Friday, December 6, 2019

Michigan Publishers: Cardinal Rule Press


The Mitten Blog is exploring local publishing options right here in Michigan. If you missed our first entry, go HERE to learn about Fifth Avenue Press, a program through the Ann Arbor District Library.

Today, we have an interview with Maria Dismondy, founder of Cardinal Rule Press, a small, traditional publishing company in southeast Michigan.

Tell us about Cardinal Rule Press. What distinguishes it from other small publishers?


At Cardinal Rule Press we are really dedicated to supporting our authors from the time they sign their contract through the life of their book. Our mentorship program lasts six weeks and works with authors in small groups, educating them on topics like brand development, social media and creative marketing. We also have customized marketing campaigns that we deliver six months prior to the books release that allow authors to have a clear plan of what our team does month-by-month leading up to a launch and it also supplies them with a suggested timeline on what they can be doing from their end.


Coming Spring 2020 from Cardinal Rule Press

What are you looking for in submissions?


We are looking for books with a strong moral focus. At the time, we are only accepting realistic fiction. Our backlist sells very well and we believe part of this is because the messages are timeless, not trending.


What is the Cardinal Press team looking forward to in 2020 and beyond?


We continue to grow each year, both in sales, acquisitions and in our team. We would like to be mindful of this growth and make sure that we remain focused to our ultimate mission as a publisher: to create books that make a difference.



Your career has evolved from teacher to author to publisher and more. Plus you’re a busy mom with three kids! How do you find time to wear all of these hats?


I get super creative with my time. I am up before the kids to set the tone for the day, getting in a workout, a cup of coffee and a chat with my husband before the rest of the house wakes up. I don't try to do it all. I have found team members that are skilled in their areas of work and I get to do what I enjoy and excel at. Last, I don't compare this path with the journey of others. It's easy to go down a rabbit hole when you begin to compare and lose sight of your focus.


Thank you, Maria! To learn more about Cardinal Rule Press, go here:
https://cardinalrulepress.com/

Please note their submission window is only open from Nov. 1, 2019 - Feb. 1, 2020. Submissions are not read outside of this time period.

Maria has shared her expertise on our Mitten blog several times before. Read her other posts here:


Coming up on the Mitten Blog:

A Writer Spotlight, Diversity Dialogue, and another round of Hugs and Hurrahs! We want to trumpet your success! Please email your writing and illustrating news to Sarah LoCascio by December 16th.



Celebrate Nonfiction!


Once again, SCBWI-Michigan is here to help you with your New Year’s Resolutions. You know
that great idea you’ve had for a nonfiction book? Make 2020 the year to write that nonfiction
picture book or to develop that nonfiction book proposal.

On March 7, 2020, SCBWI-MI is having a nonfiction conference. Details are coming. Until
then, save the date.

SCBWI-MI is also holding two nonfiction mentorships.

The nonfiction MG/YA mentorship will be with mentor Stephanie Bearce.

The nonfiction PB mentorship will be with mentor Patricia Newman.

These mentorships are open to all SCBWI members who live in Michigan.
The registration fee is $20, nonrefundable.
The submission windows open on May 5, 2020 and close on May 26, 2020 or when we get 30
applicants, whichever comes first.

Details are available at: https://michigan.scbwi.org/2019/10/23/non-fiction-mentorship-2020/
Click the links (in green at the bottom of the page) to download submission instructions.

We’ll have interviews with Stephanie and Patricia here on the Mitten Blog in March.

For questions about the mentorships, email Ann Finkelstein.




3 comments:

  1. Thanks Maria for sharing your expertise, wishing you continued success as you help others achieve their dreams.

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  2. Always love hearing from Maria and she always has such great tips to share.

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  3. I didn't know Maria had started a small press. That's so awesome! Thanks for sharing about it.

    ReplyDelete