What Our Staff is Reading in June

(Posted on Friday, June 10, 2022)

Acquisitions

Ben didn’t have a theme for the books he read in May, but two of his favorites were A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost and Billion Dollar Loser: The Epic Rise and Spectacular Fall of Adam Neumann and WeWork by Reeves Wiedeman. So far, he has finished 42 books this year and is well on his way to hitting his goal of reading 100 books in 2022. 

Jess just finished What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding by Kristin Newman, a travel memoir from a television writer that is equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking. Jess related to using travel as medicine and found it bittersweet to read the story post-COVID when travel remains very different. She would recommend it to anyone who is nostalgic about the early to mid-2000s or is a solo traveler looking for empowerment.

Kortney is reading The Last Story of Mina Lee by Nancy Jooyoun Kim for her book club. She has just started and will share her thoughts next month! 

Production

Graphic Design

Caitlin is listening to the audiobook edition of The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and recommends it! “The characters feel real and authentic, and the story is incredibly eye-opening.” 

David is reading SMASH! Green Day, The Offspring, Bad Religion, NOFX, + the ’90s Punk Explosion by Ian Winwood and says, “If you love ’90s punk, you should definitely read this.”

Matt is reading Scoundrels, Cads, and Other Great Artists by Jeffrey K. Smith and describes it as “almost like the art history version of TMZ.” He’d recommend it to art fans who want to learn more about the drama and wild lives of famous artists.

Marketing

Bookkeeping

Alison is reading The Forgetful’s Reminders On Love, Loss, Lunacy & Leaving by Tom Rush. It is a collection of song lyrics and poetry written by one of her friends from college. 

Emily has just finished a book and is looking forward to starting The Book of Cold Cases by Simon St. James! 

Helen is still reading The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien and loving it. She said, “It’s a wonderful story and has great detail. However, Tolkein can be a bit long winded in his descriptions.” And being the tome that it is, she has also started B is for Burglar by Sue Grafton for when she needs a break.

We will see you next month with more books from the office. In the meantime, what are you reading? Leave your answers in the comments here or on social media! You can also see our June reads and past selections in our Bookshop store.

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What Our Staff is Reading in May

(Posted on Friday, May 6, 2022)

It has been a busy month for our staff as we continue to evaluate submissions, edit manuscripts, and market our incredible books. However, that work has not kept everyone from reading some incredible, thought-provoking books in their free time. 

Our CEO, Naren, is continuing to expand his knowledge of the nonfiction space by diving into the bestseller Think Again by Adam Grant. To find out what the rest of our staff is reading, check out the list below. Some choices might surprise you…

Acquisitions

Production

Graphic Design

David just finished The Godfather by Mario Puzo and is now reading A Time to Kill by John Grisham. 

Matt is reading The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein. 

Marketing

Bookkeeping

Emily is reading Redwall by Brian Jaques and Love that Story by Jonathan Van Ness. 

Helen is still reading The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien and has also started Cats Are Not Peas: A Calico History of Genetics by Laura Gould for when she needs a break.

We will see you next month with more books from the office. In the meantime, what are you reading? Leave your answers in the comments here or on social media! 

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February Book Releases

(Posted on Tuesday, February 1, 2022)

This February, we’re bringing you children’s books about ocean pollution, memoirs about humorous travels, the first titles from Subplot, and more! 

Our new imprint of Mascot Books, Subplot Publishing is an independent hybrid publisher focusing on compelling and literary works of fiction. We publish titles with strong voices, intriguing plots, and dynamic characters in the adult fiction setting. All of our titles are hand-picked for this imprint during the submissions process based on theme, marketability, and overall tone.

Explore our new titles below to stock up on your reads this winter!

Children’s Books

Evelyn’s Wild Imagination

By Elizabeth Gephardt

Hi there! My name is Evelyn. What’s your name?

It’s very nice to meet you! Are you as curious as I am to know what this book is about . . . hmmm? Maybe it’s about . . .

Gorillas?

Or, Halloween?

. . . nah.

Maybe it’s about cats or dogs, both big and small, or maybe it’s about going somewhere, like to Disney, Hershey, or Niagara Falls! We will have to wait and see, but in case I forgot to mention this—thank you for choosing me!

First, I want to get to know you. Tell me what you like the most about school. Is it your teachers? Classes? Lunch? RECESS? Who are your friends? For this story (are you ready?) . . . you get to be . . . MY FRIEND FOR THE DAY!

Come take a journey with me and see what a WILD day in school is like and what BIG ideas are in store. This isn’t just any sort of school day. What do I mean, you ask? Let’s check it out, explore, and so . . . much . . . MORE!

For the Love of Laxmi

By Bijal Shah

You know how your mom tells you to oil your hair, or you’ll go bald? Or no one is going to marry you because you can’t find the blouse she put away? This is a compilation of those everyday moments. Oh, and. . .hi! I’m Laxmi. You’ll get to know me soon.

Gordo Goo

By Ruth Neikirk

What is MAGIC POTION #2?
Well, that is the key for Gordo Goo!
Turn the pages to find out.
You will be the wiser, no doubt!

A portion of proceeds will be donated to the William R. Neikirk Scholarship Fund in the College of Communication and Information.

Guapo’s Giant Heart: The True Story of the Calf Who Kept Growing

By Janet Zappala and Wendy Perkins

Guapo’s Giant Heart is based on the true, heartwarming story of a baby calf with no place to live until a kind human adopts him and gives him a loving home. With a safe place to rest his head and plenty of food and love, Guapo keeps growing . . . and growing and growing!

Although Guapo is a sweet, friendly cow, not everyone is kind to him at first. While the animal friends who’ve known him since he was a baby calf love him, those who meet him later in life aren’t so sure—they find Guapo’s larger-than-life presence intimidating.

Towering over everyone he meets, can this gentle giant teach the other animals that being different is a good thing?

Esperanza y Pecas: huyendo hacia un bosque mejor

By Bill Kiley

Esperanza, una cierva de cola blanca, y su cervatillo moteado, Pecas, se enfrentan al hambre y al peligro en su bosque. Esperanza decide que deben abandonar su hogar e ir en busca de un lugar mejor donde estén a salvo. Cuando llegan a un nuevo bosque, Esperanza y Pecas se enfrentan a retos inesperados que les obligarán a separarse. ¿Podrán volver a estar juntos algún día?

Después de leer la historia de Esperanza y Pecas, sigue explorando las historias de personas de todo el mundo que tienen que abandonar sus hogares para escapar del peligro o del hambre. Deja que la historia de Esperanza y Pecas te enseñe sobre los millones de personas que se enfrentan a las mismas dificultades que esta madre cierva y su pequeño hijo enfrentan como refugiados.

How the Bay Was Saved

By Steve Gray

What can one little dolphin do to stop humans from littering and save the Chesapeake Bay? Join Donnie Dolphin on this exciting adventure as he formulates a plan with the help of a very wise seagull and his friends. Together, can they teach humans that polluting the bay is wrong?

I Can’t Wait till You Know

By Trey Little

What could be more inspiring than seeing the world once again through the eyes of a child? As parents, we can’t wait until our kids get to have some of the same experiences that we did growing up, especially when we can share them together. These pages follow a father and daughter on a journey through nature, using their senses to enjoy the sounds, smells, and sights of the beauty around them. There is anticipation for something new at every turn that will bring fresh joy to both the parent and the child as they make discoveries hand in hand.

If Puppies Had Backpacks

By Lyn Willy

If puppies had backpacks. . .what would they do? This charming board book is the perfect bedtime read for you and your little one.

