Question for you…
What if you could actually publish your book this year so that God can start using your words to impact the world and open new doors of influence for you?
If you are ready to self-publish your book, you are in the right place.
It is our mission to be used by God to help you impact lives by publishing your words in a book that outlives you.
If you want to make a difference in the world through your words published in books...
Keep reading.
Do you:
- Want to self-publish a book but don't know where to start?
- Struggle with self-doubt and comparing yourself to other successful writers?
- Have unpublished manuscripts on your computer's hard drive gathering dust?
Does any of that sound like you?
It Doesn’t Have to Be This Way
Imagine:
- Self-publishing your book this year.
- Going from unsure if you have what it takes to feeling confident in your God-given gift and calling to publish.
- Holding your book in your hands for the first time - and how it takes your breath away to see your words transformed into something tangible.
- Adding published author to your bio and the new opportunities that open up as a result.
- Seeing royalty checks show up automatically in your bank account each month no matter how small.
- Getting emails and messages from your readers around the world whose lives have been transformed as a result of reading your book.
Take your writing from your laptop to the bookshop and into the hands of those who need it the most.
There are people right now that need the message of your book. It’s time to ask God for the courage to release your words to the world.
Like Beth Jones who said, “Since meeting Shelley, I have written and published 21 non-fiction and fiction books.” You, too, can accomplish and perhaps even surpass your writing goals and dreams.
If you want a simple step-by-step roadmap to help you self-publish your book (without the overwhelm and stress), I have something for you...
Introducing Christian Book Academy
The online membership that helps you self-publish a quality book on a budget using our step-by-step publishing system, tools, and support.
Here’s everything included inside Christian Book Academy…
You get the content + community + coaching you need so God can use you to impact more lives with your message!
1. CONTENT
Instant Access to a Clear Roadmap: Step-by-Step Training + Private Podcast ($3994 value)
Once you log into the member area, you'll have access to our training to help you write, publish and market your books from our experience publishing books since 2008. We continue to add new training to our curriculum.
You'll get step-by-step training on how to properly prepare your manuscript for publishing so that you save time, money, and the frustration of figuring everything out on your own. This includes a full roadmap on how to self-publish your book as an eBook, print book, full-color book, audiobook, and more.
Not only that, we teach you how to launch your book and impact lives through marketing your book to your ideal reader. Click here to see a list of the lessons you will get.
Plus, you get access to our private podcast where you can listen to our monthly live calls, workshops, and exclusive training from Shelley where she answers questions from members. With the podcast, you'll have less screen time, you can listen on the go, and you don’t ever have to remember a password to log in!
New Book Marketing Resources Each Month ($191/mo value or $2292/yr)
Build your audience as you write. Use our templates to easily market your book using our templates without spending hours researching the internet for new ideas.
You'll get a new Mini-Marketing Messages kit, Canva template, and printable each month to help you build buzz for your book as you publish it.
Then, when you launch your book, you'll have an eager audience ready to read your book and support you.
Kingdom Writers Conference Replays
In addition to our main curriculum, you also get access to all of the previous editions of our conferences. Normally this would be an additional cost for the All-Access Pass but you get it free as a Christian Book Academy member.
2. COMMUNITY
Join Our Community of Kingdom Writers + Monthly Challenges ($399/mo value or $4788/yr)
You also get access to our private group where every day you can ask questions, get feedback, and receive prayer so that you can overcome the resistance and spiritual battles you face as a writer. There is such immense joy at the end of the day knowing you finished the work God has called + gifted you to do.
You can submit up to 500 words of your latest chapter, your author bio, your book description, book cover, etc. for feedback in the group. Getting personalized feedback like this is priceless and helps you improve as a writer in a supportive environment.
Plus, we host fun writing and marketing challenges in our community each month to keep you motivated and moving forward. These challenges will only take you 15-minutes to participate. It's amazing what you can accomplish in just 15 minutes with the motivation and accountability of a group of Kingdom writers!
