Announcing Our Next Chapter
(Posted on Tuesday, August 9, 2022)
We’re thrilled to announce the next chapter of Amplify Publishing’s story: for the first time, our six imprints have been brought under the umbrella of Amplify Publishing Group (APG). With this rebrand comes fantastic additions to our leadership team, a comprehensive new website dedicated to the APG mission, and upcoming initiatives that further our commitment to providing the best author services in the industry.
Joining our board as chairman is Josh Linkner. Linkner is the founder and CEO of five tech companies, an internationally recognized expert on innovation, a New York Times bestselling author, and the founder of ImpactEleven, an industry-leading keynote speaker training organization. With significant contributions and experience in business development, Linkner is looking forward to helping shape the next generation of APG authors.
Eric Schurenberg will also be joining APG’s board as editor-in-chief. Schurenberg is a media executive, award-winning journalist, and the former CEO of Mansueto Ventures, which owns Inc. and Fast Company media properties. Dedicated to fighting misinformation and polarization, Schurenberg has a vested interest in acquiring business, politics, and other thought-provoking titles.
From humble beginnings to our new leadership team, we’ve come a long way. We were founded in 2003 with the publication of a single book by our CEO, Naren Aryal. In the twenty years since, we have published bestselling titles by thought leaders, changemakers, and subject matter experts; secured coverage in major news outlets such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Time, Business Insider, and Good Morning America, among others; and established ourselves as a premier hybrid publisher.
Through our evolution, APG has been and continues to be dedicated to amplifying voices that need to be heard. We’re proud of the books we’ve published and the authors we’ve supported over the last twenty years, and we’re looking forward to the decades to come.
Our new website is home to information about our publishing process and comprehensive services, our six imprints, and our many exceptional authors. The new APG bookstore includes Amplify Publishing, RealClear Publishing, and Tagged Publishing front and backlist titles, while our Mascot bookstore includes titles from Mascot Books, Mascot Kids, and Subplot Publishing.
To join us on this new chapter of our journey, follow us on social media or explore our website.
July 2022 New Releases
(Posted on Tuesday, July 12, 2022)
Readers of our blog will remember that last month’s new releases touched on themes of introspection and nostalgia. This month, our new titles continue on that path and focus on meaningful reflection. Whether on the past, relationships, word choice, or actions, the midway point of 2022 is the perfect time for contemplation.
As always, please leave us comments below or review this month’s books on your favorite platform; we love to hear from readers, and our authors do too!
Amplify Publishing
We’re kicking our July titles off with Reimagining Blue from Amplify Publishing. Written by former Aurora, Illinois, police chief Kristen Ziman, this captivating memoir shares details of Kristen’s life and upbringing, her time in the police force and the many challenges she faced, and her thoughts on the way forward for policing.
Mascot Books
At Mascot Books, we’re releasing four new nonfiction titles. From a multigenerational story about a legendary Hungarian family, to one man’s account of his bond with his dog, to the life story of renowned NFL coach Mike Westhoff, this month’s memoirs are insightful, heartfelt, and incredibly honest. And topping things off, we’re releasing a guide that helps readers improve their writing and learn how to make words shine. No two stories are the same, but these four books show that we can always learn from each other’s journeys.
Standing with our Black #MascotAuthors
(Posted on Wednesday, June 10, 2020)
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 Dunlap
About 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 middle of the night, he embarks upon a late-night mission to “hunt that sound.” Along the way, he gathers a heroic band to aid in his quest. It’s hard to know who or what will be found, but one thing’s for sure — there’s fun to be had on this rip-roaring adventure. Allow your imagination to run wild as you come along to help the Rumble Hunters catch this thunderous culprit!
About the Author: This raucous tale comes from the creative mind of first-time author, Courtney B. Dunlap. She smiles now, but as a kid, Courtney was a scaredy-cat and would never dream of exploring in the dark. She’s got a hunch that amongst her younger readers, she’s not alone. For those whose childhoods are a faint memory, The Rumble Hunters might remind you of a time when you, too, heard your first curious bedtime sounds. This is why The Rumble Hunters’ mesmerizing sense of childlike wonder will appeal to all.
Saying she’s ecstatic about publishing her first picture book would be an understatement! She believes The Rumble Hunters will be the first of many that spark imaginations for generations to come. She hopes that with this book, children of all ages will go beyond their fears to see the world through new eyes!
By Kestle Bess
About the Book: Do you remember what it was like to dream about the future? This is a story about one curious boy who hopes to find out different things he and his friends can become when they are older. It is inspired by the author’s own experiences growing up thinking about what possibilities lay ahead.
About the Author: Kestle Bess was born in Guyana in 1981 to parents Adolphus and Anne Bess. At the age of three, his family migrated to America, eventually becoming United State citizens. Graduating from Kingsborough Community College with an A.A.S. degree, he worked in management within the shipping industry. At the age of twenty-three, Kestle married the lovely Tracy and soon after became the proud father to their son Mason.
About the Book: When Ryan finds himself spending summer vacation in Kenya against his will, he has no idea he’s in for more than he bargained for. His special “gift” comes in handy when he has to protect his desperate friend from catastrophe. And all the while, he really wants to know the answer to one question…
Is he just weird…or is he awesome?
About the Author: Donna Sherard lives in Silver Spring, Maryland in the United States with her husband and son. For the past fifteen years she has worked in global health which has allowed her to travel the globe including Kenya and Uganda where she lived and worked. While her journeys have inspired an entire private library of journals and musings, it wasn’t until her son started looking for his own superheroes that she was compelled to write for children and especially for those yearning for books that they can call“home”. Splendiferous is her first novel.
