Black Forest Press© (BFP) is a Christian book publisher. We are considered to be a “one-stop-shop” self-publisher of book manuscripts submitted to us for publishing. Our publishing staff has been publishing authors’ books for almost 17 years with over 1,000 books and 800 authors on our ISBN lists. BFP has six copyrighted imprints: Abenteuer Books, Sonnenschein Books, Kinder Books, Segen Books, Dichter Books, and more recently, the Tennessee Publishing House. Various author materials that fall under the subject matter of one of these imprints will most like be published under both BFP and that particular imprint.

BFP does not solicit manuscripts, nor does BFP accept any manuscripts that are obscene, profane, overly violent, blasphemous, sexist, racist, pornographic, or in any way contain text that is thought to be openly or covertly in contrast to the Christian Holy Bible. BFP does not accept New Age or similar mystical materials. Manuscripts containing subject matter about out-of-body experiences (astral projection), returning from the dead, astrology/horoscopes and automatic writing episodes, are not for BFP publishing. Books which tout and promote any other religion except Christianity are not recommended to be sent to BFP, unless such books mainly contain reference material and perspectives of a non-Christian faith for Christian study, learning and understanding.

BFP does not publish books on Mathematics, most Biological and Physical Sciences, Cartography, Medical manuscripts containing numerous graphs and charts and other disciplines whose content is filled with materials demanding such items as pop-charts and unusual printing requests.

BFP is mainly interested in authors whose works contain substance, beneficial for growth and maturity as well as reading pleasure. Personal testimonies and stories about true experiences rank high on our level of interest, as do historical novels and anthologies of short stories. Works of fiction and nonfiction are equally acceptable for publishing. Books of a spiritual nature with a focused essence on relationships with the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ are of paramount interest. Christian books about angels, spiritual healing and gifts of the Spirit are more than acceptable subject matter.

BFP especially enjoys publishing the writings of authors whose work is of a geographical and historical genre. Such books should carry the background and real accounts of a specific locale’s folklore and/or tales of its inhabitants and how their lives have been spent or influenced by certain events over time. For example: the American Revolution, the War Between the States, the Great Depression and any other historical event of a similar nature. BFP appreciates getting manuscripts that have also been documented with authentic facts by reputable people, historical archives and other scholarly means. An author should demand that their work be credible. This is essential so that their work is seen as well-supported and professional.

BFP publishes full color children’s books, from which several available template sizes may be chosen. Poetry books with unusual text set ups are also welcomed. Family scrapbooks and historical records with color and black and white pictures are also acceptable. Any unusual or not-the-norm type of book should be discussed with BFP for acceptance and submission.

Apart from the kind of books already mentioned above, BFP does not limit any other types of books that are submitted but only the manner and choice of words that are used. A well-written work does not have to contain profanity and filth; a good author finds words that carry meaning, description and impact without a need for disgusting vocabulary.

BFP does accept poetry books, but they are not particularly big sellers. If an author wants to submit poetry, BFP suggests that he or she limit the amount of what they submit to no more than 50 pages so they can test the “buying waters” before they have more poetry published for sale in the book market.

Spiritual Stance

Black Forest Press believes Jesus Christ was the Son of God; god made manifest as a man who came to Earth, preached the gospel of God’s glorious Kingdom, them became a sacrificial lamb shedding His blood for the transgressions and sins of mankind. The sacrifice symbolized God’s love for everyone, offering all who accept Jesus Christ, as their Savior and Redeemer, the inheritance of His Kingdom. BFP believes that having Jesus Christ as your personal Savior will lead you to everlasting life and a chance to experience happiness and contentment beyond belief. It is this company’s further belief that all persons are children of God and should be treated equally, joyously and served with Christian love and understanding. BFP places service to others above all else. Service without expectation of reward (except in book contracts!!!).

BFP has endless faith in our religious convictions and will not tolerate or consider, for reasons of publishing, any type of publication which may bring discredit, dishonor, disdain or disgrace to our company. Although we respect the right of an individual to freely publish their book, BFP will avoid publishing material which goes directly against our religious standards and/or rejects a pedagogy of another teaching other than the gospel of Jesus Christ. In short, BFP is conservative and fundamentalist in its attitude toward moral and spiritual living.

Communication by prayer (in our “asking/petition” or “thanks” to God) is a daily commitment to His Divine expectations of BFP personnel as individuals. Having faith and hope in God’s answer, allows our company to select the “best of the best” from the numerous publishing submissions we receive. BFP sees God as an active partner in our business; we trust His desires are being met with each book we publish. We seek His help in making decisions, which lead to success. If an author’s work is accepted for publishing, BFP feels it’s not just the recommendation of the Acquisitions committee, but also the judgment of the Publisher and a very powerful inspiration from God.

If God is not part of an author’s agenda, and if He is not included in an author’s process of publishing, BFP suggests that the author rethink his or her purpose for a submission to the Acquisitions Committee. Books which are Christian-centered receive first consideration for publishing; all other works get a lower priority. This publishing attitude, however, does not mean an author’s book is not a tremendous work deserving of strong consideration and acceptance. It simply means that BFP selects books about God and Christianity before it chooses books with other subject matter. BFP makes every effort possible to walk our Christian talk. May God bless and reward the efforts of all authors who submit books to our company for publishing.

In Conclusion

As a Christian organization, it is essential that everything we do is for the greater glory of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Although some materials we may publish are not Christian, we stand by an author’s right to publish and his or entitlement to be written, published and heard through the means and power of the printed word, under the Amendments of the Constitution of the United States of America. That is a right and a privilege to be exercised by any so-inclined citizen of this wonderful country. BFP gives open thanks to God for this liberty we enjoy. Praise be to our Living God, and His Son Jesus Christ. May His Holy Spirit enlighten your life and give you increased reason to write.

“Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3 (NASV)