Imperfectphil Is a Friend

By Sue Steinhardt

Hi! My name is Phil Basher, and I love life!

If you’re ever feeling down or starting to wonder what this journey is all about, read my stories. I promise to bring you all the happiness and joy I can pack into my giant puppy body. I won’t let you down because I’m perfect…I’m Perfect…imperfect. I’ll tell you more about this later.

Imperfect. Just. Like. You.

In book three which you are holding in your hands, you will learn what it means to be a friend.

Karis & Brook Stories: Lakeside Friends: A Story About Cancer

By A. B. Namy

Brook doesn’t know why his friend Joel can’t spend time with him at the lake, like they usually do. When he learns that the reason is Joel’s cancer diagnosis, he has even more questions. Thanks to some ants and his quick-thinking Mom, Brook comes to understand the situation in his own way, and he even comes up with a creative way to spend some lake time with Joel.

Using real-life analogies to explain complex circumstances, the Karis & Brook series seeks to assist adults in structuring conversations with children. By utilizing the principles of Encounter, Educate, and Encourage, these books facilitate memorable and lasting conversations that go beyond the pages of the story, while recognizing and inspiring others.

Nora’s Hockey Dream

By Ryan Minkoff

Nora has never attended or even played in a hockey game. When her parents take her to the Women’s Professional Hockey League Championship between the Booming Thunder and the hometown Wicked Waves, Nora discovers a newfound passion. However, chasing after her big hockey dream might be harder than she thinks.

Nora’s Hockey Dream is endorsed by Team Canada Captain and Hockey Night in Canada‘s Cassie Campbell-Pascall, USA Olympic Gold Medalist Hannah Brandt, and Minnesota Whitecaps Captain Winny Brodt-Brown. Minkoff’s passion for giving back to the game of hockey inspired him to pen his first children’s book. 

Olive and the Valentine’s Spell

By Helen Millman

Olive is a sweet elementary school boy who is afraid to go to school on Valentine’s Day. . .because he thinks he’ll have to get married! Olive’s mom joins in his fight to defeat the “princess of love,” but along the way he learns an even bigger lesson, discovering the true meaning of love.

Olive and the Valentine’s Spell is an inspiring children’s book for all ages that shines a humorous light on Valentine’s Day and overcoming your fears.

Pen Pal Gals: Friends Forever

By Julie Thiessen

Meet Reese and Addie—two girls, one great friendship.

It’s summer break! Reese is on her way to vacation at Camp Lake Shore with her family. When Reese meets a new friend, Addie, the two immediately connect and form a lasting friendship. Swimming, boating, laughing, and soaking up the sun are just a few highlights of their summer vacation. The girls become best friends. When their vacation comes to an end, Reese realizes she may never see Addie again. Determined to stay in touch forever, can Reese and Addie find a way to continue their friendship and share their adventures?

Recess Magic

By Bonny Spence Dieterich

We are kind every day and in every way.

On Greyson’s first day at a new school, his excitement turns to embarrassment when a classmate asks about his disability. At first, Greyson wants to hide. Then, he learns that sometimes, it takes courage to speak up. With his help, Greyson’s class learns that it’s important to understand new perspectives. And with kindness, empathy, and a little magic, a special friendship begins.

Self-Care with Ted and Friends

By Najma Khorrami

Ted and his friends invite you to join them on their journey of self-care! Watch Ted fly his kite, share lessons, and so much more. Self-care starts with this book!

Simply Samrina: Marvelously Mixed

By Shamim Rupani

Hi, I’m Samrina, and I’m proud to be a mixed kid—a child of two unique cultures and traditions. Even though other people make fun of me for being different, I know these differences make me, me. I’m proud to be marvelously mixed. Come meet my family!

Starr’s Wonderful Discovery

By Trey Jeffries

Starr is a loving, talented panda who finds happiness in her uniqueness. She shares her uniqueness every day with her family and friends in the forest. One special morning, she ventures out of her valley and discovers a lonely panda named Shine, who is sad and lonely because he has not yet learned to embrace his uniqueness. Can Starr help Shine find happiness in himself?

The Magical Path Leading to the Glass Bottom Boat

By Candice Zafran

Meet Prince Blake and Princess Brooklyn, a brother-sister pair who love going on adventures together. In this first installment of The Adventures of the Glass Bottom Boat series, join the siblings on a magical journey to their destination. Along the way, you’ll meet talking animals, discover hidden waterfalls, and walk through every color of the rainbow. Hurry now, the glass bottom boat is waiting!

The Truth about the Tooth

By Mistie Psaledas

Do you ever wonder what children all over the world do with their lost teeth? Or what tooth fairies actually look like?

In this delightful, educational book, tooth fairies reveal their secrets and share what happens to children’s lost teeth around the world. The Truth about the Tooth is a story about the diversity, creativity, and imagination of different tooth fairy legends—one from which the entire family can take inspiration.

Cookbooks

J.C. in the Kitchen

By John Contratti

Growing up, cooking and eating were ways to gather people together. With this cookbook, I hope to bring people back to the kitchen and the dining table to become close again. During hard times, we can find comfort in family and good food, and that is what I want to inspire in everyone who opens these pages.

Fiction 

Get Me Out of Here! Reflections of PD the Put-Upon Pug

By PD the Pug

More cookies than a Mrs. Fields’ warehouse, his own house constructed under the stairwell, too many toys to fit in his four beds, a veritable Life of Riley for dogs…yet PD the Pug is convinced that his life is a Ruff one, a life of penury, destitution, and want. He longs to be “OUT,” convinced that Out There is where happiness lies, where he can chase every squirrel, forage for more food than his pug belly can hold, and play until he passes out. But…does PD really have a lousy existence with Mommy? Or does he live the life of a Prince and is too silly and spoiled to know how good he has it? More important: Does PD find a way to escape Mommy and see what life on the outside truly is all about? Find out! Order Get Me Out Of Here! Reflections Of PD The Put-Upon Pug today!

Nonfiction 

 

Along For the Ride: Living My Fantasies as a Flight Attendant’s Husband

By C. J. Nicholas

From Europe to the Caribbean and back to the U.S.A., C. J. and Alejandra take you on their true and funny adventures of traveling the globe on standby and making the most out of their exploits. From traveling with severe food poisoning to their honeymoon destination, to listing their return flight plans in a marijuana bar in Amsterdam, to having an audience with the Pope in Italy—these are their stories.

How to Suck at Business Without Really Trying

By Marah Archer

As the World’s “Best” Boss puts it: I’ve never shied away from giving great advice— especially when free food or money is involved. Money is my lover, and boy, is she into bondage. I’ll show you how to master money’s rules to foreplay for navigating the business world. I’ll take you on a trip that teaches you all there is to know about starting a world-class business and to rubbing elbows (or even more) with the world’s elite.

Listen, I have an MBA from a top university (an American one, of course), no debt, millions in the bank, and an animation studio start-up that I can proudly say does a lot of stuff that I don’t quite understand. And that’s a good thing, because it keeps me focused on my money.

I’ll teach you how to run a business my way. A few of the things I’ll cover are:

• Human Resources

• Strategy

• Marketing & Business Development

• Leadership

• Tech & Big Data

I promise to give you a peek at my abundant life so that it drives you to be just as successful as I am. If you’re already a millionaire, you should pick up this book to validate what you already know to be true.

