Whitaker House Review – What Authors Need to Know about Whitaker House

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Posted by P.J McNulty

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If you’re a Christian author with an upcoming book, it can be difficult to know the best path to get it out into the world.

If you’ve been considering a traditional publisher with a faith-based focus, you might have come across Whitaker House.

But is this publisher the right fit for your book and career?

This review will break down everything you need to know about Whitaker House to help you decide.

What is Whitaker House?

Founded in 1970, Whitaker House is a well-established traditional publishing house with a strong focus on Christian and inspirational literature.

It has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality, faith-based books that resonate with readers in the Christian market.

With over 50 years of experience, Whitaker House has built a name for itself in the religious publishing industry, offering both new and established authors a platform to reach a devoted readership.

Whitaker House operates under a traditional publishing model, meaning authors typically go through a submission process, and if accepted, benefit from full editorial, marketing, and distribution support.

As a traditional publisher, Whitaker House covers the upfront costs of book production and offers royalty-based compensation.

Their mission is to empower and inspire through Christian values, making them a go-to publisher for authors writing in the faith-based genre.

What does Whitaker House offer?

Whitaker House provides a range of services designed to support authors throughout the entire publishing process.

As a traditional publisher, they offer a comprehensive suite of services aimed at ensuring books are professionally produced and distributed to the right audience.

Here’s a breakdown of what authors can expect when working with Whitaker House:

  • Editorial Services

    Whitaker House provides thorough editorial support, including developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading. Their team works to refine manuscripts to meet the high standards of the Christian publishing market, ensuring that the message is clear and impactful.
  • Design and Production

    From book covers to interior layout, Whitaker House takes care of all aspects of design and production. They aim to create visually appealing books that stand out in a crowded marketplace, providing authors with a polished, professional product.
  • Marketing and Distribution

    One of the key advantages of working with a traditional publisher like Whitaker House is their marketing and distribution network. They leverage established relationships with Christian bookstores, online retailers, and distributors to get your book in front of readers. However, it’s worth noting that marketing efforts are often limited to a set timeframe, and authors may still need to engage in their own promotional efforts to keep sales momentum going.
  • Author Support and Development

    Whitaker House offers guidance and support to authors, helping them navigate the publishing world and develop their careers. This includes advice on audience engagement, building a platform, and potential future book projects.

While these services can be invaluable for authors seeking a hands-off approach, those looking for more control over their publishing journey might find a self-publishing option more flexible and suited to their needs.

How much do Whitaker House services cost?

As a traditional publisher, Whitaker House covers all upfront costs related to editing, production, and marketing.

This can be appealing for authors who don’t want to invest financially in the publishing process.

However, it also means authors are compensated through royalties, which only come into play after the publisher has recouped its costs. This can lead to a lengthy delay in seeing any income, and for many authors, they may never earn beyond their initial advance, if one is offered.

While Whitaker House takes the financial risk, the limited control authors have over pricing and promotion can mean lower long-term earnings.

For authors seeking faster income and greater control, self-publishing can offer more immediate returns—though it comes with the responsibility of covering costs upfront.

Pros and cons of Whitaker House

Like any traditional publisher, Whitaker House offers both advantages and challenges for authors, especially those focused on Christian or faith-based writing. Understanding these pros and cons will help authors decide whether a partnership with Whitaker House aligns with their goals or if they should consider other paths, such as self-publishing.

Pros of Whitaker House

  1. Established Reputation

    With over 50 years in the industry, Whitaker House has a well-established presence in the Christian publishing world. This reputation can help authors gain credibility and trust with readers, particularly in faith-based markets.
  2. Full-Service Publishing Support

    Authors working with Whitaker House benefit from a full-service publishing experience, covering everything from editing to design and marketing. This allows authors to focus on writing without worrying about the logistics of bringing their book to market.
  3. Access to Christian Distribution Channels

    Whitaker House has deep connections with Christian bookstores, faith-based retailers, and other distribution networks. This can be a significant advantage for authors looking to reach a targeted Christian audience that might be harder to access independently.

