As Christian authors, we’re not just called to write books — we’re called to steward them.
That means taking responsibility for how our books reach readers, how those readers are cared for, and how we sustain the ministry God has entrusted to us.

Amazon, Apple, and other big platforms have helped authors gain reach — but here’s the truth: when someone buys your book there, they become Amazon’s customer, not yours.
You don’t receive their email, can’t follow up, and can’t continue building a relationship with them.

Selling direct changes that.

It allows you to own your connection with your readers, keep more of your earnings, and infuse every part of the buying journey with faith and purpose.

What “Selling Direct” Means

Selling direct simply means you create your own online shop — your own corner of the internet — where readers can buy directly from you instead of a retailer.

When a customer buys from your store, you receive their payment instantly, deliver their book through your own system, and can follow up personally.
It’s more than a business model; it’s a ministry tool for connection, discipleship, and stewardship.

Why Selling Direct Matters for Faith-Based Authors

1. You Own the Relationship

When someone buys from your site, you get their email address (with consent). That lets you send encouragement, devotionals, or updates about future books — building a genuine community, not just a customer list.

2. You Keep More of the Profit

Retailers often take 30–60 % of every sale. Selling direct means you keep nearly all of it (minus small platform or processing fees) — freeing more resources to reinvest in ministry, family, or creative projects.

3. You Have Creative Freedom

Want to sell a “Book + Devotional” bundle? Offer a signed edition? Host a limited “Launch Weekend” sale? You can.
You’re in control of your pricing, presentation, and offers.

4. You Build a Faith-Centred Brand

Every page of your shop can reflect your message and mission — from Scripture in your thank-you email to a prayer card tucked into your orders.

5. You Serve With a Personal Touch

You can include handwritten notes, bonus devotionals, or affirmation cards.
That small act of care can become part of someone’s testimony.

The Practical Tools that Make Selling Direct Simple

You don’t have to be “techy” to sell direct. Here are the main options — all beginner-friendly and faith-friendly.

🌿 Shopify

A robust, professional eCommerce platform perfect for authors who want to grow. It integrates easily with fulfilment partners (like Lulu Direct or BookVault), digital downloads, and email marketing tools.

⚡️ Systeme.io

A fantastic all-in-one tool — especially good for Christian entrepreneurs. You can build landing pages, sales funnels, checkout pages, and email automation in one place.
If you’re starting small or want simplicity, Systeme.io lets you do it all — no plugins or coding needed.

💻 WooCommerce (WordPress)

If you already have a WordPress website (like DanaOnye.com), WooCommerce turns it into a shop. It’s powerful and customisable, though you’ll need a few plugins to manage checkout and shipping.

☕️ Payhip or Gumroad

Perfect for eBooks, printables, or courses. They’re lightweight and easy to set up in minutes.

For Print Books: Fulfilling Orders Without Carrying Inventory

You do not need stacks of books in your hallway.
Use print-on-demand (POD) services that print and ship orders as they come in.

Recommended options:

• Lulu — integrates with Shopify or WooCommerce via Lulu Direct automation.
• BookVault — UK-based with fast turnaround, great print quality, and store integration.
• IngramSpark — ideal if you want global distribution alongside direct sales.
• Amazon (Author Copies) — you can manually send author-priced copies to customers. It’s a cost-effective way to fulfil small or special orders.

You can even automate the entire process using tools like:

• Lulu Direct (auto-connects Shopify orders to Lulu fulfilment)
• BookVault API (for seamless printing and shipping)
• Zapier or Make (Integromat) – connects your store, email system, and fulfilment tools for hands-off workflows.

That means when someone orders from your site, the system automatically sends the order to be printed, packed, and posted — while you focus on ministry and creativity.

For Digital and Audio Books

• BookFunnel — perfect for secure, automated eBook and audiobook delivery.
• Payhip or WooCommerce Digital Downloads — easy, reliable file delivery options.
• Soundwise — an option for Christian authors creating direct audiobooks or devotionals.

Always test your purchase flow before going live — from “Buy Now” to delivery — so your readers experience excellence from the start.

How to Build a Direct-Sales Funnel (Faith-Centred Approach)

1. Pray and Prepare

Before diving into tools, commit your plan to God (Proverbs 16:3). Ask Him to guide your setup, your message, and your readers.

2. Set Up Your Store

Create clear product pages with beautiful imagery, honest descriptions, and heartfelt copy.
Add trust-builders: reviews, “About the Author,” and a note of your mission.

3. Connect Your Email System

Add buyers to your list (with consent). Send a welcome email, behind-the-scenes notes, and devotionals to nurture connection.

4. Promote Your Store

Use your platforms — Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or your newsletter — to share:

• The why behind your books
• Sneak peeks, reviews, and bundle offers
• Encouragement and testimonies from readers

Point all links back to your website, not Amazon.

5. Add Bonus Value

Offer faith-filled bundles like:

• Children’s book + family devotional
• Audiobook + eBook + printable pack
• Signed edition + prayer card

You can even use Systeme.io’s upsell feature or Shopify’s post-purchase offers to suggest these automatically during checkout.

Example: A Family Book Bundle

Let’s say a reader buys your children’s book.
At checkout, Systeme.io can automatically offer your Parent Devotional Pack at 20% off.
This isn’t manipulation — it’s ministry — helping families grow together in Christ.

Staying Anchored When It Feels Overwhelming

Selling direct takes courage and consistency.
There will be learning curves, but remember:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” — James 1:5 (NIV)

• Don’t rush; build step by step.
• Celebrate each sale — each life touched.
• Pray for your readers. Let your marketing become a form of ministry.

Final Thoughts — From Faith to Function

Selling direct isn’t just about business. It’s about impact.
It’s a way to reach hearts with truth and keep control of your God-given message.

So here’s your simple action plan:

1. Pray first.
2. Pick your platform: Shopify, Systeme.io, or WooCommerce.
3. Set up fulfilment: Lulu, BookVault, or Amazon author copies.
4. Automate delivery: BookFunnel or Lulu Direct.
5. Launch your store and serve your readers.

You don’t need to be perfect — just faithful and willing to start.
Because when you steward your book well, God can multiply your reach beyond anything you imagine.