Legacy Culture

By Ronald Monack

Legacy Culture helps coaches establish their personal ethical values and bring themselves and their athletes in line with these goals. For any coach who desires to impact their athletes beyond the game they teach, this is their guide.

The Forbidden Fruit: A True Story of Sex, Drugs, and the Afterlife

By Tina Scott

My story is full of secrets. A twisted novel of my life’s journey—a failed marriage, death, sex, a touch of insanity, and an insatiable desire to believe there is a god. There are no more skeletons in my closet.

The Forbidden Fruit is a raw memoir told in an honest and resonating tone. It is the story of facing fears and finding ways to hurl through the unknown.

Young Adult 

Dr. Ford Freud: Skeletons Are Not Scary

By J. A. Ford

“So many questions. So many skeletons.”

Jered Barstow is only eight years old, but he’s burdened by serious concerns. Why does he suspect he’s being raised by people who aren’t his real parents? His family now seems preoccupied with skeletons. Paper Skeletons. Candy skeletons. Why so many skeletons? Skeletons are scary, right?

Subplot 

 

A Tangled Affair

By Anne C. Scardino

Clair Bondi makes the painful decision to divorce the only man she ever loved—Vince Bondi, her husband of twenty-five years. But Clair never gets the chance to tell Vince she is leaving him, because he is found fatally shot in his Porsche one night when driving home from his weekly tennis game. Haunted by his death, Clair is determined to help the Philadelphia police find the killer. Vince’s secret life, including an account in Turks and Caicos, forces Clair to realize that he wasn’t the man she thought he was. No longer the “good wife,” Clair’s strength and resilience take her from her darkest moment to a life unimagined—one with true love and purpose.

Sainted in Error

By Glenda Winders

What do you wear when you testify against your best friend as she goes on trial for murder?

As Maggie Patterson runs her hand over the clothes in her closet and muses about the prosaic details of preparing for a shockingly personal murder trial, she is catapulted into the memories that led her to this moment. Piece by piece, she assembles the fragments of her past to make sense of a violent crime, the echoes of which ripple through her recollections.

Maggie and Cynthia meet as college freshmen and are seemingly destined to be best friends for life. As the years pass, however, Maggie’s marriage and career lift her to success and wealth while Cynthia’s jealousy and untreated mental illness cause their relationship to disintegrate. As the stories of the two women’s lives unfold, Cynthia’s paranoia and anger sour every relationship she has and turn even the people who have loved her most against her, ultimately bubbling over into an event that Maggie never sees coming.

Not a murder mystery in the usual sense, and spanning time and space, Sainted in Error delves into the tenacity of friendship and the damage that the stigma still attached to mental illness can do.

The Art of Traveling Strangers

By Zoe Disigny

It’s the 1980s, and art historian Claire Markham reels from a series of heartbreaking losses. Desperate to escape her shattered reality, she becomes an art guide in Europe for quirky stranger Viv Chancey and embarks on a life-changing journey through the art-filled cities of Milan, Venice, Ravenna, Florence, Siena, Rome, and Paris.

Once abroad, Claire tries to hide her woes by focusing on Viv’s art education, but Viv—who is not who she seems—has a different learning experience in mind. Frustrated and wanting to reimagine her life, Claire embraces the idea of reality as illusion and finds herself slipping into the tales of art and history.

When threatened with one more crushing loss, Claire must learn from the spirit of her eccentric companion and the lessons from the art they encounter to take charge of her life or lose the most precious thing in it.

The Art of Traveling Strangers is a journey of self-discovery and personal empowerment inspired by the great art masterpieces of Italy and France. It’s a tale of female bonding and the amazing powers of perception. After all, reality, like art, is just an illusion.

 

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Subplot Publishing Feature: A Tangled Affair

(Posted on Tuesday, January 25, 2022)

Welcome to the first Subplot blog post! My name is Jess and I am an Acquisitions Director at Amplify Publishing Group. I started Subplot, a new imprint launched in 2021 dedicated to compelling and literary works of fiction, and we’re excited to announce that our first few titles are releasing in early 2022. Subplot (noun): a side story that runs parallel to the main plot.

As an Acquisitions Director, I review manuscripts for all of our imprints and make the ultimate decision on which titles have the right elements for Subplot. For each Subplot book, we will be releasing featured blog posts, some guest posts from the authors, and a few interviews to provide backstory to these wonderful projects. This new blog post is about one of our anticipating releases, A Tangled Affair.

How did the relationship with A Tangled Affair begin?

A Tangled Affair’s journey with Subplot started back in August of 2020. Upon my review of the title, not only did Anne C. Scardino’s author voice stick with me, but so did Clair’s perils. Normally I read the first few chapters to get a good sense of what the book entails, how the author sets up the plot, what are the characters like, etc. but Scardino’s writing looped me in so fervently that I had to stop myself from reading more so I could get other work done! Throughout that day, Clair’s journey clung to my mind and I itched to take a peek at what she was going to do once she uncovered Vince’s secret life. That is how I knew we had a Subplot book on our hands.

What is the book about?

In A Tangled Affair, Clair Bondi makes the painful decision to divorce the only man she ever loved—Vince Bondi, her husband of twenty-five years. But Clair never gets the chance to tell Vince she is leaving him, because he is found fatally shot in his Porsche one night when driving home from his weekly tennis game. Haunted by his death, Clair is determined to help the Philadelphia police find the killer. Vince’s secret life, including an account in Turks and Caicos, forces Clair to realize that he wasn’t the man she thought he was. No longer the “good wife,” Clair’s strength and resilience take her from her darkest moment to a life unimagined—one with true love and purpose.

What makes A Tangled Affair the right fit for Subplot?

Throughout the years, Amplify Publishing Group (formerly Mascot Books) saw an increase in strong, high-quality fiction titles. With the success of our imprint Amplify for business books, we knew that we wanted a fiction imprint where our titles would have a specific brand to them.  The ins and outs of Subplot were still piecing together when Scardino signed with us. As the book developed and the gorgeous cover design came to life, I knew A Tangled Affair absolutely had to be part of Subplot’s inaugural release. 

When thinking of what makes a good fiction book, there are two things that immediately come to mind: strong characters and intriguing plots. Readers don’t want to read the same story over and over again just told with different settings and vague characters. They should be drawn into these unique people—so much so that they feel they know them, care for them—and the plot should be the characters’ main accessory. 

Scardino does just that. Readers want Clair to find a happy ending. They mourn with her as she figures out where her life will lead after Vince’s death. They rejoice in how strong she gets as the novel moves along. The twists and surprises throughout leave the reader on the edge of their seat and the many dreamy settings, such as the cobbled streets of Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, and the glistening beaches of the Turks and Caicos, are wonderful elements. This title is sure to be one that readers finish in one night, which, in my opinion, is the highest compliment to an author. 

If you’re a fan of romance, mystery, and suspenseful dramas, A Tangled Affair has all the ingredients for your next favorite read. Order your copy at the Mascot bookstore here.

If Subplot sounds like the right fit for your fiction manuscript, send us a synopsis and the first three chapters at jess@mascotbooks.com.  

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The Inside Scoop to Getting Testimonials

(Posted on Tuesday, November 30, 2021)

Testimonials can be some of the first words a consumer reads when picking up a book. These book blurbs serve as a way for readers to get immediate access to a book’s praise directly on the front and back cover, rather than having to search for them online. But how do authors get these endorsements from noteworthy people?

Let’s go over why this praise can be helpful, what a good testimonial looks like, and how to even get them.

Relevance and Quality

There are many reasons why you should consider having testimonials, some of them being that they strengthen your author credibility and attract readers to your book’s plot or themes. 

