Mission, Vision & Values

MISSION STATEMENT

Crowned Lion Books publishes narratives that inspire courage, teach virtue, and lift up the human experience. We partner selectively with authors whose stories challenge readers to live with greater conviction and recognize the profound dignity of every person.

Through professional publishing services and true partnership, we transform exceptional manuscripts into books that endure—stories that prove courage is possible, virtue matters, and one person can change the world.

VISION STATEMENT

To become the premier independent publisher for mission-driven narratives that stand the test of time.

We envision a publishing house where:

• Every book we publish makes readers better people

• Authors receive fair compensation and maintain creative control

• Quality and mission drive every decision

• Stories of courage inspire the next generation

• Publishing remains a noble profession built on partnership and integrity

By 2030, Crowned Lion Books will be recognized as the publisher of choice for authors who write with purpose and readers who seek stories that matter.

CORE VALUES

1. COURAGE

We publish stories of courage and demonstrate courage ourselves—in our selectivity, our business practices, and our commitment to truth. We stand by our authors and their important messages even when cultural trends shift.

2. EXCELLENCE

Every book we publish receives the highest professional standards in editing, design, production, and marketing. We never compromise quality for speed or profit.

3. INTEGRITY

We conduct business with complete honesty and transparency. We honor our commitments to authors, pay royalties accurately and on time, and maintain ethical practices in all partnerships.

4. PARTNERSHIP

Authors are partners, not customers. We invest in long-term relationships built on mutual respect and trust, clear communication, and shared success. We listen, collaborate, and champion each author's vision.

5. SELECTIVITY

We publish fewer books at higher quality rather than many books at lower standards. Every manuscript we accept must align with our mission and meet our editorial benchmarks.

6. DIGNITY

We treat every person—authors, readers, employees, vendors—with respect and recognize the inherent worth of every individual. Our stories honor human dignity and the complexity of the human experience.

7. STEWARDSHIP

We view publishing as a sacred responsibility. We steward authors' stories, readers' trust, and the literary tradition with care, knowing that books outlive their creators.

PUBLISHING CRITERIA

What We Publish

Genres We Champion:

• Narrative Nonfiction (biography, history, memoir)

• Inspirational Fiction

• Literary Fiction

• Faith-Based Works

• Historical Narratives

• Business & Leadership (with character focus)

Thematic Focus - Stories must demonstrate one or more:

• Moral courage in the face of opposition

• Virtue lived out in practical circumstances

• Human dignity honored and defended

• Truth pursued regardless of cost

• Faith that sustains through trials

• Character and personal development and growth

• Lives that inspire others to live better

What We Don't Publish

We decline manuscripts that:

• Glorify violence, vice, or cruelty

• Degrade human dignity

• Promote cynicism or nihilism

• Exist solely for commercial exploitation

• Lack literary merit or careful craft

• Contradict our core values

• Would require us to compromise our mission

AUTHOR PARTNERSHIP PRINCIPLES

How We Work With Authors

1. SELECTIVE BUT SUPPORTIVE

We carefully evaluate every submission, but once we commit to an author, we're all-in.

2. TRANSPARENT COMMUNICATION

Authors always know where their project stands with regular updates and direct access.

3. COLLABORATIVE DEVELOPMENT

We edit rigorously but respect your voice. Your book, your story, your final say.

4. FAIR COMPENSATION

50-70% royalties vs. industry standard 10-15%. Quarterly payments. No hidden fees.

5. CREATIVE CONTROL

Authors approve cover, layout, description, pricing, and marketing strategies.

6. LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP

We maintain relationships for the lifetime of books and support subsequent projects.

7. PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

Every book receives professional editing, design, production, and distribution.

8. AUTHOR OWNERSHIP

Authors retain all copyrights and rights. We're publishers, not owners.