Publish Your Book with
​Growing University Press

Growing University Press exists to help pastors and ministry leaders turn their faithful teaching into lasting resources for the Church.  Our publishing process is designed to be clear, collaborative, and focused on producing biblically sound, high-quality books that serve the local church. 

Publishing Options with Growing University Press

Growing University offers two pathways to publication. Both provide professional editing, formatting, and production support. The difference lies in ownership structure, upfront investment, and long-term royalty participation.

At-a-Glance Comparison

How the Financial Difference Works

Option 1: $2,499 Upfront
You invest in professional publishing services.
You keep 100% of all future royalties.

Option 2: $0 Upfront
Growing University absorbs production costs.
The first $3,499 in net royalties go to GU to recover those costs.
After that, royalties are split evenly (50/50) for the remainder of the 5-year term.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Option 1 is ideal if:
  • You want full publishing control.
  • You prefer direct royalty payments from platforms like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
  • You anticipate strong sales and want maximum long-term upside.

Option 2 is ideal if:
  • You prefer no upfront financial investment.
  • You value a structured publisher partnership.
  • You want GU to manage royalty tracking and distribution.

​In Both Options:
  • Authors retain full copyright ownership.
  • Books include Growing University branding.
  • Quality standards and theological alignment apply.

Step 1: Inquiry & Fit Review

You begin by submitting a publication request along with a short questionnaire about your beliefs, ministry background, and the kind of book you want to publish (i.e. expository, topical, devotional, discipleship, or course workbook). This helps us ensure theological alignment and determine whether your project is a good fit for Growing University.

Step 2: Discovery Call

We schedule a phone or video call to talk through your goals, audience, timeline, and vision for the book. We’ll also discuss what kind of resource you’re creating and which publishing track best fits your project (for example: sermon-to-book, manuscript-to-book, or curriculum/workbook).

Step 3: Book Proposal & Sample Review

You’ll submit your sermon notes, book notes, outline, or sample chapters. Our team reviews the material for clarity, doctrinal alignment, and overall readiness for development into a cohesive book. At this stage, we determine whether to move forward and outline the scope of the project.

Step 4: Agreement & Publishing Details

Once your project is accepted, we finalize the publishing agreement. This covers things like rights, formats (print/ebook), royalties, responsibilities, timeline, and the production process. This step ensures everyone is clear on expectations before development begins.

Step 5: Manuscript Development

​You provide your sermon notes, teaching material, or manuscript content. Depending on the project, GU either develops the material into a full manuscript or works with you through a structured developmental editing process. The table of contents and overall structure are finalized early and guide the rest of the work.

Step 6: Developmental Edit & Author Revisions

You receive a full draft or a thoroughly edited manuscript. You review it, make revisions, and return it for final development. This stage focuses on clarity, flow, structure, and faithfulness to your voice and message.

Step 7: Copyediting & Proofreading

Next, the manuscript goes through copyediting for grammar, consistency, Scripture references, and style. After the book is formatted, it is proofread again to catch any remaining errors before publication.

Step 8: Cover Design & Interior Layout

We design the cover and format the interior for both print and ebook editions. You’ll review and approve the design and layout, and we’ll prepare final digital proofs for your approval.

Step 9: Distribution Setup & Metadata

We prepare the book for distribution, including writing the book description, obtaining ISBN, selecting categories and keywords, setting pricing, and uploading files to platforms (e.g. Amazon and Barnes & Noble).  Uploaded files will not go LIVE on any platforms until we have your final proof approval.

Step 10: Final Proof Approval & Publish

You will receive a physical proof copy for your review and approval.  Once approved, your book will be officially published and made available through the agreed upon platforms (e.g. Amazon and Barnes & Noble).  Purchase links are provided.