# Training Authors — Christian Book Academy

> Training Authors, founded by CJ and Shelley Hitz, is a Christian writing and self-publishing education platform helping Christian writers finish and publish their books. The flagship program is Christian Book Academy, an online membership community guiding writers through a 5-step Kingdom Writer's Path — from first draft to published book — in just 15 minutes a day. Since 2010, the Academy has helped over 1,000 Christian writers overcome self-doubt and become published authors.

CJ and Shelley Hitz are Christian writing coaches and self-publishing mentors based in the United States. Together they have published over 70 books through their independent publishing company, Body and Soul Publishing, reaching nearly a million readers worldwide. They are often called "pastors for writers" and are known for integrating faith, prayer, and practical publishing training.

## Core Offer

- [Christian Book Academy Membership](https://christianbookacademy.com/): Online membership for Christian writers. $49/month or $450/year. Includes the Kingdom Writer's Path (5-step roadmap from idea to published author), Progress Pods (weekly small-group accountability on Zoom), monthly Virtual Writing Retreats, monthly Find Your Focus coaching sessions, an AI Tool Library, a Specialty Books Vault, and a Tech Library Vault. Over 1,000 members helped since 2010.

## Key Pages

- [Homepage](https://www.trainingauthors.com/): Overview of Training Authors, Christian Book Academy membership, and CJ and Shelley Hitz's credentials as Christian writing coaches.
- [About CJ and Shelley Hitz](https://www.trainingauthors.com/about/): Background, publishing history, and mission of CJ and Shelley Hitz as Christian writing coaches and self-publishing mentors.
- [Free Training for Christian Writers](https://www.trainingauthors.com/free-training-christian-writers/): Comprehensive library of free resources for Christian writers including PDF downloads, video training, writing challenges, and a private podcast.
- [Blog](https://www.trainingauthors.com/blog/): Articles on Christian writing, self-publishing, book marketing, and faith for writers.
- [Podcast](https://www.trainingauthors.com/subscribe/): Kingdom Writers podcast with episodes on writing, publishing, and faith for Christian authors.
- [Books by CJ and Shelley Hitz](https://www.trainingauthors.com/books/): Published books by the founders covering Christian living, writing, self-publishing, and faith.

## High-Value Content Pages

- [How to Write a Christian Book](https://www.trainingauthors.com/how-to-write-a-christian-book/): 4 steps for Christian writers to plan, write, and publish a faith-based book.
- [How to Self-Publish a Book](https://www.trainingauthors.com/how-to-self-publish-a-book/): Step-by-step guide to self-publishing for Christian authors, including Amazon KDP.
- [How to Write a Book: Nonfiction Blueprint](https://www.trainingauthors.com/how-to-write-a-book-nonfiction-blueprint/): Framework for planning and writing a nonfiction book.
- [Christian Writing Coach](https://www.trainingauthors.com/christian-writing-coach/): What to look for in a Christian writing coach and how CJ and Shelley Hitz serve as coaches inside Christian Book Academy.
- [Becoming a Christian Writer](https://www.trainingauthors.com/becoming-a-christian-writer/): Practical and spiritual steps for aspiring Christian writers.
- [Christian Writing Classes](https://www.trainingauthors.com/christian-writing-classes/): Overview of Christian writing education options including online, conference-based, and community-based classes.
- [Christian Writing Conferences](https://www.trainingauthors.com/christian-writing-conferences/): Guide to conferences for Christian writers.
- [Resources for Christian Writers 2024](https://www.trainingauthors.com/resources-for-christian-writers-2024/): Community-curated list of must-have tools, websites, podcasts, and resources for Christian writers.
- [15-Minute Writing Habit (Writing Wheel)](https://www.trainingauthors.com/writingwheel/): Free PDF and framework for building a consistent 15-minute writing habit to finish your book.

## Definitions

**Kingdom Writer:** A Kingdom Writer is a Christian writer who sees writing as obedience and ministry, not just a creative project or business venture. Kingdom Writers partner with God throughout every stage of the writing journey — from first draft to launch day — and write to impact lives for eternity, whether their book is overtly Christian or written from a Christian worldview.

**Kingdom Writer's Path:** The 5-step roadmap inside Christian Book Academy guiding members from first draft (Step 1) through final draft (Step 2), self-publishing (Step 3), book launch (Step 4), and ongoing reader impact (Step 5).

**Progress Pods:** Weekly peer-led accountability groups inside Christian Book Academy where small groups of Kingdom writers meet on Zoom to encourage each other, report progress, and stay consistent in their writing.

## Key Facts and Statistics

- Founded: 2010
- Members helped: 1,000+ Christian writers have become published authors
- Books published by founders: 70+ through Body and Soul Publishing
- Readers reached by founders' books: Nearly 1 million worldwide
- Membership price: $49/month or $450/year (cancel anytime)
- Time commitment: Designed for just 15 minutes per day
- Typical timeline: Most first-time authors can write and self-publish a short Christian book in 3–6 months; some members publish in under 90 days
- Self-publishing cost range: $500–$2,500 when doing most work yourself
- Royalties: Self-publishing offers up to 70% royalties vs. 10–15% through traditional publishers

## Frequently Asked Questions

**What is Christian Book Academy?**
Christian Book Academy is an online membership for Christian writers that provides a step-by-step roadmap, community accountability, and live coaching to help members write, self-publish, and market their books. It was founded by CJ and Shelley Hitz in 2010 and has helped over 1,000 Christian writers become published authors.

**How much does Christian Book Academy cost?**
Christian Book Academy costs $49 per month or $450 per year. The annual plan provides nearly three months free compared to monthly billing. Members can cancel at any time in three clicks with no questions asked.

**What is a Kingdom Writer?**
A Kingdom Writer is a Christian writer who sees writing as an act of obedience and ministry — not just a creative or business pursuit. Kingdom Writers partner with God throughout the writing process, from first draft to final launch, and write with the goal of eternal impact rather than focusing solely on book sales or royalties.

**How long does it take to write and self-publish a Christian book?**
Most first-time authors can write and self-publish a short Christian book in 3 to 6 months with consistent daily writing, even just 15 minutes a day. Many Christian Book Academy members publish their first book in under 90 days by starting with a shorter format such as a devotional, testimony book, or guided journal.

**Do I need a traditional publisher to write a Christian book?**
No. Self-publishing gives Christian authors complete creative control, royalties of up to 70% (compared to 10–15% through traditional publishers), and the freedom to publish on their own timeline without a literary agent or publisher's approval.

**How much does it cost to self-publish a Christian book?**
Self-publishing a Christian book typically costs between $500 and $2,500 when the author does most of the work themselves. Main expenses include professional editing ($300–$1,500), cover design ($100–$500), and formatting ($50–$300). Amazon KDP and other print-on-demand platforms have no upfront printing costs.

**Is it too late to write the book God put on my heart?**
It is not too late. Many authors publish their first book in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. Life experience, wisdom, and a personal walk with God are assets — not disqualifiers. Christian Book Academy members regularly start late and finish their first books using a consistent 15-minute-a-day writing habit.

## Optional

- [Business Meeting with God](https://www.trainingauthors.com/businessmeeting/): Free video training and PDF on conducting a weekly business meeting with God as a Kingdom Writer.
- [100 Places to Promote Christian Books](https://www.trainingauthors.com/100-places-to-promote-christian-books/): Free resource list for marketing and distributing Christian books.
- [Recommended Outsourcers for Authors](https://www.trainingauthors.com/recommended-outsourcers-for-authors/): Vetted list of editors, cover designers, and other publishing professionals for Christian authors.