Mascot Blog

It’s one in the morning and muffin crumbs and pencils have made a home in your untamed hair. “It’s just a few sentences,” you tell yourself. We’ve all been there, spending way too long on a book description and not knowing what to write.  Avoid getting into these frenzy nighttime scenarios by going over our tips on how you can make your book description turn some heads.Simply put, book descriptions typically include a summary of the book’s storyline that invites the reader in, and then eventually makes them want to purchase it. There are many factors to consider, including marketability, … read more

We are excited to share our September featured title,  by Melissa Face.It’s that time of year again: back to school season. But in the age of COVID-19, going back to school looks a little different. I Love You More Than Coffee captures the ups and downs of parenting— from the daily moments of joy to the struggle of maintaining your identity. It’s the perfect collection for parents everywhere this fall.Melissa Face’s writing has appeared in numerous local and national publications, including The Myrtle Beach Herald, Guideposts, Country Woman, Farm & Ranch Living, Prairie Times, Richmond Family Magazine Boomer Magazine, Sasee … read more

We have seven new books just for you! Make some of these (or all of them) the last of your summer reads. September’s Featured Title: I Love You More Than Coffee By Melissa Face Are you trying to balance raising a family with maintaining your own identity? Have you ever been so exhausted that you showed up to a meeting carrying your baby’s diaper bag instead of your briefcase?In her debut collection, I Love You More Than Coffee, Melissa Face writes about the emotions we all experience as parents: anticipation, joy, fear, guilt, and worry. Whether you are a new or seasoned … read more

Our August featured title is by Yashavi Upasani! At only thirteen-years-old, she’s published her first book, written for the Fairfax County Times, and has even been on the news! Helping Them is your next mysterious middle grade read— from daily lunch meet-ups and breaking into hotel rooms, this is a story about a group of friends who set out on a mission to find a missing boy. We chatted with Yashavi about her writing process, her student perspective, her inspiration for the characters and themes, and all that’s next for her! Read the full interview below. What is your writing process … read more

Check out our new August releases just in time for the dog days of summer! Enjoy one of these titles while soaking up the last of the summer sunshine.August’s Featured Title: Helping ThemBy Yashavi UpasaniAs his life seemed to grow more boring, Mr. DeRenzo gets thrown into a plot that gives him more excitement than he ever dreamed of. Dominic Frost, the cousin of Charles Markson, has been pronounced missing and Charles, as well as his friends Antonio, Samantha, and Emily, are worried sick about the poor boy. Hearing about the kids’ plans of taking action to find Dominic, Mr. … read more

Our July featured title is by Mary Jo Hazard! Since the novel’s release on July 7, it has been regarded highly. Stillwater debuted as a number one new best seller on Amazon in the category of Young Adult books about suicide and it has received glowing reviews. One Amazon reviewer wrote, “this tightly written coming of age story reminded me of To Kill A Mockingbird… On some levels, it’s an easy read and appropriate for the beach, but it will definitely make you think about your own life and how you’ve had to balance love with letting go.”A coming-of-age … read more

A new month means new releases! Check out our July releases below and maybe find your new favorite book.July’s Featured Title: StillwaterBy Mary Jo HazardUNDER THE SURFACE, DANGER LURKS…Twelve-year-old Grace believes that all adults are trustworthy and good. So begins a coming-of-age story full of laughter and tears that takes place one hot summer in upstate New York in the 1950s.On the surface, Stillwater seems an idyllic place, but danger lurks underneath. Grace and her best friends, Maggie and Louanne, grapple with divorce, domestic violence, and mental illness. Grace is devastated when she finds out her father committed suicide when … read more

“My advice to you is to find your World Marathon Challenge. Find whatever it is that you are passionate about. Dream big, take chances, and always believe in yourself. Because, when you do, anything is possible.”Our June featured title is Becca’s Feat on Feet by marathon runner Becca Pizzi! We talked with Becca about being the first woman to compete in the World Marathon Challenge, her inspiration behind the book, and her philanthropic endeavors. 1.) You were the first woman to complete the World Marathon Challenge, running seven marathons on seven different continents in seven days. What inspired you … read more

Whether you have a specific release date goal in mind or are just ready to get your book out into the world, you, as an author, want to ensure that your book moves through the production process smoothly. While some delays are out of your control, there are some steps you can take to work with your production editor and have your book sent off to the printer and onto bookstore shelves as quickly and efficiently as possible.1. Deliver detailed edits to your production editor all at once.Throughout the production process, you work closely with your designated production editor … read more

At Mascot Books, we believe that authors from all walks of life deserve a platform to tell their stories and make their voices heard. We champion diversity, welcome new perspectives, and encourage our authors to bring new ideas to the table.We stand in solidarity with our Black #mascotauthors, and want to take this opportunity to showcase some of the incredible voices and works they’ve shared with the world.By Courtney DunlapAbout the Book: For the courageous Rumble Hunters, the things that go bump in the night don’t stand a chance! When James, their fearless leader, hears a curious rumble in the … read more