Mascot Blog

It’s totally normal to come into the publishing industry with a hundred questions. There’s a lot to know! But at Mascot, we work diligently with our authors to give them all the information they need throughout the entire publishing process.As a reference, our departments answered some of the most commonly asked questions that we get from authors. Read away and come back to us if you have any more questions!AcquisitionsDo I need to copyright my book before sending it? No! The electronic time stamp on your manuscript acts as your copyright until a book is published. You can always fill out … read more

Happy June Release Day! The summer days are upon us, and a new season calls for new books. Spend some time in the sun and get lost in one of our June releases!Children’s BooksA Child Called YouBy JD WiseThis book is about you! That’s right, it is about YOU! You can love others for who they are by showing them kindness without judgment. The first book in the Kindness is for Everyone series, this book will teach you that celebrating our differences is the true expression of kindness the world needs.Adventures at the HospitalBy Michael BanDoctors, nurses, patients…superheroes? You never … read more

Hybrid Publishing can be quite an enigma. That’s because there wasn’t really a universal definition up until three years ago. In 2018, the IBPA Advocacy Committee couldn’t identify the differences between a self-publishing service provider and a hybrid publisher, and so they developed nine hybrid publishing standards to give a definitive definition. Now there are three main publishing models authors have to consider: traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid publishing (you can learn more about each model by visiting our blog post on Amplify Publishing, an imprint of Mascot Books).In this blog post, we’re shining a spotlight on hybrid … read more

May’s featured title is My First Book of Shona and Ndebele by Yeve C. Sibanda!“I am not African because I was born in Africa but because Africa was born in me,” Author Yeve C. Sibanda quotes Kwame Nkrumah, the first president Ghana, calling for the need to celebrate, embrace, and learn about other cultures.In this colorful picture book, little readers will learn basic words in the two primary indigenous languages of Zimbabwe as they follow the daily adventures of Rufaro! My First Book of Shona and Ndebele serves as a powerful tool to introduce African cultures to children and to … read more

Those spring allergies can be miserable, but luckily, we have new books to distract yourself from the sniffles and sneezes. From heartwarming picture books to gripping memoirs, enjoy our May releases below!Children’s Books Balloons for TigerBy Lori OrlinskyHow can children begin to heal after losing a pet? Balloons for Tiger takes an imaginative look at this tough topic as colorful balloons travel from the hands of children to their beloved cat who has passed on. This book lets children open up their hearts and imaginations for a magical journey to the farthest corners of the world, where they’ll … read more

Remote schooling, cancelled playdates, and an entire year of isolation made the world turn upside down for children.In this time, three Mascot authors decided to write picture books about the pandemic experience to help children process their difficult emotions, appreciate the rekindled unity and human spirit, and learn to be hopeful in some of the darkest days.Learn more from them below on why they wrote their book, what the publishing process was like on a timely schedule, and what their readers will take away from their books.Why did you decide to write your book?Erin Harrington, the author of : I … read more

There’s no better time to brush up on your financial smarts than during Financial Literacy Month! Whether you’re fresh out of college or getting ready for retirement, it never hurts to reflect on your savings and spending.We assembled some of our informative, accessible, and easy-to-understand financial books for those looking to find lifelong financial security, work toward a safe retirement, or move out of their parent’s basement. Find your roadmap to financial success!

Budgeting is a Breeze: A Stress-Free Guide to Financial FreedomBy Shelta HopkinsGetting what you want is never easy. However, if you budget your money right, you can … read more

April’s featured title is (drum roll please)… by Candice Davis!Melanin Brown is a very wise seventh-grader who witnesses a new student being bullied because of his beliefs. This situation makes her feel very uncomfortable, and she knows that the actions of those students are wrong. With the guidance of her parents and her experiences with teachers and friends, paired with her own desire to treat people the way she wants to be treated, Melanin learns to confront difficult situations and social constructs while simultaneously navigating her own sense of truth and justice.We chatted with Candice about how current events influenced her … read more

The warm days are upon us this April, which means it’s time to get out in the sun with your next favorite read! Check out our new releases below because we have some special books waiting for you.Children’s BooksBy Marielle PariseauA speck of cinnamon and white fur, Billy did more than any mouse could have ever done. He helped Jeanne find her place in the countryside. He conquered her heart.

Based on the true story of a little deer mouse who lived in the author’s kitchen for nearly half a decade, Billy Braveheart is a tale of survival, courage, and friendship. … read more