They cater primarily to authors who share their mission and have works that align with their spiritual and thematic goals.

Authors should also note that Barbour primarily works with manuscripts submitted through professional literary agents, emphasizing their selectivity and high standards.

What Does Barbour Publishing Offer?

Barbour Publishing offers a focused range of Christian-themed publications. Here’s a breakdown of their primary offerings:

• Devotionals and Inspirational Books
  Barbour is known for its devotionals like The Bible Promise Book and Daily Wisdom for Women. These titles are designed to provide readers with daily spiritual encouragement and reflections.
• Fiction
  Their fiction catalog includes inspirational stories, Amish romances, historical novels, and contemporary Christian-themed works. Authors like Wanda E. Brunstetter have gained significant recognition under the Barbour Publishing banner.
• Bibles
  Barbour offers an impressive selection of Bibles, including specialty editions like the Simplified King James Version (KJV), making scripture more accessible to modern readers.
• Children’s Books
  Barbour also caters to young readers with a selection of storybooks, devotionals, and kid-friendly Bibles. These resources are designed to engage children while instilling faith-based values.
• Gift Books
  Their catalog also includes gift books, often pairing inspirational messages with beautiful designs, making them perfect for special occasions.

While Barbour excels in these areas, it’s important to note that they don’t accept unsolicited manuscripts. Writers must work through a professional literary agent, and proposals must align closely with the company’s mission and focus on Christian themes.

Pros and Cons of Barbour Publishing

As with any publisher, Barbour Publishing has strengths and limitations.

Pros

1. Established Reputation
   With decades of experience, Barbour Publishing has built a strong name in the Christian publishing industry. Authors benefit from the credibility and trust associated with their brand.
2. Targeted Audience
   Barbour has a clear and dedicated readership, ensuring that your work will reach an audience that is already invested in Christian-themed content.
3. Wide Distribution Network
   Their books are widely available through Christian bookstores, major retailers, and online platforms, increasing their visibility.

Cons

1. Limited Genre Focus
   Barbour’s specialization in Christian themes is a double-edged sword. While it’s beneficial for authors in this niche, it excludes writers whose works fall outside of faith-based genres.
2. Submission Barriers
   Barbour requires manuscripts to be submitted through literary agents, which can be a significant hurdle for new or independent authors.
3. Creative Control
   Like most traditional publishers, Barbour has final say on key aspects of the publishing process, such as cover design and marketing strategies. Authors who prefer more control may find this limiting.

Alternatives to Barbour Publishing

If Barbour Publishing doesn’t feel like the right fit, there are other options to consider. Here are five alternatives:

1. Thomas Nelson
   As one of the largest Christian publishers, Thomas Nelson offers a broad range of books, including fiction and nonfiction. Their global reach and long-standing reputation make them a popular choice for faith-based authors.
2. Tyndale House Publishers
   Known for their innovative approach to Christian publishing, Tyndale publishes both fiction and nonfiction, appealing to readers across various demographics.
3. WestBow Press
   A self-publishing division of Thomas Nelson and Zondervan, WestBow Press allows authors to retain more control over their publishing process while benefiting from the credibility of their parent companies.
4. Bethany House
   Specializing in Christian fiction, Bethany House is an excellent option for authors writing inspirational stories, particularly in historical or contemporary genres.
5. Selfpublishing.com
   A comprehensive self-publishing platform, selfpublishing.com offers tools, resources, and expert guidance for authors seeking full creative control and a broader publishing scope.

Why Authors Should Consider Selfpublishing.com Instead of Barbour Publishing

While Barbour Publishing is a great choice for authors in the Christian niche, selfpublishing.com offers significant advantages that might appeal to a broader range of writers:

1. Complete Creative Control
   Selfpublishing.com empowers authors to make decisions about every aspect of their book, from content to cover design. Unlike traditional publishers, there’s no need to compromise on your vision.
2. Freedom to Explore Any Genre
   Barbour’s strict focus on Christian themes can feel restrictive. With selfpublishing.com, you can publish works in any genre or theme, ensuring your creativity isn’t limited.
3. Accessible Services
   Unlike Barbour’s agent-based submission system, selfpublishing.com allows direct access to their tools and resources, streamlining the publishing process for authors at any stage of their careers.
4. Higher Royalties
   Self-published authors typically keep a larger share of their book’s earnings compared to traditional publishing models.
5. Educational Support
   Selfpublishing.com provides authors with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed, from marketing strategies to understanding distribution options.

Barbour Publishing Review – Final Thoughts

Barbour Publishing is a respected name in Christian publishing, offering authors access to a dedicated audience and a strong distribution network. However, its narrow focus on Christian themes and traditional publishing restrictions may not suit every writer.

For authors seeking more flexibility, selfpublishing.com offers a compelling alternative.

With its user-friendly platform, extensive resources, and commitment to empowering authors, selfpublishing.com allows writers to take control of their publishing journey.

Whether you’re an established author or just starting out, selfpublishing.com provides the tools and support you need to bring your vision to life.

Ultimately, the choice between Barbour Publishing and selfpublishing.com depends on your goals, the nature of your manuscript, and the level of control you wish to maintain.

If you’re ready to take charge of your publishing journey, explore what selfpublishing.com has to offer and see how it can help you achieve your dreams.