The Cornerstone Press is a small, independent publishing house and teaching press. As the only press of its kind in the University of Wisconsin system, and one of four undergraduate, student-staffed presses in the United States, the Press operates with the support of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Department of English, the School of Humanities and Global Studies, and the College of Letters and Science.  

The Cornerstone Press publishes up to 15 titles per year. All books are produced in classes and internships offered by the Department of English. From acquisitions and editing, to layout and design, to marketing and sales, students get a chance to work in all fields of professional publishing. Established in 1984, the press has published over 50 titles to date in multiple genres.  

We are located in the Collins Classroom Center (Room 127) of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.


Patricia Ann McNair and Cornerstone Press receive national recognition through the INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD®!

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Courses related to the Cornerstone Press:

 ENGL 339 - Book and Publication Design

Description:
Study the art and application of book and publication design. Use Adobe InDesign Publishing Suite to create layouts, covers, and other book materials. Edit, design, market, and sell at minimum one book acquired by Cornerstone Press.

3 cr.

 ENGL 349 - Editing and Publishing

Description:
Writing, editing, and preparing materials for publication, including consideration of reader/editor appeal, and ways to market manuscripts. [Editor’s note: The class must find a manuscript, produce and sell a book.] Available for graduate credit as ENGL 549. 

3 cr.

 ENGL 350 - Creative Nonfiction

Description:
Art of nonfiction writing using literary devices to write about true events. The course explores creative nonfiction forms and includes class discussion of student work. 

Prerequisites:
Either ENGL 250 or ENGL 253, Instructor Consent, or Department Consent

3 cr.

 ENGL 373 - Publication for Teachers

Description:
Foundational publication and journalism basics connected to theory and practice; intended for those teaching at the middle and secondary levels in any/all subjects. Available for graduate credit as ENGL 573.

Prerequisites:
Admission to Professional Education Program (English) or Department Consent

Typically Offered:
Summer Only

3 cr.

 ENGL 388 - Editorial Process

Description:
Study of the editorial process, including editorial theory, developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading. Consider the role of the editor in various kinds of media, engage in hands-on editorial work, and consult with editors and writers. Available for graduate credit as ENGL 588. 

3 cr.

 ENGL 389 - Book History

Description:
Study of the book as a medium and its role in the development and transmission of culture, addressing the implications of topics such as authorship, printing, publishing, distribution, bookselling, and reading. Course themes will be developed both theoretically via case studies and practically via hands-on activities. Available for graduate credit as ENGL 589. 

3 cr.

 ENGL 390 - Profession of Authorship

Description:
The figure of the “author” from 1800 to the present in the United States, focusing on the writer as professional both in the literary marketplace and in the culture at large, and examining representative authors from Susanna Rowson to Toni Morrison. Available for graduate credit as ENGL 590. 

3 cr.

Typically Offered: Once per academic year


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Interested in the Press?

If you are an undergraduate or graduate student English major or minor with questions about courses related to the Press, are a writer interested in publishing a book through the Press, or are looking for general Press-related infiormation, please contact:

Dr. Ross K. Tangedal
Assistant Professor and Director of Cornerstone Press

Stevens Point Campus
715-346-4532
426 Collins Clasroom Center
ross.tangedal@uwsp.edu

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English Department 

For general questions for the English Department regarding coursework or to connect with someone for advising please contact us at:  

Email: EnglishDepartment@uwsp.edu

Main Office: 715-346-4757