Shelley is active in the group and you will also have access to a team of mentors to help support you inside the group.
Get More Writing DONE With Our Monthly Virtual Writing Retreat ($199/mo or $2388/yr value)
As a special bonus, you will get a free ticket to our 2-day Virtual Writing Retreat each month where we all gather and amazing things happen. It almost seems like “magic.” Self-edit your book, finish the final details for publishing or work on building your audience.
Whatever you’re working on, you’ll walk away with so much accomplished and the inspiration to keep going.
You can feel free to attend for one hour, one day, or the entire retreat! It’s not mandatory that you attend the entire time. We scheduled the retreat on a Friday and Saturday so you can attend at least one day even if you work during the week.
3. COACHING
Live Zoom Calls Each Month + Voxer Office Hours ($499/mo or $5988/yr)
To help you move forward in your call to write your book, each month you can join us for our live Zoom calls including our War Room Prayer Meeting with CJ and Shelley Hitz as well as Productivity Party group writing sessions hosted by our team.
In addition, you can get personalized help each month during the Voxer Office Hours with Shelley. Ask one question privately and get the help you need to take the next step.
Quarterly Bonuses ($199/quarter or $796/yr)
Each quarter you will get an extra bonus. This includes access to our conference replays, Unlock Your Writing 4-week program, Take Action Weeks and more to help you move forward in your call to write, publish, and market your book.
You get all of this for $399/year or $39/month
You can go to an in-person writer's conference and pay for travel, hotel, and food in addition to the cost of the conference. This can easily add up to $1000-2,000 for a few days.
Or you can choose to join Christian Book Academy and pay $399 for an entire year of content, community, and coaching.
Are you ready to actually publish your book this year so that God can start using your words to impact the world and open new doors of influence for you?
When you enroll today, you’ll get:
- Instant Access to a Clear Roadmap and Content Library. Step-by-Step Training + a private podcast to help you write, publish, and market your books so that you save time, money, and the frustration of figuring everything out on your own. We continue to add new training to our curriculum. ($3994 value)
- New Book Marketing Resources Each Month so you can easily market your book using our templates without spending hours researching the internet for new ideas. You'll get a new Mini-Marketing Messages kit, Canva template, and printable each month. Use these resources to grow your audience as your write or to sell more books. ($191/mo value or $2292/yr).
- Join Our Community of Kingdom Writers + Monthly Challenges. Get access to our private group where every day you can ask questions, get feedback and receive prayer. We not only help you publish a book that will make an impact, but we care for you emotionally and spiritually as well. Plus, we host fun writing and marketing challenges in our community each month to keep you motivated and moving forward. ($399/mo value or $4788/yr)
- Get More DONE With Our Monthly Virtual Writing Retreat where we all gather for two days and amazing things happen. It almost seems like “magic.” Finish your first draft, self-edit your book, or plan your book launch. Whatever you’re working on, you’ll walk away with so much accomplished and the inspiration to keep going. ($199/mo or $2388/yr)
- Live Zoom Calls Each Month + Coaching to help you move forward in your call to write, publish, and market your book. In addition to our group calls on Zoom you can also get personalized help from Shelley in the monthly Voxer office hours. ($499/mo or $5988/yr)
Quarterly Bonuses Each quarter you will get an extra bonus. This includes access to our conference replays, Unlock Your Writing 4-week program, Take Action Weeks and more to help you move forward in your call to write, publish, and market your book. ($199/quarter or $796/yr)
Work with writing mentors who care for you spiritually and emotionally (priceless)
All of this matters because writing, publishing, and marketing a book can seem impossible, but knowing you’ll be supported and mentored through the process is like taking a deep breath of air and receiving hope.
Total Value: $20,246
Today's price: just $399/year
or $39/month
What Members Are Saying
Did someone say BONUSES?
30-Day Kindle Challenge
($199 value)
Join 30-Day Kindle Challenge inside Christian Book Academy to help you cross the finish line and press publish on your Kindle eBook. Plus, we'll have some fun prizes along the way.
