Christian Faith Publishing REVIEW 2024

Christian Faith Publishing (CFP) is a notable name in the self-publishing industry, particularly for authors seeking to publish works that align with Christian values and teachings. However, like any publishing company, it has its share of both accolades and criticisms. This review aims to provide an unbiased overview of CFP’s mission, services, and overall reputation, highlighting some of the concerns raised by authors.

Mission and Vision

Christian Faith Publishing’s mission is to discover and market books with a positive message of faith. The company emphasizes that its primary goal is to help authors spread the Christian message through their works. This mission appeals to many first-time authors and established writers who seek to share their faith-based messages with a broader audience.

CFP positions itself as a partner in the publishing journey, focusing on producing high-quality books that reflect Christian values. Their vision includes providing a platform for Christian authors to reach readers who are looking for spiritual guidance and inspiration.

Services Offered

CFP provides a comprehensive range of services aimed at easing the publishing process for authors. These services include:

1. Manuscript Review and Editing: CFP offers editorial services to ensure that manuscripts meet professional standards. This includes content editing, copyediting, and proofreading.
2. Design and Formatting: The company provides cover design and interior formatting services, aiming to create visually appealing books that stand out in the market.
3. Publishing and Distribution: CFP handles the entire publishing process, including assigning ISBNs, printing, and distributing books to various retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Christian bookstores.
4. Marketing and Promotion: CFP offers marketing services to help authors promote their books. This includes creating book trailers, press releases, and social media promotion.

Online Reputation and Negative Reviews

While CFP has helped numerous authors bring their works to life, it’s essential to consider the full spectrum of feedback from those who’ve used their services. A critical aspect of CFP’s online reputation involves a mix of positive testimonials and negative reviews.

Positive Feedback

Many authors praise CFP for its supportive environment and the quality of its publishing services. Testimonials often highlight the company’s commitment to Christian values and its efforts to produce high-quality books. Authors appreciate the comprehensive nature of CFP’s services, which can be particularly beneficial for those new to the publishing world.

Negative Reviews and Concerns

Despite the positive feedback, CFP has received its share of negative reviews. Some of the common concerns include:

1. Lack of Transparency in Pricing: One of the most frequent complaints is the lack of upfront pricing information on the CFP website. Potential authors often express frustration when they discover that there are fees involved in the publishing process, which can lead to feelings of mistrust. The absence of clear pricing details can give the impression that the company is not forthcoming about the costs associated with their services.
2. Misconceptions About Traditional Publishing: Some authors approach CFP under the misconception that it operates as a traditional publisher. In reality, CFP is a self-publishing company, which means that authors are required to contribute financially to the publication of their works. This distinction is crucial and should be made clear to avoid misunderstandings.
3. Mixed Marketing Results: While some authors have had positive experiences with CFP’s marketing services, others feel that the promotional efforts did not meet their expectations. The effectiveness of marketing campaigns can vary, and some authors have reported limited success in reaching their target audience.
4. Contractual Obligations: A few authors have raised concerns about the terms and conditions outlined in CFP’s contracts. It’s important for authors to thoroughly review any agreements and understand their rights and obligations before proceeding.

Overall Reputation

Christian Faith Publishing maintains a mixed but generally positive overall reputation within the self-publishing community. The company’s focus on Christian values resonates with many authors who are looking to publish faith-based works. However, the concerns around transparency and the distinction between traditional and self-publishing models are significant issues that need addressing.

Google Reviews

As of today, Christian Faith Publishing has garnered an overall 4.3 rating on Google, but there are an alarming number of 1 and 2 star reviews (over 50!). The negative reviews and complaints indicate that CFP has process, customer service, and quality issues that need addressing and fixing.

Better Business Bureau (BBB)

CFP is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which provides a level of credibility. The BBB profiles highlight customer interactions and provide transparency regarding complaints and resolutions. Authors considering CFP should peruse the Christian Faith Publishing BBB profile and its 42+ posted complaints and 22+ negative reviews there to gain insight into how the company handles customer service issues.

Conclusion

Christian Faith Publishing offers a valuable service to authors looking to publish Christian-themed works. The comprehensive suite of services—from manuscript review to marketing—can be very appealing, especially for first-time authors. However, potential clients should be aware of the costs involved and the nature of self-publishing versus traditional publishing.

Transparency remains a key area for improvement. Clearer communication about pricing and the self-publishing model could alleviate much of the mistrust and confusion that some authors experience. As with any publishing decision, thorough research and understanding of contractual terms are essential steps before committing to a partnership with CFP.

In summary, while Christian Faith Publishing has successfully helped many authors bring their faith-based stories to life, prospective clients should approach with a clear understanding of the business model and an awareness of the potential financial commitments involved.