So, vanity presses. If you’re not familiar with the term, these are the companies that tell you, “We’ll help you publish your book!”—but only if you hand them a hefty check first.
You’ve probably seen their ads on late-night TV: “Become a published author today!” It’s an enticing idea, especially for Christian writers who might feel led by God to share their stories. But here’s the truth: those companies don’t care about your calling. They don’t care about your voice. They care about your money.
And I get the appeal. If you’re a Christian writer, your words might feel like something God has placed in your heart to share with others. And when you feel that kind of purpose behind your writing, you’ll do almost anything to see it fulfilled. So when a vanity press offers to “help you fulfill your calling,” it’s easy to feel like this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need to pay for your calling to be fulfilled.
The Truth About Vanity Presses
Vanity presses aren’t technically publishers at all—with an actual publisher, money flows toward the author. Vanity presses charge to publish your book, often with little or no editing, marketing, or real distribution. They sell you a dream that your book will be out in the world, but they won’t give you the tools to reach readers. In the end, you’re left thousands of dollars in the hole holding a poorly edited book that no reader will take seriously. Certainly no bookstore or library. It’s a predatory business model, plain and simple.
Why Christian Writers Are So Vulnerable
The sad part is that Christians are often vulnerable than most to these kinds of scams. Why? Because we’re a community that values trust. We believe in grace and mercy, and we want to assume the best in others. But when a business cloaks itself in Christian language—talking about fulfilling “God’s plan” for your life—it becomes that much harder to question their motives. Who wants to argue with Scripture?
You Don’t Have to Pay to Be Published
If you’re reading this and you’ve already invested in a vanity press, you’re not alone. These companies are masters at making you believe you have no other choice, and that paying for publication is the only way to get your book out there. But the truth is, you have other options.
Traditional publishing doesn’t cost you anything. It’s competitive, but it’s a legitimate pathway that can give your book the audience it deserves.
And if traditional publishing isn’t for you, self-publishing is a great alternative that allows you to maintain creative control, retain your rights, and choose your team without sacrificing your message.
How to Spot a Vanity Press
How do you tell if a publishing company is a vanity press? Here’s a quick checklist:
- Do they charge you to publish? If you’re paying upfront, run.
- Do they promise guaranteed distribution or success? No one can promise this—unless they require their authors to buy a certain number of copies.
- Do they avoid answering tough questions or get defensive when you push for transparency? Red flag! (Like the hybrid press who blocked me on Threads tonight for questioning their tactics.)
- Do they use a lot of spiritual or emotional language, but get vague when you ask about the services they offer? This is exploitation.
Don’t let anyone tell you that you need to buy your way into the publishing world. Let’s shine a light on the dark corners of this industry. If you’re unsure about a publisher, ask questions. Reach out to people who’ve been there. Writer Beware is a fantastic resource! Share this post with someone who needs to hear it. DM me. Let’s keep each other safe.