Get More Reviews Toolkit
($299 value)
Access our toolkit with updated templates so that you can get the social proof you need to help you sell more books You'll also get to watch our implementation session to help you take action!
Kindle to Print Training
($299 value)
Use this training to publish a print book. It takes your breath away to see your words transformed into something tangible. You will discover the simple steps you need to take to convert your Kindle eBook into a print book.
Still Not Sure? We've Got Your Back
You’re backed with our 100% money-back guarantee.
For those of you that are on the fence, have been burned in the past, or just don't really know us all that well yet, we want to give you every opportunity to put our training and Virtual Writing Retreats to the test inside Christian Book Academy and experience how it feels to be fully supported as you finish writing your book and press the publish button.
That's why we're giving you a full 14-days to go through the program, watch the videos, implement the steps, and use our resources to move forward in God's call on your life to write and publish a book.
For more details click here.
Meet Your Writing Mentors, CJ and Shelley Hitz
Since 2008, CJ and Shelley Hitz have written and published 70 books through their independent publishing company, Body and Soul Publishing.
And they've actually sold books. Their books have reached almost a million readers between books sold and given away.
They have mentored writers since 2010 and now help Kingdom writers, like you, take the courageous step of writing, self-publishing, and marketing your books inside Christian Book Academy.
Together they create a powerful team to help you accomplish the goals God has placed on your heart and have been called "pastors for writers."
Scott Bilker says, "Shelley is today’s Dan Poynter. Her books and advice are golden. She shares the details of self-publishing plus great marketing tips. She is the real deal and her book, Self-Publishing Books 101, proves it."
Encouragement + Prayer from CJ and Shelley
Have a question before joining?
How does this membership work?
You will gain instant access to our online member area to go through the step-by-step training you need to write, publish, launch, and market your book. You will also get access to our private group for ongoing support to get your questions answered. We meet on Zoom for our online writing/work sessions.
The cost is $399/year or you can choose our the monthly option of $39/month. Most of our members choose to stay because of the incredible community and the ability to always get your questions answered. 🙌🏻
Can I get personalized help?
Yes! Inside our private group, you can post your questions and up to a 500-word excerpt of your writing, bio, book description, book cover, etc. for feedback. Our group is very supportive and helpful.
You can also ask a specific question privately in our monthly Voxer office hours and get Shelley's help.
At this time, we do not offer one-on-one coaching but if we did, it would be for an additional fee due to the low cost of the membership.
Why should I become a member today instead of waiting?
When you join now, you can have the content, community, and coaching you need to move forward in you call to write, publish, and market your book.
Fear will try to stop you. Doubts will creep in. However, greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. Amen? We encourage you to take the courageous step of seeing your writing dreams come true.
You are not alone. God is with you and when you join the academy, you'll have hundreds of other writers to support and encourage you.
What happens if I decide to cancel my account?
Obviously we'd love it if all of our members stayed in our community forever - but we've worked with writers for long enough to know that that's not realistic!
So, if you decide to cancel for any reason - we'll miss you inside our community, but simply email us at support@christianbookacademy.com and we'll process it for you.
Once canceled you’ll retain access to the member area and group for any remaining time you already paid for, after which you’ll lose access to all of the content, community, and coaching.
What if I don't write Christian books?
Our membership is for writers of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, children's books, etc.). However, you do NOT need to be writing a Christian book to join our academy. We will equip and encourage you spiritually and emotionally as you write as well as give you the practical training you need.
What denomination are you?
Right now CJ and Shelley attend a non-denominational church, but Shelley grew up in the Church of God from Anderson, Indiana and CJ grew up in a Baptist church. We follow Jesus and believe in being led by the Holy Spirit and have people from many denominations in our academy.
Is this something we do at our own pace?
Absolutely yes! We’re flexible around here. Simply choose what your main focus will be right now and you can go through each lesson at your own pace.
