Mascot Blog

By Emily Evans-MillerPublishing a book for the first time can feel like being thrown into the deep end without a life jacket. From the deadlines to the industry-specific terms, it’s enough to make anyone’s head spin. To help combat confusion, we’re outlining some key terms and concepts you’ll hear as you move through the production process, whether you’re working with Mascot or another publisher.Publishing TermsDigital printing — A printing process that involves printing of a digital image directly on to another media without the use of plates. While offset is generally considered to be of higher quality, digital printing is … read more

By Emily Evans-MillerEvery month we feature a title we think really shines. This month’s featured title is by John Luzzi and Don Miggs, releasing today, February 12th!Why We Love ItSo many guides for expecting parents give a rose-tinted view of parenthood: how cute your child will be, how magical every moment will feel, how rewarding it is.Not this one.Don Miggs and John Luzzi take fatherhood head on in this no-nonsense parenting book, giving you all the dirty details you’ll need to survive the journey, make your relationship last, and help raise an amazing kid. Honest, hilarious, and helpful, Don and … read more

By Emily Evans-MillerHere at Mascot Books, we’re proud to share the stories of a diverse set of authors, characters, and situations—it’s what makes publishing stronger. In honor of Black History Month, we’re sharing some of our books either written by by African American authors or featuring black characters. Check out the full list below: Dr. Dee Dee Dynamo SeriesBy Dr. Oneeka WilliamsI’m Dr. Dee Dee Dynamo,Super Surgeon ON THE GO!My hands were made to heal,I cut, I sew, I tie with zeal;No problem is too big or small,Dr. Dee Dee Dynamo can tackle them all!   

Are you celebrating Black … read more

Happy February! Love is in the air this month, why not fall in love with a new book? From a travel memoir that crosses continents, to a hometown political scandal, with plenty of adorable children’s picture books, there’s sure to be something that captures your heart.Our full list of releases this month can be found below.February’s Featured Titleby Don Miggs & John LuzziCongratulations! We bet you haven’t heard that before. Everyone’s probably been congratulating you for a while now. After all, you’re getting to meet a person you helped make. That’s exciting, but it’s also shit-your-pants terrifying. Before, you were … read more

By Emily Evans-MillerLike many people, the staff at Mascot Books made New Year’s resolutions to kick off 2019 the right way. As we near the end of January, now is the time when everyone abandons their goals in favor of the status quo. So, to hold ourselves accountable (and maybe challenge each other!), we’re sharing our reading and writing goals for the year. Jess Cohn, Acquisitions EditorI have a novel I’ve been working on for several years that I’d like to finally finish and start editing. Writer’s block is no joke. I also have a complete manuscript that some agents … read more

By Emily Evans-MillerWith contributions by Michelle Webber and Kristin PerryPlanning your release date (also called the publication date) can be tricky, especially for first-time authors. The publishing process is never set in stone, and there are plenty of internal factors to consider. But external factors–like retail pitching and buy calendars and seasonal trends–are just as important. They can make or break how successful your book becomes. To help you give your title the best possible chance at success, we’ve broken down the market trends you need to consider when plotting your publishing timeline.General Words of WisdomIndustry standard release dates are … read more

By Emily Evans-MillerWith Contributions by Kate McDaniel and Jess CohnCrowdfunding has been a game changer in the world of hybrid publishing. Where the cost of production and printing may have once been prohibitive, now anyone can help fund a project they are excited to see come to fruition. There are many platforms you can use to crowdfund a project. While    

Have you shared your campaign with us yet? Tag us on social media @MascotBooks so we can help promote and bring your dream to reality!

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Happy New Year! Start 2019 right with a new Mascot book. Each year, January brings a time of self reflection and goal-making in light of the year ahead. From fitness and life guides to memoirs to children’s books, we’ve got something for everyone to enjoy. Find a full list of our titles releasing this month below. Don’t forget to check out

By Jason KhalipaJason Khalipa may not be a household name, and honestly, he prefers it that way. Jason lets his actions and accomplishments speak for themselves: devoted father, world champion, global businessman. After years of rigorous training, Jason earned the

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By Emily Evans-MillerEvery month we feature a title that we think really shines. This month’s featured title is  outlines a mindset that will give you the tools to push through adversity and find success.In this preface to , Jason gives us some insight on how he survived one of the toughest times in his life and how that challenge inspired this guide to finding your inner strength. As Many Reps as Possible: Develop The AMRAP MentalityBy Jason KhalipaI began working on this book in the fall of 2015. At the time, life was really good. I experienced some personal and … read more

By Emily Evans-MillerHere at Mascot, we think it’s high time to recognize the unsung heroes of the publishing community: illustrators and editors. We have an extensive network of freelance professionals who do fantastic work for our authors. This month, our featured freelance publishing professional is illustrator Tristan Tait.Tristan, one of our international illustrators, took some time to answer some questions about his process and what it’s like being an illustrator. Check out his answers below:How did you get into illustrating books? What made you decide to pursue this career?Illustrating books was a bit of a natural progression for me, I … read more