Mascot Blog

Many authors right now are wondering how on earth they can connect with their readers when they can barely leave the house. Without in-person signings, launches, and promotional events, it’s a lot harder to create and build relationships with readers during the pandemic. That said, there is no better time for you, as an author, to take advantage of all the online resources available, such as *ahem* Amazon Author Central. Amazon Author Central is a free and user-friendly online profile that can enhance your author brand. It can also be your answer to selling more books. We will take you … read more

Former Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Fred Claire’s cancer diagnosis came out of left field, but at the City of Hope, he found the dream team to help him beat it.A baseball legendThe Los Angeles Dodgers are playing the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series. The last time the Dodgers won the Fall Classic was back in 1988, with an overachieving team assembled by former sportswriter-turned-baseball-executive Fred Claire.Fred ClaireFred Claire continued his tenure with the Dodgers until 1997, when he stepped away from the game he loved and started a glorious retirement filled with friends, family, staying active, … read more

Our October featured title is by Becca Bredholt! Praised as having a “natural and easy storytelling ability,” Becca is an award-winning poet and writer who has been featured in many notable news outlets, such as Huffington Post, Yahoo Travel, and Orlando Magazine. Finding Cover is a romance story gone wrong. Having met only days before, the young, doe-eyed Crystal Vargas elopes with a dashing Brit named Duncan Douglas who appears to be everything she’s ever wanted. Without realizing it, her desperation to be loved plays well into the hands of her new husband, a cunning sociopath in need of an American bride … read more

We know the publishing process can be overwhelming and long, especially when you’re thrown new terms at (what feels like) every corner. So, we created a glossary of publishing words to prevent first-time authors from having to consult Google every time they encounter a new term. With just one review of these simplified definitions, you’ll be one step closer to mastering common publishing jargon. ARC (advanced reader copies or galleys): unedited manuscripts sent to reviewers, bookstores, and media outletsASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Numbers): unique blocks of 10 letters and/or numbers that identify books on AmazonTestimonials: reviews that go on the physical … read more

Put your pumpkin spice latte down because you’re going to want to see these new October reads.October’s Featured Title: Finding CoverBy Rebecca LombardoHaving met only days before, the young, doe-eyed Crystal Vargas elopes with a dashing Brit named Duncan Douglas who appears to be everything she’s ever wanted. Without realizing it, her desperation to be loved plays well into the hands of her new husband, a cunning sociopath in need of an American bride to help him maintain appearances. When Crystal’s sister, Lyssa, notices suspicious changes in her sibling’s behavior and her application for her security clearance is denied, Lyssa hires … read more

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