Home » Christian Fiction, Nonfiction, and Kids’ Books – ECPA Bestseller List

Christian Fiction, Nonfiction, and Kids’ Books – ECPA Bestseller List

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association or ECPA Bestseller List is one of the most trusted and influential rankings in Christian publishing. It highlights books by authors that are resonating with readers of faith, from devotionals and Bible studies to Christian living, inspirational memoirs, and faith-based fiction.

Unlike mainstream bestseller lists, the ECPA Bestseller List is dedicated exclusively to Christian literature, offering a faith-centered perspective on literary trends. This list not only reflects sales performance but also spiritual impact, guiding readers toward books that inspire, educate, and deepen their faith.

For Christian authors and publishers, making it onto the ECPA bestseller list is a significant achievement, signaling a book’s influence within the Christian community. Whether you’re looking for personal spiritual growth, theological insight, or uplifting fiction, the ECPA Bestseller List is a trusted resource for faith-based reading recommendations.

This article explores the history of the ECPA Bestseller List, how it is compiled, its impact on authors and readers, and recent trends shaping the Christian book market. This article was created by former literary agent Mark Malatesta. Mark is also the creator of this list of The Bestselling Authors of 2024, the Best Books for Writers, and this guide about How to Become a Bestselling Author.

History of the ECPA Bestseller List

The ECPA Bestseller List has been a respected measure of success in Christian publishing since its inception. Established as a way to track the top-selling Christian books, the list has evolved to include multiple categories that reflect changing reader interests. Over the years, the ECPA has expanded its reach, partnering with Christian retailers and publishers to compile accurate sales data that represents the broader faith-based book market.

Criteria and Compilation Process

The ECPA Bestseller List is compiled based on sales data submitted by Christian booksellers, publishers, and online retailers. The key factors include:

• Retail Sales: Books are ranked based on unit sales reported by participating stores and retailers.
• Exclusion of Certain Categories: The list does not include Bibles, children’s books, or titles priced under $6, allowing for a more focused selection.
• Genre-Based Rankings: Books are divided into multiple categories such as Nonfiction, Fiction, Christian Living, Devotionals, and Young Adult.

By considering these factors, the ECPA ensures that its bestseller lists accurately reflect the books making the biggest impact in the Christian literary market.

Categories Featured

The ECPA Bestseller List includes a range of categories to highlight various aspects of Christian literature. These include:

• Nonfiction: Books on Christian living, theology, leadership, and personal growth.
• Fiction: Inspirational and faith-based novels, including contemporary, historical, and suspense.
• Devotionals: Daily and thematic devotionals designed to guide spiritual reflection.
• Young Adult & Juvenile: Christian books targeted toward younger audiences.
• Bible Studies & Ministry: Resources for pastors, teachers, and small group leaders.

These categories help readers find books tailored to their specific spiritual and literary needs.

Impact on Authors and Publishers

Appearing on the ECPA Bestseller List is a major achievement for Christian authors and publishers. It provides:

• Greater Visibility: Inclusion in the list can significantly boost sales and media attention.
• Credibility in the Christian Market: Books that appear on the list are often considered must-reads by faith-based audiences.
• Long-Term Influence: Many bestselling Christian books continue to impact readers for years, becoming classics in Christian literature.

For publishers, having a book on the list validates marketing efforts and can lead to expanded distribution and further publishing opportunities.

Comparison with Other Bestseller Lists

The ECPA Bestseller List is unique compared to mainstream bestseller lists like The New York Times or Amazon Best Sellers in several ways:

• Faith-Based Focus: The ECPA list exclusively tracks books that align with Christian values.
• Retailer Influence: Data comes from Christian bookstores and faith-based retailers, which may differ from mainstream sales trends.
• Award Recognition Tie-Ins: Books featured on the list often overlap with ECPA Christian Book Award winners, reinforcing their status in Christian publishing.

This faith-centered approach makes the ECPA Bestseller List a trusted resource for Christian readers.

Recent Trends and Notable Entries

In recent years, the ECPA Bestseller List has reflected several key trends in Christian publishing:

• Increased Interest in Christian Living & Personal Growth: Books focusing on faith-based self-improvement continue to top the charts.
• The Rise of Christian Fiction: More readers are turning to inspirational novels for faith-affirming entertainment.
• The Influence of Social Media & Church Communities: Many bestselling books gain popularity through word-of-mouth recommendations, church reading groups, and influencer endorsements.

These trends indicate a growing demand for content that supports faith, personal development, and storytelling rooted in Christian values.

The Role of the ECPA Christian Book Awards

In addition to the bestseller list, the ECPA Christian Book Awards recognize excellence in Christian publishing. These awards highlight books that demonstrate outstanding content, impact, and literary merit across various categories. Winning or being nominated for an ECPA Christian Book Award often leads to increased exposure and sales, further reinforcing a book’s success.

Reader Engagement and Community

Christian books are deeply connected to faith communities, and the ECPA Bestseller List plays a role in fostering this engagement:

• Church & Small Group Studies: Many books from the list become widely used for group discussions.
• Influence of Pastors & Christian Leaders: Recommendations from church leaders often contribute to a book’s popularity.
• Christian Retail & Bookstores: Independent Christian bookstores and online faith-based retailers drive book sales and promote Christian literature.

This level of reader engagement ensures that the books on the ECPA Bestseller List reach audiences who value faith-centered literature.

Conclusion

The ECPA Bestseller List is an essential tool for discovering the most impactful books in Christian publishing. By highlighting top-selling titles across multiple categories, the list helps readers find books that inspire, educate, and deepen their faith. Whether you are looking for theological insights, uplifting fiction, or practical Christian living advice, the ECPA Bestseller List serves as a trusted resource for faith-based reading recommendations.

For the latest Christian bestsellers, visit the official ECPA website or check with Christian retailers. The Bestselling Author, LLC is not affiliated with the ECPA, nor does this post imply its endorsement of The Bestselling Author, LLC.

The Bestselling Author, LLC

Established in 2011, The Bestselling Author has helped 400+ authors get literary agents and/or traditional publishers. Writers who've worked with Literary Agent Undercover, a division of The Bestselling Author, have gotten six-figure book deals; been on the New York Times bestseller list; had their books adapted for TV, stage, and feature film; had their work licensed in 40+ countries; and sold many millions of books.

Notable authors include Nelson Johnson, author of Boardwalk Empire, which Martin Scorsese produced for HBO; Leslie Lehr, author of A Boob's Life, which is currently being adapted for an HBO Max TV series by Salma Hayek; and Scott LeRette, author of The Unbreakable Boy, which was published by Thomas Nelson and is now a major motion picture by Lionsgate starring Patricia Heaton, Zachary Levi, and Amy Acker.

The founder of The Bestselling Author, Mark Malatesta, is a former literary agent, literary agency owner, AAR member, and Marketing & Licensing Manager for the gift and book publisher Blue Mountain Arts. He is now an author coach and consultant. Click here to see Mark Malatesta reviews.

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