Cons of Whitaker House

  1. Limited Control Over Creative Decisions

    As with most traditional publishers, Whitaker House retains the final say on cover design, formatting, and even editorial changes. Authors who prefer more creative control over their work may find this limiting.
  2. Genre Restriction

    Whitaker House focuses primarily on Christian and inspirational genres. Authors writing outside these themes may find fewer opportunities for their work to be accepted or promoted within Whitaker House’s niche.
  3. Longer Publishing Timelines

    The traditional publishing process can be lengthy, with books often taking a year or more to be published. For authors looking to get their work out faster, this can be a significant drawback.
  4. Royalty-Only Compensation

    While Whitaker House covers upfront costs, authors are only paid through royalties after costs are recouped. This can delay earnings, and many authors may never see substantial income from their work, especially if sales are slower than expected.
  5. Marketing Support May Be Limited

    Although Whitaker House offers marketing support, the extent and duration of this assistance can be limited. Authors often find that after the initial release period, marketing efforts decline, leaving them responsible for ongoing promotion.
  6. Higher Barrier to Entry

    Like many traditional publishers, Whitaker House has a rigorous submission process. New and unestablished authors may find it difficult to get accepted, leading to frustration or the need to seek alternative publishing options.

For authors seeking more control, faster timelines, and the ability to directly influence their book’s success, self-publishing may offer a more appealing route.

Alternatives to Whitaker House

While Whitaker House is a well-known name in Christian publishing, it’s not the only option for faith-based authors.

Below are three alternative Christian traditional publishers, followed by a self-publishing option that many authors may find offers greater flexibility and control.

  1. Bethany House

    Bethany House is one of the most respected publishers in the Christian market, known for producing high-quality religious fiction and nonfiction.

    However, like Whitaker House, they have a selective submission process and require authors to go through traditional publishing timelines. Self-publishing remains an appealing alternative for authors wanting more control over their timelines and income.
  2. Tyndale House Publishers

    Tyndale House offers a strong platform for Christian authors with a range of best-selling titles. Their wide distribution network is appealing, but the same limitations apply: slow publishing cycles and limited creative control. Authors seeking more immediate publication and creative freedom may prefer a self-publishing model.
  3. Zondervan

    Zondervan is a leading name in the Christian publishing world, producing a wide range of faith-based books. Their established name and distribution networks are attractive, but the traditional process can be slow, and royalty payments can take time to materialize. Self-publishing can provide authors with quicker returns and the ability to tailor their marketing efforts.
  4. Selfpublishing.com

    For authors who want complete control over their book, from content to marketing strategy, selfpublishing.com offers a flexible and highly customizable option. With tools and resources designed to support authors every step of the way, this option is ideal for those seeking faster timelines, full creative control, and the potential for higher earnings. It’s a particularly strong choice for faith-based authors who want to retain their voice and direction without the constraints of traditional publishing.

Why authors should consider selfpublishing.com

While traditional publishers like Whitaker House offer a tried-and-true path to publishing, many authors today are exploring self-publishing as a viable alternative.

Selfpublishing.com provides a range of tools and services that allow authors to retain control, move at their own pace, and potentially achieve higher earnings. Here are a few reasons why selfpublishing.com might be the right choice for many authors:

  1. Complete Creative Control

    At selfpublishing.com, authors retain full control over every aspect of their book, from cover design to content. This is especially valuable for faith-based authors who want to ensure their message remains true to their vision.
  2. Faster Publishing Timelines

    Self-publishing allows authors to move quickly. Instead of waiting months or even years to see their book in print, authors can publish on their own schedule, making it ideal for those looking to get their work out sooner.
  3. Higher Royalty Potential

    Unlike traditional publishing, where authors only earn after costs are recouped, self-publishing through platforms like selfpublishing.com allows for more immediate and often higher royalties, giving authors the potential to earn more from their work.
  4. Flexibility in Marketing

    Authors at selfpublishing.com have the flexibility to market their book in ways that suit their audience. From social media campaigns to personal outreach, self-publishing allows authors to take a proactive role in promoting their work.
  5. Support and Resources for Success

    Selfpublishing.com offers extensive resources to guide authors through the entire process, from writing to publishing and marketing. This support ensures that even first-time authors feel confident in their ability to succeed.

Whitaker House review – final thoughts

Whitaker House is a respected name in Christian publishing, offering authors the traditional route of editorial support, marketing, and distribution.

For those who prefer to hand over control of the process and focus purely on their writing, it remains a solid choice.

However, for many faith-based authors seeking more control over their creative vision, faster publication timelines, and the potential for higher earnings, self-publishing is becoming an increasingly attractive option.

With selfpublishing.com, authors can maintain ownership of their work, manage their timelines, and engage directly with their audience—all while having the support they need to succeed.

For writers ready to take charge of their publishing journey, self-publishing may provide the best of both worlds.

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