We are a non-traditional publishing company that produces a select number of books each year. We work diligently to release children’s literature that represents today’s diversity while at the same time remaining dedicated to messages that make a difference.
We offer authors an opportunity to get published in a way that is not the traditional or self-publishing model, but more of a partnership between the publisher and author (which is called hybrid publishing). Therefore, we charge a fee to produce and print our books.
CRP titles are traditionally distributed by retailers nationwide with IPG, one of the industry’s top book distribution companies. Our books are printed here in the United States, and we have team members across the globe.
We work with our authors to design traditional marketing plans as well as innovative social media campaigns to release and sell their books. We expect our authors to play a large role in the marketing of their titles, before, during and after the publishing process. Authors are given the chance to collaborate on several aspects of their project, which is rare in this industry.
Some of our team members work from home as freelance writers and designers, while others work with large companies that are well known in the industry.
Among us, you'll find: Production Directors, Ghost Writers, Graphic Designers, Book Designers, Freelance Editors (Copy & Content), Copyright Attorneys, Marketing Directors, Publishing Associates, Administrative Assistants, Web Designers, Videographers, Accountants, Business Coaches, Printers & Distributors.
Maria Dismondy
Maria Dismondy is an award-winning author who has taken her love for children’s literature and her success in the self-publishing industry to start Cardinal Rule Press. Maria lives in Michigan with her husband and three book-loving children.
CRP is a hybrid publisher, also known as a boutique publisher. Cardinal Rule Press works with a full service independent publishing model that combines self-publishing control with high-quality book production, marketing and distribution. We are located in Southeast Michigan.
CRP only publishes children’s picture books at this time. We are known for our aesthetically pleasing titles. We know what it takes to edit a story that is up to the industry’s top standards. Each of our titles have won awards and are well known in the market.
After we review applications, you will receive a custom estimate for your project if we feel it is a good fit. Proposals will vary depending on which stage of development an author may be in with their book. We manage the entire process from start to finish, providing authors access to creative control. Therefore, we do charge a production fee that authors have to pay. It will include a detailed list of recommended services and associated costs. Production related costs depend on a variety of factors such as book specifications (softcover, hardcover, number of copies being printed, etc.).
We offer writing support, editorial services, full color illustrations, layout and design, printing, warehousing, national retail distribution, online distribution, marketing services along with a launch campaign. Cardinal Rule Press also works with authors on the reprinting of their titles if need be.
Please look at the qualifications for our authors on our "Work With Us" page, and see if we would be a good fit before beginning the application process.
Books will be distributed by leading distributor IPG and all will be available to online and physical book retailers here in the United States. The book will also be available at online retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million and more. Our relationship with our distributor is positive and gives our titles the opportunity for national coverage and attention.
There will be a baseline marketing plan offered for each title. Our team will send out review copies and submit the book to media outlets for coverage. There will be a virtual book tour set up as part of the book launch along with other social media campaigns.
CRP works with a distributor to fulfill retail orders. It does not offer fulfillment services for authors from their own websites. Authors can arrange to store a supply of their books in their home or office and organize their own fulfillment this way.
We have a process that is much faster than a traditional publisher, yet does not take away from the integrity of the project. With a small team, we are able to put the attention needed to each idea to get it into a book and on shelves in no time! Our average length of time from start to finish is 7-9 months.
All of our authors retain 100% of the intellectual property rights associated with their book. There are several reasons we are a desirable company to work with, one being that our authors have the capability to review and approve their work through out the entire process.
Look over the requirements in the Work With Us section. Then, if it seems like a fit, fill out the application. You must already have an established platform/brand for us to consider managing your book project. Your fee will be slightly lower because you are opting out of retail distribution and will be selling your book on your website and at non-book trade locations or events.
We do not technically pay royalties, because our company works on a partnership (hybrid model), which means our authors pay to publish under our imprint. We pay our authors their earnings within 30 days of the close of quarters.
Stephen is a little kid with big dreams of playing football. The odds are against him when he is tested and faced with challenges. This is a story of a boy who worked hard to defy the odds and become a leader.
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Leah and Dexter are brother and sister. They don’t always get along. In fact, there are times they can be downright mean to each other. The ooey, gooey jelly donuts in this story are a testament to the power of kindness, caring and generosity.
Find out if Leah and Dexter will ever learn to get along! Bite into the power of paying it forward by adding The Jelly Donut Difference to your family’s home collection or classroom library.
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This is a story about a boy named Nick who refuses to eat his vegetables. When a group of super spinach leaves get together they come up with a clever little scheme to make sure Nick understands how important fruits and vegetables are for his brain and body.
Will their sneaky plan finally show Nick the power of fresh fruits and veggies?
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It’s important to us to recognize the various publishing paths authors today can take. That is why we offer a course in publishing for a small fee, to teach aspiring writers about options that are available to them.
This course will teach you everything you need to know to discover which path is right for you in publishing a book.
You will learn about the industry, decide on your next steps, and learn how successful author, Maria Dismondy, turned her passion into her profession. This course will provide you with proven principles and a step-by-step system to turn your idea into a book.
Five ModulesEach with 3-5 Subtopics |
VideosTo Watch Over & Over |
AudioListen to the Course on the Go |
TutorialsVideos, Handouts & How-Tos |
Case StudiesStories from Leaders in the Industry |
ChecklistsStay Organized & Finish the Course |
Bonus HandoutsValuable Content with Proven Results |
Lifetime AccessContinue to Access Materials, Even as the Course Changes |
Support*Email Assignments with Instructor for Accountability |
Basic Course: $247 |
Basic Course + Support: $397 |
Maria has been great to work with.
Right from the start, we got along great and really were able to collaborate and tell my story through my first children’s book, which is something I’ve always wanted to do.
Stephen Tulloch, NFL Linebacker
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Maria was AMAZING to work with! She provided me with an abundance of knowledge prior to self publishing my first book.
Maria explained the different types of publishing, and the pros and cons of each avenue. She shared several reputable contacts and connections with me and answered numerous questions that guided me along the path to success.
She was so influential that I dedicated my first book to her. Maria is someone I will always look to for guidance. If you have the opportunity to work with her, take advantage of it!
Kendra Montante
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Maria is one of the top children’s authors in the industry, and someone whom I have learned a great deal from.
She knows all the current marketing trends and has guided me in applying them to market myself and my books more effectively. Maria is someone who walks her talk, and I respect that about her.
Miriam Laundry
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