This begins with the perceived influence of the reviewer. Even if the reviewer is not a household name, it’s crucial to make sure that they have industry experience. It always looks good to include a subheading or title after the person’s name to explain why they are relevant to this book. That means you’ll have to ensure that you are collecting testimonials from people that have real knowledge about their field and – this is critical – are able to communicate their thoughts concisely and creatively.

Some blurbs you receive from top authors or leaders might be bland or non-specific. While it may be great to hear from them, a successful testimonial is eye-catching and narrows in on particular aspects of the book that make it unique. The goal should always be quality over quantity. 

Cultivate contacts that know you personally and/or professionally and can speak to your work. Vague statements are not worth your book’s cover – you want specific feedback that speaks to real aspects of the book and has concrete rationales for why that particular person is offering their endorsement. Your book deserves the best possible quotes. To get them, you’ll want to pick people that are not only knowledgeable in their profession, but also eloquent and have the ability to express why something works. They have to be able to communicate that well to an audience. 

 

Brainstorming Questions

Who are your readers? Who influences them? 

What elements of your book are most important to you, and who in your field can speak to those specific topics?

What does your ideal testimonial sound like? What do you want audiences to take away from your book? This will help focus your queries and request for reviews/blurbs. 

 

Organization and Process

Coming up with a system for gathering testimonials is a large part of the process. Having a streamlined methodology will help you stay focused and will allow you to maintain the goals you have set for yourself. Check out the following tips to help you begin collating reviews and testimonials:

• Craft a short template query that you can send to prospective readers for their blurb or feedback, but make sure to leave room for a sentence or two that can be personalized. Sincere compliments go a long way. The template should explain explicitly that you are looking for a quote for the book, what you hope to accomplish, and, if the person does not know you personally, introduce yourself briefly but substantively. 

• Depending on the volume of queries you intend to disseminate, maintain a spreadsheet that keeps track of the names you are reaching out to and the status of their decision(s). In general, it’s best to spread your net wide, as you will not get responses from everyone. (The net should not be so wide, though, that you begin to move away from the focus of the book.)

• Establish deadlines for yourself and for your reviewer. 

• Make sure that the system is as user-friendly as possible for the person you are requesting a testimonial from; send the book to them in whichever format they like, and try to accommodate their needs.

 

Elements of a Memorable Testimonial 

Any testimonial should tell the reader how they will benefit from the book, but being able to illuminate that in a way that pops is a golden ticket to a top-notch testimonial. 

Short and succinct blurbs are the best, but don’t be afraid to seek one that’s a bit longer. Having the reviewer explain what they learned is always a good starting point. It is always important to find a balance between substance and style. You want a reader to see a testimonial and actually get information from it, rather than just absorb a glowing review that may be sycophantic in nature.

 

Brainstorming Questions for the Reviewer 

What are some particular pieces of information that they learned, and how relevant are they to the book as a whole? Do they match the themes?

How was the information in the book conveyed, and what makes it different from other books on the market?

 

Strong Examples

Contains specific remarks about the book and/or language that is visual or surprising

• “Ignore this book at your own peril.” -Seth Godin, Rework
• “For those of us who didn’t pursue MBAs – and have the penny-ante salaries to prove it – Sorkin’s book offers a clear, cogent explanation of what happened and why it matters. -Julia Keller, Too Big to Fail 
• “Lean In is an inauguration rather than a last word…” -Anna Holmes / “What Sandberg offers is a view that shows twenty-somethings that choices and tradeoffs surely exist, but that the ‘old normal’ of blunting ambition so that can fit in one category or another does not have to be the way it is.” -Gayle Tzemach, Lean In

Weak Examples

Lack of specificity, personalization, snappy wordplay

• “This was an inspiring book full of great advice and tips on how to succeed.”
• “A must-have book for all managers and businesspeople.”
• “The best book I’ve read all year!”

With these tips in mind, what are you waiting for? It’s time to go get those well-crafted testimonials! Let us know how it goes by contacting us at info@mascotbooks.com or tagging us on social media @Mascotbooks:

 

Facebook   

LinkedIn   

Instagram  

Twitter

 

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5 Ideas to Sell Your Books Fast

(Posted on Tuesday, August 17, 2021)

You’re ready to sell all your books in our warehouse as fast as possible, but you’re in a marketing rut. It happens to all of us, especially when it’s been a few years since the book’s release. But don’t fret because we laid out five marketing strategies to get you back on track! 

Read more below on relaunching your book, getting your audience excited, and selling the last of your copies in no time.

A Sale!

What better way to grab someone’s attention than a sale? Through your Mascot marketing contact, you can set up a promotional discount on your Mascot listing for whatever percentage and time frame you’d like (we usually recommend anywhere between 10 and 25%)! This can be something you activate for a particular holiday or for a reason related to your book (ex. if your book is about rescue dogs, you can start a sale for National Rescue Dog Day). It could be something as simple as starting a sale for the start of fall. Either way, everyone loves a good sale. Build some excitement on your social media platforms and in your community, and get consumers ready to type in the promo code when the sale has begun! 

Amazon Ad Campaign

Purchase an ad that we’ll run for you! The Amazon-sponsored product advertising campaign is an effective digital marketing tool to generate Amazon sales and drive traffic to your listing. A Mascot marketing person would list keywords on the backend of Amazon that relates to your book’s content and themes. We try to think of the phrases that consumers are typing into the search bar. For example, if your book teaches children to accept everyone’s differences, we’ll add keywords and phrases like “children’s books promoting acceptance” or “picture books with diversity.” Once it’s activated, the ad will bid with other ads to appear on a consumer’s screen!

Media Spotlight

Try re-launching your book in the news, even if it’s been a few years! Tying your book in with hot topics in the media can be a successful game plan to getting your book out there again. Compile a list of local media outlets, or outlets that fit your book’s audience, and reach out to them with a persuasive pitch. One of our authors has been a big hit in the news. In the last year, as much of the national conversation has been swirling around children getting the COVID-19 vaccine, Mascot Author Kat Picarde has appeared on major outlets telling parents how her book The Little Ouch can help children overcome the fear of shots.

If you can find anything in your book that can connect to current events, go for it! It can be as easy as telling outlets how your book is perfect for back-to-school. 

Pitch, again!

Pitch your book again to schools, organizations, reviewers, and bookstores. Sometimes it’s about emailing the right person at the right time, and completing another round of pitching can increase your odds of a response. Like with media outlets, find a way to make your book relevant again. Why is it especially important for children or your target audience? Why is it a must-read today? Why should a bookstore shelf it? Give it another shot, and see what happens. Approach these locations directly if needed!

Wear Your Book

Don’t just sell your book; BE your book! Think about ordering t-shirts, hats, canvas bags, pins, stickers, or any kind of gear that you can wear when you’re out and about. We can even design bookmarks and postcards for you to always have on hand. People WILL stop and ask questions! This is a fun word-of-mouth marketing technique to meet new people, talk about your book, and get some sales.

And although we’ve hit five ideas already, there’s one more thing you should always make sure to do: keep up with your social media channels. Stay on the minds of your readers by posting consistently and engaging with your followers. 

If you have any tips or questions for us, ask and tell us on social media by tagging @Mascotbooks on:

Facebook   

LinkedIn   

Instagram  

Twitter

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June Featured Title: East of Hell

(Posted on Wednesday, June 23, 2021)

Our June featured title is East of Hell by Whiskey Emerson!