Is this for nonfiction writers only?
No, we help writers of all genres. We have fiction writers, children's book writers, and more in our academy. We would love for you to join us!
Does the membership also cover publishing my book on Amazon?
Yes! You will receive the training and step-by-step instructions for publishing your book. We will show you how to publish on Amazon and other places as well inside our Publishing Challenge curriculum.
However, if you already have already published your book and are ready for the training on marketing, you will have access to it inside our Book Launch and Platform lessons.
Are you a publishing company? Will you publish my book?
CJ and Shelley own an independent publishing company called, Body and Soul Publishing. However, they don't currently publish other writers' books.
In our academy, we show you step-by-step how to publish your book (it's easier than you think) and share many resources for who you can hire to help you edit, format and design your book cover. Don't worry! We've got you covered.
How much time do I need to invest in the membership?
Inside Christian Book Academy, everything is designed to fit around your schedule. So even if you only have 1 hour per week to invest, this membership is for you. We provide a schedule of events so you can plan ahead. Attend the events that are most important to you.
The training videos are typically less than 15 minutes and you can watch them at the time that works best for you.
At any time, you can post in our private group and you’ll get a quick reply. No question ever goes unanswered. 🙌🏻
What are the other fees involved in publishing my book?
You will have the fees of editing, formatting, and book cover design. In the training, we walk you through different options at different price points that can fit just about any budget.
For example, even though we can afford to pay more for a cover design, we have found a designer we love who charges less than $50. We share this specific resource with you in the training. Many of our members use the same designer and always get great results.
One of our members said she saved thousands of dollars in publishing fees by going through our training.
What if I can't make it to the entire Virtual Writing Retreat?
Come when you can! We will be writing together for two days and if you can block off the time to join us, we encourage you to commit the time to writing your book. You will get a lot of writing done because of the accountability, plus you'll have fun and get the personalized help you need to not get stuck. We do have recordings of previous retreats that you can watch and go through on your own. Esther used the recordings due to a time zone difference and was able to finish writing her novella.
Do you offer any scholarships at this time?
Please contact us with your current situation and reason you want to be considered for a scholarship.
We evaluate each situation individually and do occasionally award partial scholarships in certain situations.
How long will it take me to get results?
Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you progress through our Kingdom Writer's Path which includes five main phases. The last two relate to marketing.
1. First Draft
2. Final Draft
3. Self-Publish
4. Book Launch (milestone: first 100 readers)
5. Impact Lives (milestone: first 1000 readers)
Depending on the time you have available, we encourage you to move forward at the pace of God's grace. Plan for at least 90-days for each phase and the impact lives phase will be ongoing.
What about children's books?
Inside Christian Book Academy, we have a training on how to write children's books in the Specialty Books module.
In our Publishing Challenge, you will have the option of choosing a full-color book and we walk you through all the steps of the process.
We've got you covered!
Can I upgrade to a yearly membership later?
You sure can! You can upgrade to annual membership any time by emailing us at support@christianbookacademy.com.
Have other questions? Wonder if this is the right step for you?
Click the chat button on this page and send us a message. We’re happy to help!
What Kind of Results Can YOU Expect?
It is different for everyone but here are the results from just a few of our members...
Jennifer Nelson discovered the easy path to finally become an author in just 10 days after joining Christian Book Academy.
Tanecia Mitchell gained the blueprint she needed to take the first draft of her manuscript to a finished book in 3 months after working on it for 5 years.
Kim Steadman self-published 21 books with 30+ books in various drafts. She loves the spiritual component of the academy.
Lola Oshinowo made a significant pivot that made all the difference for her
first book.
Jan Cox gained both freedom and control over publishing her children's books (plus saved thousands of dollars)
Nancy Booth published her first book co-writing with God and is so grateful to be a published author.
Beth Jones self-published 21 books and the list keeps growing! This includes non-fiction, fiction, and children's books.
