Mascot Blog

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 editor Abby Mergenmeier.How did you get into editing books? What made you decide to pursue this career?I somewhat stumbled into the editing world, by way of journalism. I’d always wanted to be a journalist and began reporting for my hometown’s local newspaper in high school. I would often self-edit, attempting to perfect everything as much … read more

By Emily Evans-MillerThe latest season of The Bachelor may have ended a few weeks ago, but we’re still feeling the love from fan favorite contestants turned children’s book authors Jared Haibon and Ashley Iaconetti. Their debut picture book is available today!Jared and Ashley took some time out of their busy wedding planning to chat with us about their adorable new children’s book, The Bachelor, and future plans. Check it out below!A children’s book is a big change of pace from the bright lights of The Bachelor franchise! What made you want to tell your story this way?Jared: Ashley and … read more

By Emily Evans-MillerMarch is National Reading Month, kicked off by Dr. Seuss’ birthday on the 2nd. In honor of such an important month for book lovers nationwide, we’ve decided to take it back to the titles that started our love for reading. Our staff has talked a lot about I didn’t have one favorite book—it was a collection of books—

, Toni Morrison: I return to this book over and over again… She instilled in me Black pride, gay pride, EVERYTHING, and loving who I am…“Here,” she said, “in this here place, we flesh; flesh that weeps, laughs; flesh that

… read more

By Emily Evans-MillerEvery month we feature a title we think really shines. This month’s featured title is by Matt Brown with Todd Civin, releasing March 12th!Why We Love ItLife can change in an instant—and no one knows that better than Matt Brown. His incredible story of courage, resilience, and overcoming adversity is a kind of inspiration we all need. Despite no longer being able to play the sport, Matt is still a die-hard hockey fan and took some time to share with us what the brotherhood of hockey means to him.The Unofficial Fraternity of HockeyBy Matt Brown and Todd CivinOn … read more

Happy March! With over forty new titles releasing this month, we know there’s something you’ll love. Perhaps you’re looking for an inspirational sports memoir, a new fiction title to sink your teeth into, or even an adorable new tale for the kids.Check out our full list of titles releasing this month below!March’s Featured TitleBy Matt Brown with Todd CivinMatt Brown was flying across the ice, just as his coach wanted. He gained speed as he chased the puck toward his defensive zone. The entire bench had their eyes trained on him, knowing something big was about to happen. And something … 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 David Gnass.How did you get in to illustrating books? What made you decide to pursue this career?To my earliest childhood recognition, I have always drawn. In my teens I began to create characters and drawing fantasy style artwork, but after beginning a career outside of the art world, I soon stopped all attempts at … read more

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