Maintaining a five-star Amazon rating, Whiskey’s sequel continues the story of Thomas, a man who is seeking vengeance against a powerful organization after discovering that his mother’s death was not the accident it appeared to be. Taking place one hundred and fifty years ago in New York City, Thomas, Madame (his distant guardian) and the rest of her renegades have yet to discover who their true enemy is, or rather, which threat must be dealt with first. With everything at stake, alliances are tested. Trust is broken. And war is on the horizon. 

We interviewed Whiskey about her intricate plot, the research required for historical fiction, how long a book should be, and more!

East of Hell follows an elaborate and suspenseful storyline. How did you come up with the plot?

When I originally began composing West of Hell, my aim was to write a novel about a 19th-century hitman with a conscience; however, slowly over time, the story built into a spiderweb that stretches far beyond just Thomas’s battle for vengeance. Every character in this series has their own journey, their own demons to overcome, and their own deep connections to one another. While West of Hell might be the origin story of this trilogy, East of Hell is when we truly see our cast of renegades come into their own, and rather than limit the scope of where the novel could go, I did the opposite. I followed every thread in the web to paint a picture of a world that needs multiple unique and diverse perspectives to truly bring the colors to life. 

And that creates a very, very elaborate plot.

Your new book is the much-anticipated sequel to West of Hell. When did you realize this story goes beyond one book?

There was a moment when I finished Part I of West of Hell when I was able to grasp that the story was far bigger than I originally anticipated. So rather than worry, I let my imagination run with it. Within a week, I had a basic outline for the trilogy, and while daunting to undertake the task of writing three 800-page novels, I knew I wouldn’t rest easy until the trilogy was complete.

Both West of Hell and East of Hell are over 800 pages, but most Amazon reviewers said they couldn’t put it down. One said “…don’t be intimidated by the page count. There is never a dull moment…Probably one of the best historical fiction novels I have read in ages.” How do you keep readers engaged with a longer book? How do you know what is the perfect page count for a story, not making it too short or too long?

Every writer has their own vision of the story they want to tell, and while sometimes it does need either expanding or trimming down, I don’t think page count matters when it comes to a damn good story. I have read ten-page shorts which leave me speechless, goosebumps running down my arms, feeling captivated and enthralled. I have also read 2,000-page epics that pull the reader in and slowly build up a world they never dreamed of, providing deep emotional connections to characters, and thus giving them the opportunity to invest their heart and soul in their imaginations. 

Almost every rejection letter I received from agents while trying to initially publish West of Hell was due to the magnitude of book size and page count. I kept every rejection letter during that year of outreach, and from time to time, I read through them and am relieved I didn’t listen. If I had, this novel wouldn’t be half as good as it is today, even if it would then both literally and figuratively fit the ‘mold’ of what agents are looking for. Go with your gut. Trust the story. 

East of Hell is an action-packed historical fiction novel taking place one hundred and fifty years ago in New York City. What research did you have to do for the historical background? What made you choose New York City and the time period?

Before I began writing, I spent about six months learning everything I could about New York City during this time period and became absolutely fascinated. My research covered an immense amount of ground: political corruption, gangs, immigration, the Vanderbilt’s, insane asylums, Tammany Hall, Chinatown, steamships, Civil War artillery, the history of brothels, opium addiction, and the list goes on and on. Why did I choose it? To be honest, I can’t be sure, other than being quite the history nerd and feeling wholly ignorant of what the latter part of the 19th century was like in America. And it was quite the education.

What would be your advice for people who want to write a historical fiction novel or a series?

Take the time to do your research – the details go a lot further than you initially perceive. Still, remember it is also fiction, and to have a little fun with it. History offers a great starting point, as well as endless tools in your toolbelt for constructing a world, but at the end of the day, try not to let it inhibit your plot or character development. You are in the driver’s seat; feel free to explore!

Can we expect a third book or any more books from you in the future?

I took a small break during the 18 months of the pandemic and wrote a sci-fi novel titled Rationem, which I’m hoping to have released by the end of the year or in early 2022. The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world following the ravages of a global pandemic, wherein a small fraction of women battle for survival against rogue army units, cannibals, and other tribes of warring humans in what is left of their town of Bend, Oregon. It is a super fun ride, which proved to be a great outlet during the waves of COVID-19. As far as the third book in the West of Hell trilogy, you can expect South of Hell to be complete and in your hands by Fall 2023.

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Commemorating our Women Authors

(Posted on Wednesday, March 10, 2021)

Happy Women’s History Month! March is the month to honor the achievements of women, educate people on women’s equality, and shine a spotlight on women’s history. We admire and appreciate all of the women authors that we’ve worked with, and wanted to feature some of their books that highlight women’s issues, empower women and girls, and feature strong women characters. Thank you for your inspiration and ability to make positive changes through publishing!

Aspire!

By Patty York Raymond

About the Book

Join Jessica on her exciting weekend adventures. Witness some of the possibilities for her promising future as her mother reaffirms her daughter’s positive character traits. “You’re brilliant! You’re inquisitive! You’re strong!” says her mom. Observe Jessica’s growing sense of autonomy and self-empowerment while she explores a variety of careers and occupations.

About the Author

Patty York Raymond is a multi-award winning children’s book author and native Texan. Patty earned her M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Houston as well as an Educational Administration & Supervision certificate from Texas A&M International University in Laredo. She is best known for writing children’s picture books with rich language that incorporate music and movement and celebrate family and heritage. It’s Too Windy! and The ABCs to Ranching—along with their corresponding original theme songs, “That’s What My Grandma Said” and “Take Me To The Ranch,”—have received state and international acclaim. In addition to her published works for children, Patty contributed the poem, “We Are Sisters” featured in the Poets Facing The Wall anthology by The Raving Press in 2018.

Patty York Raymond has enjoyed working with children, families, and educators as a social worker, bilingual teacher, and administrator. She especially enjoys visiting elementary schools throughout Texas and beyond, sharing her stories and encouraging students to read and write.

She and her family reside in South Texas where she is an independent education consultant as well as owner/director of Abrazo Case Management Services for Children and Pregnant Women. Visit Patty at pattyraymondbooks.com. She can also be contacted for school visits and presentations at pattyraymondbooks@gmail.com or at patriciaraymondconsultant.webs.com.

Girl Strong!

By Megan Touchton

About the Book

With the light of your heart, you’re determined to soar.

Your inner strength will guide you across every mountain and shore.

Written in honor of strong girls everywhere, Girl Strong! reminds us all that girls are resilient, intelligent, and independent, and that true strength comes from within.

About the Author

Megan’s life is full of love! Love for her children, her family, and for writing. She lives in the foothills of Colorado—often drawing inspiration from nature and her two daughters—and has always dreamed of writing books. Prior to pursuing her life as an author, Megan graduated magna cum laude from the University of Colorado Boulder with a double degree in business administration and human communication. Megan completed a double major of finance and marketing with her degree in business administration, and wrote and defended an honors thesis in interpersonal communication.

She then went on to become a globetrotting corporate trainer and work in the natural foods industry. She even worked in fashion as a sales manager and makeup artist before eventually taking off time to raise her two daughters. Megan returned to her first passion—writing— in 2017 and hopes to share love, light, and compassion with all of her readers, whether they are young, young at heart, or old souls.

untold: defining moments of the uprooted

Edited By Gabrielle Deonath and Kamini Ramdeen

About the Editors

GABRIELLE DEONATH is a Guyanese-American writer, editor, and content creator based in New York. She hopes to give voice to those without a platform and promote authentic representations of minorities and marginalized communities through storytelling. Her writing has appeared in publications including SISTERS Magazine, the Muslim Creative Writers Network anthology Survival of the Hardworking, VirtualMosque.com, and Brown Girl Magazine, where she has also served as an assistant editor for the Indo-Caribbean and political teams. Read more of her work at www.hijabdiaries.com.

