How to Publish a Bible Study Guide or Workbook
The short answer
A Bible study guide is a workbook people write in. Match the page count to the study length (24 to 48 pages for a 6 to 8 week study), choose a binding that lies flat, decide whether you need a separate leader's edition, and leave real write-in space.
Updated October 2026 · By Harmony Publishing
What makes a study guide different
A study guide is used, not just read. Church workbooks are opened flat on tables and folded back (OnPress), and participants write in them. That shapes the page count, binding, type size and layout from the start.
Structuring the study: observation, interpretation, application
PublishingXpress describes three common methods for organising a study guide:
- Observation, interpretation, application: what does the passage say, what does it mean, and what will you do?
- The inductive method, organised by theme.
- The chapter-by-chapter method.
Participant edition vs leader's edition
In the adult-leader practice described by LectioBibleStudy, only the leader gets answer notes. Every participant gets a personal workbook copy and is encouraged to write answers in the spaces provided. PublishingXpress suggests printing a leader's edition on a different cover stock so it is visually distinct from the member copy.
Page count by study length
| Study length | Typical page count |
|---|---|
| Single week or retreat handout | 8 to 24 pages |
| 6 to 8 week study | 24 to 48 pages |
| 12 weeks or a full semester | 48 to 64 pages |
Source: PublishingXpress.
Binding that lies flat
PublishingXpress matches binding to use:
- Saddle stitch (stapled): best for booklets of 8 to 64 pages, and the lowest unit price at that length.
- Plastic coil: opens fully flat for writing and survives repeated flipping over a 12-week series.
- Wire-O: the same lay-flat benefit with a more finished look, suited to a leader's edition or multi-year curriculum.
- Perfect bound: makes sense above roughly 64 to 80 pages, but it will not lie flat and is overkill for a short series.
OnPress, a US printer, also describes a Smyth-sewn perfect-bound finish that it says lets pages lie and stay flat. That is a vendor claim, so ask any printer to show you a sample. Our guide to book binding types explains the main options.
Write-in space and readability
PublishingXpress recommends:
- At least 3 to 4 blank lines after each discussion question.
- A reflection or application box for each week.
- Body text no smaller than 11 pt (12 to 13 pt for older groups) with 1.15 to 1.5 line spacing.
- A binding-side margin of at least 0.5 inch for coil or Wire-O.
The classic book size is 6 x 9 inches; 7 x 10 or 8.5 x 11 inches suit write-in workbooks (PublishingXpress, Books.by). OnPress adds the prepress basics: set trim size and bleed correctly, keep content inside safe margins, use images of at least 300 dpi, use CMYK and embed fonts.
Publishing a faith book with Harmony
Harmony Publishing is a self-publishing company, and authors keep 100% of their royalties and rights. We edit your study material, including Scripture-citation checks on your Bible references, design the cover and interior layout, and print in paperback or hardcover. Tell us your study length, binding and quantity, and ask for a church-event quantity if a group will use it. The packages page shows what each package includes and its price.
Related guides and services
Frequently asked questions
How many pages should my study guide be?
According to PublishingXpress, most weekly studies run 24 to 48 pages for a 6 to 8 week study and 48 to 64 pages for a 12-week or full-semester curriculum.
Should I print a separate leader's edition?
Many groups do. Only the leader gets answer notes, and printing the leader's edition on a different cover stock keeps it distinct from the participant copy.
Which binding lies flat?
Plastic coil and Wire-O open fully flat. Saddle stitch suits short booklets, and perfect binding will not lie flat.
What trim size gives enough room to write?
The classic size is 6 x 9 inches. PublishingXpress suggests 7 x 10 or 8.5 x 11 inches for write-in workbooks.