Jendayi Harris found the writing community and the spiritual support she needed to finish her Chubby Church book series.
Dr. Lana Scroggins has self-published 50+ books and loves all the training inside Christian Book Academy. She is now applying it to more books.
Heather Erdmann finally finished her first draft of her book about marriage after learning this one thing...and went on to publish it a few months later on her 28th wedding anniversary!
Lauren Darroch overcame “writer’s guilt” and finally started writing consistently. She’s more productive than ever, publishing book twins and is now working on her next books.
Shelly Laroque published her second book and learned techniques that helped her complete her illustrations (and saved her a lot of money in the process)
Want to see even more success stories from our members? If so, click here for the entire list.
Here's Everything That's Included:
You get the content + community + coaching you need so God can use you to impact more lives with your message!
- Instant Access to a Clear Roadmap and Content Library. Step-by-Step Training + a private podcast to help you write, publish, and market your books so that you save time, money, and the frustration of figuring everything out on your own. We continue to add new training to our curriculum. ($3994 value)
- New Book Marketing Resources Each Month so you can easily market your book using our templates without spending hours researching the internet for new ideas. You'll get a new Mini-Marketing Messages kit, Canva template, and printable each month. Use these resources to grow your audience as your write or to sell more books. ($191/mo value or $2292/yr).
- Join Our Community of Kingdom Writers + Monthly Challenges. Get access to our private group where every day you can ask questions, get feedback and receive prayer. We not only help you publish a book that will make an impact, but we care for you emotionally and spiritually as well. Plus, we host fun writing and marketing challenges in our community each month to keep you motivated and moving forward. ($399/mo value or $4788/yr)
- Get More DONE With Our Monthly Virtual Writing Retreat where we all gather for two days and amazing things happen. It almost seems like “magic.” Finish your first draft, self-edit your book, or plan your book launch. Whatever you’re working on, you’ll walk away with so much accomplished and the inspiration to keep going. (($199/mo or $2388/yr)
- Live Zoom Calls Each Month + Coaching to help you move forward in your call to write, publish, and market your book. In addition to our group calls on Zoom you can also get personalized help from Shelley in the monthly Voxer office hours. ($499/mo or $5988/yr)
Quarterly Bonuses Each quarter you will get an extra bonus. This includes access to our conference replays, Unlock Your Writing 4-week program, Take Action Weeks and more to help you move forward in your call to write, publish, and market your book. ($199/quarter or $796/yr)
Work with writing mentors who care for you spiritually and emotionally (priceless)
All of this matters because writing, publishing, and marketing a book can seem impossible, but knowing you’ll be supported and mentored through the process is like taking a deep breath of air and receiving hope.
Total Value: $20,246
Today's price: just $399/year
or $39/month
Still not sure if Christian Book Academy is for you?
This program is a perfect fit for you, if…
01
You are ready to self-publish a book and want to stop delaying and cross the finish line so you can actually press publish and start impacting lives.
02
You want to glorify God in everything, including your publishing and marketing efforts. There are many memberships for writers online but Christian Book Academy helps you integrate your faith into every step of the process.
03
You know God has called you to publish a book and want to be part of a community of Kingdom writers that will pray for you, support you, and cheer you on every step of the way.
Join Our Family of Kingdom Writers
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 (NLT)
The Crossroads
Right now you're standing at a crossroads.
If you've read this far, you know how Christian Book Academy can help you write, publish, and market your books. You have seen the value and all that you get when you join our online family of writers.
And you have two choices.
1. You can continue down the road you've been on - writing alone and trying to figure everything out by yourself. This path is lonely and often leads to frustration.
2. Or you can join Christian Book Academy today and decide to do something different. Decide to get the support you need and have a clear path to follow. Go from confusion to clarity. This can be the year you write your book, self-publish it into the world, and impact lives as you share it with others.
Which will it be?
© CJ and Shelley Hitz, Body and Soul Publishing,. All Rights Reserved.