KAMINI RAMDEEN is a Guyanese-American editor, graphic design artist, photographer, and small business owner based in New York City. She previously managed editorial teams at Brown Girl Magazine, where she led political and Indo-Caribbean coverage. She is the founder of Paulo Grand, a streetwear apparel company that seeks to create awareness and spark conversations about the first-generation American identity and its many intricacies.

About the Book

untold: defining moments of the uprooted is a collection of real stories that explores the South Asian experience in the U.S., U.K., and Canada through the lens of identity, being, and relationships. Thirty-two emerging voices share deeply personal moments relating to immigration, infertility, divorce, mental health, suicide, sexual orientation, gender identity, racism, colorism, casteism, religion, and much more, all while balancing the push and pull of belonging to two cultural hemispheres. Every story sheds light on the authentic truths of living as womxn with hyphenated identities that have only been whispered – until now.

Revolutionary Girls

By Toriè J. Anderson

About the Book

Why be ordinary when you can be REVOLUTIONARY?

About the Author

Toriè J. Anderson is a native Detroitor, urban educator, writer, literacy advocate, and activist. She holds a Bachelor of Science in English Language Literature and Writing, a Master of Arts in Education, and a Master of Education in Literacy Studies. Needless to say, she is well over her head in student loan debts, like most Americans her age.

Toriè currently teaches 11th grade English for the Detroit Public Schools Community District, where every day she stands in front of a classroom of 25-35 students and encourages them to:

“Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy,” courtesy of the trillest* teacher she’s ever known, Ms. Frizzle. When she’s not teaching, reading, writing, or procrastinating, she can be found spending time with her furry children: her cat, Egypt, and her dog, Tinkerbell. Together, they enjoy taking well-deserved naps.

You can follow her on Instagram at: @torie_torie_torie_ and @teachingittrill. For more information and to contact Toriè, visit teachingittrill.com. 

My Hair Went on Vacation

By Paula Quinn

About the Book

This story is about Rosie, who lives in Chicago.
Within three weeks she lost all of her hair and asked, “Where did it go?”
Rosie loved to rock the bald, without even skipping a beat.
She happily wore sunscreen—not even a hat!—in the summer heat.
At bedtime, Rosie would tell her own stories with a smile on her face.
She’d imagine her hair going on magical adventures all over the place.
From a young age, Rosie loved herself and was not phased by her look,
So her mother decided to share her spirit to teach others through this book.
Come on this adventure with a confident bald girl,
Who tells us ”Bald is beautiful!” as she smiles with a twirl.
We hope this book can inspire you to love others as they are,
And to love yourself every day, whether your hair is near or far.

About the Author

Paula and Rosie Quinn are the founders of Coming Up Rosies, a nonprofit dedicated to fulfilling Rosie’s dream to make bald kids like her smile confidently. At two years old, Rosie was diagnosed with Alopecia Universalis, an incurable autoimmune disease that results in baldness. From a young age, Rosie taught her parents how to embrace her difference by coming up with magical adventures of her hair each night before bed.

Despite Rosie’s confidence, awkward questions and comments about her baldness started to bother Rosie. One day, her parents surprised her with a headscarf made from one of her paintings. Rosie immediately felt confident again, and wanted to share this feeling of pride with all bald children. Rosie lives in Chicago with her sister Caroline, her parents Paula and Larry, and their bernedoodle, Enzo. As a family, they love to go to Cubs games, have dance parties, and cook Italian dinners at home.

Voices of LGBTQ+: A Conversation Starter for Understanding, Supporting, and Protecting Gay, Bi, Trans, and Queer People

By Lynda Wolters

About the Book

Why do so many in our modern society reject those who are different?

Though the mainstream acceptance of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, and Queer community has made leaps and bounds over the past few years, many pivotal groups within our modern society still respond to the LGBTQ+ community with an overwhelming, knee-jerk reaction of “us” vs. “them.” Despite the progress that has been made, misunderstanding, hatred, animosity, aggression, and violence still affect this community on a deep level. Lynda Wolters knows firsthand: a strong ally, she has come to know, understand, and have a deep respect for the community through her son, who is gay.

Including highly personal, real-world anecdotes, Voices of LGBTQ+ helps outline some of the most critical challenges the community faces today, with topical insights into:

• Homelessness

• Hate crimes

• Suicide

• Economic challenges

• Discrimination and lack of equality

• Religious and biblical conflicts

Though judgment and divisiveness still run deep in our society, Wolters highlights the first key distinction, among many others, that will help eradicate bigotry: those who are different are not choosing to be, they simply are, and it’s our differences that make us stronger. Voices of LGBTQ+ helps educate, dispel fears, and start positive conversations about what knowing, loving, or simply peacefully and positively coexisting with someone in the LGBTQ+ community really means. After all, there is no “us” vs. “them.” We are all human.

About the Author

Lynda was born and raised in a tiny farming community of four hundred in northern Idaho, where she worked on the family farm. After high school, she traveled to New York to be a nanny for a few months before moving to Las Vegas to further her education. She moved back home to Idaho to raise her three sons while working in the legal field, a career that spanned over thirty years.

Watching her gay son navigate the LGBTQ+ community and the world in general, Lynda recognized a need to educate others—through a parent’s eye—on what LGBTQ+ people endure that others are immune or ignorant to simply because of gender identity or sexual orientation.

Lynda lives in Fort Collins, Colorado, with her husband and long-haired dachshund, Tucker “Bug,” where she spends her days writing and volunteering. Voices of LGBTQ+ is the second in the Voices Book Series, following the successful Voices of Cancer.

Becca’s Feat on Feet

By Becca Pizzi

About the Book

Becca has been running since she was just six years old. She ran her first race with her dad by her side—and she’s never stopped. After years of competitive racing, including over a decade of Boston Marathons, she decides that it’s time to raise the bar and run in one of the toughest races on the globe: the World Marathon Challenge.

Seven marathons.

Seven continents.

Seven days.

Running in this challenge will push Becca to her limits—and beyond. From icy terrains to hot desert climates, Becca must brave the elements and run faster and harder than she ever has before. Will she be the first American woman to win? Join Becca on this incredible, odds-defying adventure that shows everyone just how much they can accomplish with hard work and dedication. 

About the Author

Becca grew up in Belmont, Massachusetts, where she lives with her husband, Joe, and her daughter, Taylor. She graduated from Belmont High School in 1998. She loves the Belmont community and credits her success to Belmont for inspiring her to do her best. She has completed the World Majors. The Boston Marathon is her favorite marathon, and she has run it sixteen times! Becca is on track to complete a marathon in all fifty states. She is most passionate about directing the Becca Pizzi 5k race in Belmont, and loves seeing her community come together to support Belmont High School athletes. 

Good to Be Me

By Jessica Parham

About the Book

Good to be Me celebrates our differences and gives parents the opportunity to have an open conversation with their kids about disabilities, race, body types, and more.

About the Author

Jessica Parham lives in her hometown of Richmond, Virginia with her husband, Andrew, and their three amazing kids. Her daughters and son inspire her every day to write fun kids’ books. When Jessica isn’t working on her newest original story, she loves baking (sourdough, anyone?), spending time with her family and friends (especially hosting at home!), and enjoying the beach (no matter the season).

Birdie Can, Too!

By Malaika Underwood

About the Book

Author Malaika Underwood was the first girl to play high school baseball in San Diego, California, and has been a member of the USA Baseball Women’s National Team since 2006. She lives in Atlantic Beach, Florida, with her husband and two amazing daughters.

Anika Orrock is an award-winning illustrator, designer, and author of The Incredible Women of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

Anna Incognito

By Laura Preble

About the Book

“Lots of narrative pull…wonderfully complicated.”

–Jincy Willett, author of The Writing Class, and anthologized by David Sedaris in Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules

Anna Colin Beck knows all too well what can happen when things go wrong—really wrong. So, she’s spent the last several years living an extremely regimented life at home, doing everything she can to avoid subjecting herself to the torments of a germ-infested world. Everything must be just so, and when things don’t go to plan, she punishes her own body…and that still hasn’t helped alleviate her pain.

After a chance meeting in a laundromat, she finds herself completely infatuated with another person, something that hasn’t happened to her in a long time. Dr. Edward Denture is seemingly brilliant and magnetic…and in the blink of an eye, she’s attending intense somatic therapy sessions as his newest client. The more he draws from her, the further their relationship grows, until it’s crossed countless lines and consumed Anna with a fierce toxicity. And before she knows it, she finds herself buckled into the driver’s seat of a powder-blue El Dorado for a solo cross-country road trip, determined to stop his wedding. It’s a trip that will test every limitation she’s ever set for herself, and though she’s planned extensively for all contingencies, there are some twists and turns you just can’t prepare for.

With wry observations on the intersection of luck, fate, and life, Anna Incognito is a searing, darkly witty exploration of what it means to be alive.

About the Author

LAURA PREBLE is the award-winning author of the young adult series Queen Geek Social Club (Penguin/Berkley Jam), which includes the novels Queen Geeks in Love and Prom Queen Geeks. Her novel, Out, deals with the concept of LGBTQ rights within a young adult dystopia; Alex Sanchez, author of Rainbow Boys, says, “Out explores an intriguing, mind-bending, and challenging portrait of an upside-down world that turns the tables on homophobia, acceptance, and love.” She has won a Kurt Vonnegut Fiction Prize, and has been published in North American Review, Writer’s Digest, Hysteria, and NEA Today.

 

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From One Author to Another on Writing a Trilogy

(Posted on Tuesday, January 26, 2021)

Ashley Harrison is days away from releasing her second book in her highly-anticipated young adult trilogy, The Secret War of Coexistence. Therefore, we thought we’d let her take the mic. Read Ashley’s step-by-step on how to write a captivating trilogy: 

You’ve just written your first book and couldn’t be happier. The only problem is, you have to write two more in order to continue with this story! The thought of writing a trilogy can be overbearing, but you have to be able to focus the millions of thoughts flowing through your mind and form them neatly into the world you strive to create. So, let’s go over some tips on how to start your journey with writing a trilogy!

 

Step One: Have an Idea!

Probably seems obvious, but let’s unpack this more. It’s not enough to just say you want to write a book, let alone three books. You need to know EXACTLY what kind of story you want to create. Who is the main character and what are they like? What kind of world do they live in? What is the main plot? What kind of journey will they be going on? How will the story end? These are all things you should think of before you do anything else. Know the foundation of your novel, and let the other details fall in place.

 

Step Two: Outlines and Notes are your best friend!

Some authors may be able to just start writing from the very first chapter and keep going from there, but if you’re a new author with no writing experience like I was, you can easily get steered off track and get lost. This is where creating an outline of your book will come in handy! Simply creating a chronological list of events and main plot twists that will occur in the book will help you see where you want your story to go, and as mentioned before, you can add in those details once you start writing and change things along the way as needed. One additional list I created was a list of each character in my book(s) and all of their features; eye color, hair color, age, etc. It can be easy to forget what some of your characters look like, especially if you’re writing a series. Keep your memory fresh!

 

Step Three: Understand Your Character’s Personalities

One of the most fun parts about reading a book is seeing how characters can change throughout the story. This doesn’t mean that they have to be completely different, but more that your characters have some kind of growth or go through a challenge that forces them to make certain decisions that will later dictate how everyone else reacts and how it will impact the storyline. In my own writing, I based two characters off of myself: one is reserved and a little cynical, the other very outgoing and friendly. I’ve also used people from my real-life encounters to help me write supporting characters. Having real-life interactions and translating them into your characters is one of the best ways to help you create their personality and relationship with other characters. The more real you can make your characters react, the better your readers will be able to connect to the story.

 

Step Four: It’s Your Story, Do Whatever You Want!

Let’s be honest. We’ve all probably read a book and something happens along the way that makes you go from happy to sad or angry, and you think, “Why would the author do that? Everything was going so well!” The answer is, well, because they’re the author and they can do whatever they want, and so can you! If you want a character to go through something tragic because you want their personality to shift or develop in a certain way, then by all means, bring it on! If you want your character to be a complete jerk and burn all their bridges because later on they will need to repair those bridges to become the final product you envisioned, go for it. You can’t be scared of making readers angry or hurting their feelings. You should strive to take your readers on a rollercoaster of emotions and make them react in different ways. Life isn’t perfect all the time, and the story in your novel doesn’t have to be either!

I hope these tips helped you. Just remember, before you were an author, you were a reader and always will be. Remember how you felt with your favorite book, and strive to recreate that feeling in your own writing. Keep your thoughts organized, and take your story one word at a time. Best of luck to you all!

 

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January Featured Title: Divorce Pool

(Posted on Tuesday, January 12, 2021)

Our January featured title is Divorce Pool by Philip Buckman!

Divorce Pool is about four middle-aged friends scattered across the American Southwest who search for new connections in the bustling madness of adulthood. They want more than what a standard landline call has to offer. So, they meet once a year to play a game of their making; a game that will test their loyalty to one another as they navigate a world of jealousy, revenge, and celebrity.

We chatted with Philip about the best times to write, making a character come alive in a reader’s mind, creating a dystopia, and more!

Divorce Pool is your first book! What advice do you have for first-time authors? How can authors prepare for the publishing process?

Get used to having several versions of your project. Trust in the editorial process. I had the benefit of working with Anita at Mascot, and her guidance helped make a better book and a better author. Above all, be patient with all of the moving parts.

This book has a very unique plot. So tell us, how did you come up with it? What inspired this plot or the themes of this book? 

I had several ideas fighting for attention in my mind. One idea came from a summer of many weddings among friends and family. I had an unsavory conversation with someone about placing bets on the couples that we thought would get divorced first. Looking back, it sounds quite insensitive, but I have to acknowledge the thought as inspiration. I figured it would be funny to craft a similar game involving celebrity couples.  

Two other competing, yet complementary, themes were also part of my inspiration. I wanted to build an alternate America that used a year value system other than AD, or Anno Domini, the system that we are used to. I also felt the undeniable urge to speak out on how I felt about Trumpism, without actually having to say the man’s name.

What was your writing schedule like for your fiction novel? Did you ever have writer’s block? 

I have been lucky in avoiding writer’s block, for the most part. I did find some difficulty in reserving time for the process. After trying to make specific times for writing, I gave up on making a rigid schedule. At first, I would set aside a few hours, brew that perfect cup of coffee, and play some instrumental album to spark creativity. The effort registered as a workload in my mind. It associated writing with a career. Instead, I thrive writing at inconvenient times: between the tooth fairy visit and planning sixth-grade ratios lessons. That’s where the magic happens, at least for me. 

There are four very different main characters in your book. What are the essential elements of writing interesting, comprehensive characters? In other words, how do you make a character come alive in a reader’s mind?

It is crucial to lean on dialogue, to bring out those character flaws and merits. Also, write what you know. When I’m trying to create an authentic perspective, it helps to put a little bit of myself in each character. In Divorce Pool, Muhammad is a GI (gastrointestinal) nurse, which rings of my personal experience in endoscopy. Likewise, Clea is dealing with parental visitation, child support, and the general headaches of divorce. Again, I borrowed from my own personal experiences. Technical language, slang, and demeanor can seem really organic when you trust in the authority of experience.

As an avid fan of science fiction, it’s only natural that your book has an alternative universe. When creating fictionalized worlds, does it require scientific research or is it more imaginative? More generally, how do you create a dystopia?

To me, the magic of creativity and the rigidity of science are forces that occupy the same space in the imagination. On one hand, it is liberating to be imaginative and unabashedly poetic;  to fully disregard the demands of research and peer review. This was the case for the creation of Divorce Pool. The alternate timeline truly gave me free license to ignore reality.  

That being said, I truly despise the current aversion to scientific fact. Most likely, it’s a fear of the heavy lifting required to understand the world around us. To some, that approach is boring. I believe that literature can play a role in ailing this general distrust of science. That hard, technical speak, needed to craft the believable dystopias of Asimov or Clarke, can be helpful at times. The dystopia is better described with such language. My current project, which features abdominal surgery as a main theme,  requires plenty of research and correlation of ideas. I am really enjoying the process. 

In Divorce Pool, which I  wrote throughout 2018, I ended up painting a very prophetic picture. That dystopia presented a few familiar themes: a worldwide pandemic, social unrest due to racial injustice, an autocrat who is muscling his way into a second, third, and even fourth term. I didn’t speak to a burning bush or anything! I just turned the volume up on the actual mini-dystopia of American life. There is plenty of weird to go around. Your hellish world, whatever it becomes, should incorporate the questions and moral dilemmas that we posit in our real lives.

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5 Social Media Tips to Meet Your Marketing Goals

(Posted on Wednesday, November 25, 2020)

When it comes to scrolling through social media, you’re a pro. But using social media to promote your book is a different story. Social media is a beautiful thing, but it can be difficult to know where to start when promoting your book. We listed some tips to help get you on the path to achieving your social media and marketing goals.

Know when and how much to post

Your visibility can be just as important as perfecting your content. Posting every few minutes isn’t going to get you more followers or make your current followers any happier. Most studies suggest posting once a day on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. However, fear not, because Facebook and Instagram have “stories” that give you the option to go live or post visuals. With stories, there is no limit to posting. People actually like to click through stories, no matter how many there are. Twitter is also a place where you can go crazy and post as much as you want without affecting your visibility. 

The timing of your post is also important for visibility. You won’t get your optimal crowd at 7 a.m. on a Saturday. Stick to the business week and hours to avoid 1) your post disappearing into the void of other posts and 2) your post going unseen while people are not on their phones. 

The last point to knowing how much to post is not about timing but rather about word count.  Long-form posts are in nobody’s favor, especially considering our 8-second attention spans. Be concise with every post and remove any redundant or unnecessary word, especially for Instagram captions. If you have more to say, LinkedIn is the only channel that really encourages long-form content. But hey, this could also be your opportunity to create a blog, which you can link to on your social media.

The apple of a follower’s eye

Perhaps even more important than content is the visual component of your post. People are more likely to stop scrolling upon seeing an appealing visual than a bunch of words. So give them both! Hook them with the visual and reel them in for the words. That said, if you can, try to include some kind of image with every post. 

And to do this, there’s no website you’ll love more than Canva. Canva is an easy, free platform where you can design anything in just seconds. And we mean anything— business cards, posters, flyers, presentations, cards, and social media images (and more). As you design, you can create backgrounds, upload images, add text, music, videos, and stickers. Canva also provides a range of different design sizes, including Instagram and Facebook posts.

Choose your favorite platform or love all of them differently

Remember, all social media channels serve different purposes and audiences. If you can’t keep up with them all, don’t! You don’t need them all. Focus on the channel that best fits your audience. If your book is more for professionals and takes a more serious tone, give your rose to LinkedIn. If you’re promoting a Young Adult book, Instagram is where you’ll find teenagers avoiding their homework. And lastly, if your book is for children, we know that parents love Facebook.

Each social media also has its own style of writing. The scale of most to least formal goes: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and then Twitter. Abbreviations, humor, and slang are fun for Twitter, but not very appropriate for LinkedIn. Alter your posts depending or choose one wisely!

Interaction is a two-way street

Don’t expect your followers to engage with your posts if you don’t have their backs too! Comment and like your follower’s posts as much as you can. If you don’t follow them back, respond to any of their comments or direct messages. Get a conversation going by asking questions and posting polls. Let your readers know how much you value them and want to interact with them. It’s a treat for both the reader and the author when they can communicate with each other. 

All about the analytics (not as scary as it sounds) 

Every so often, check your past posts and see which ones worked and which didn’t. Which are getting the most likes and responses and which are getting the least? Why? What did your visual look like (i.e., was it too busy)? How long was your post? Did you overload it with hashtags and tags? What time and day did you post it? 

You don’t want to waste your time creating posts that aren’t engaging your followers. Follow other authors and investigate how and why their posts are succeeding (or not). Do some detective work (and yes, that includes some snooping).

There are endless ways to improve your social channels but there is no better place to spend your time promoting your book. If you’re creative, genuine, and dedicated, you’re bound to succeed.

Want more suggestions? Head over to our previous blog to reach thousands of potential readers all over the world. Let us know if you have any other tips at @MascotBooks on:

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July Featured Title: Stillwater

(Posted on Thursday, July 16, 2020)

Our July featured title is Stillwater 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 story set in an idyllic village in upstate New York in the 1950s. Stillwater is the perfect summer read. Though written for young adults, the book also appeals to adult readers. Stillwater doesn’t hold back from important topics; it deals with mental illness and the devastating effects that it causes for the person, their family and friends. The protagonist, twelve- year-old Grace,  and her two best friends cope with these challenges during one hot summer filled with surprises, heartache, and fun under the watchful eyes of the townspeople. 

We asked author Mary Jo some questions about her writing process, inspiration, and more! 

A central theme in Stillwater is mental health awareness. Why do you believe that encouraging discussion around mental health in children and young adults is so important?
Discussions about mental health save lives. The suicide rate among children and young adults has skyrocketed. According to the Center for Disease Control, from 2007 to 2017 the suicide rate of 10 to 14-year-olds, the youngest group, almost tripled. According to the 2019 statistics from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 15-34. Nearly 90 percent of the people who died by suicide had a diagnosable mental health condition when they took their lives. Encouraging children and young adults to share their feelings and concerns is helpful. Honest and direct communication can prevent suicides.

The setting of Stillwater is rich and atmospheric. How did the town of Stillwater come to be? 
I grew up in Stillwater—a small town on the Hudson River in upstate New York. Historically, Stillwater was the site of the Battle of Saratoga in 1777, which took place in the northern part of the town during the Revolutionary War. It was a factory town at one time with factories lining the river banks, but over the years most of the factories burnt down.

Stillwater is available for purchase now! To learn more about Mary Jo, visit https://maryjo-hazard.squarespace.com/ 

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