By Roshi Rountree
About the Book: Regardless if it’s curly, locked, or in a teeny-weeny afro (twa), your child’s hair is beautiful and that’s something they should know! As you read this fun, empowering, and confidence-boosting tale with your little ones, help them discover that it takes all hair types to make the world go ’round.
About the Author: Roshni Lauren Rountree has gone from print journalist to school teacher to registered nurse to author, which goes to show that you really can be anything you want in this life! Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she developed her passion for writing at the young age of ten years old, winning elementary school essay competitions and more. She attended the Mecca–Howard University–and earned her Bachelors of Arts in print journalism. After a few career changes, she currently works as an emergency department registered nurse and has chosen to revisit her passion for writing with a specialty in children’s books.
Roshni strives to reach young children before they encounter the negativities of the world that may tell them that they aren’t attractive or intelligent, simply because of the color of their skin. Her ultimate goal is to uplift, encourage, and empower young brown children so that they know they are just as great, if not greater, than their counterparts!
By Jamiyl Samuels & Tracy-Ann Samuels
About the Book: Sandy Taylor thinks her brother Amani is weird because he doesn’t talk. After Mommy and Daddy explain why he doesn’t speak, Sandy realizes how important it is to be nice to someone who appears to be different.
When Sandy sees a girl at her school being bullied for being different from the other kids, she has a big decision to make. Will she ignore it, or will she step in and save her?
W.R.E.a.C Havoc Heroes presents the story of a girl who learns to accept people as they are. This is a tale about UNDERSTANDING and a willingness to show compassion to others.
About the Authors: Jamiyl Samuels is the founder of W.R.E.a.C Havoc Enterprises, a company that fosters growth, creativity, and education through informed written content, film, and recorded music. He began his college career as a Theater major at Morgan State University in 1996, but ultimately graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master’s degree in Media Arts with a concentration in screenwriting from Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York. His ultimate goal is to expand the W.R.E.a.C Havoc brand worldwide. He is currently working on various projects related to The Amazingly Awesome Amani series and other works based on the importance of fatherhood in communities of color.
By Farissa Knox
About the Book: Before Farissa was a successful business woman, wife, mother, and mentor to young women all over the country, she was a 20-something trying to figure it all out. In her debut memoir, Farissa tells her story of navigating an early career in advertising, the journey of falling in love and making grown-woman decisions in her relationship, and the strength and courage true friendship brought her during this time in her life. In her conversational storytelling approach, Farissa takes the reader through the decisions, opportunities, and experiences that helped her become the confident 30-something-year-old woman she is today and creates a sense of “none of us are in this alone” for readers of all ages
About the Author: Farissa Alexander Knox was born and raised in The Bronx. Attending New York City public school, having international childhood friends and living in a bubble of inclusion and real diversity are just some of the things she attributes to her view on life today.
Eventually attending high school and college in Virginia due to her parents’ moving, Farissa majored in Communications and Advertising at Christopher Newport University, graduating in 2003. Jumping straight into her career after school, she spent two years selling advertising in Richmond, Virginia, then moved back to New York to do the same for a few more years. From there, her personal life brought her to Chicago where her career truly blossomed as she took her years of experience selling advertising, along with the relationships developed over that time and turned it into her first business.
RLM Media, a media buying advertising agency and holding company established in 2008, specializing in the Health-care, Political, Recruitment and Consumer space. Then later creating WhatRUWearing, a digital content publishing house focused on creating engaging, beautiful digital content for brands and platforms who need to talk to today’s young woman who loves fashion, style, beauty and creativity. Farissa currently lives in Chicago’s Lake View neighbor-hood with her husband Larry and two daughters, Chloe and Isabelle.
By Toriè Anderson
About the Book: Why be ordinary if 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.
By Jason J. Howell
About the Book: Can you still achieve the American Dream? You don’t have a pension. Social Security and Medicare may not be there when you need them. You pay much more for housing, even adjusted for inflation, than your parents ever did. College education prices have skyrocketed. You may have gone to a good school and you may make good money (even saved some of it), but this is not the life you imagined. You are stressed, you are too “busy,” and most days, you feel really tired.
What happened to your big dreams?
Blending his career in finance and background in politics, Jason Howell has outlined 7 financial strategies to help you reclaim your American Dream. Joy of Financial Planning shows this generation how to overcome the challenges of a highly competitive, politicized economy. The good news is you can still make an impact on a world desperately in need of your financial success.
About the Author: Jason Howell is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
professional, former U.S. Congressional candidate, and President of Jason Howell Company. With an emphasis on building family wealth, the Jason Howell Company has created a process that develops parents into future patriarchs and matriarchs.
By JaLeissa Speight
About the Book: You are a part of me. You are my Sonshine.
A mother and son’s bond is a special one. Explore that bond with this beautifully illustrated story, complete with activities you can do with your son.
About the Author: JaLeissa Speight was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan, and now resides near Detroit, Michigan. A graduate of Wayne State University and Walsh College, she has recently embarked on the wonderful journey of motherhood. With overwhelming happiness, JaLeissa welcomed her firstborn son, Amir, in July 2018, and every day thereafter with him has given her purpose in life. So much that she doesn’t even remember what life was like without him in it. This book is her dedication and promise to love him unconditionally like only a mother can and to walk through this journey of life with him so that they can navigate through life’s challenges together.
By Jane Jimenez
About the Book: Rearing twins is not easy by any stretch of the imagination—and raising Kiko and Pez is even harder when you’re a single mom. Their mom made sure they were raised to be best friends so they would always have each other. As close as they are, they became very competitive and challenged each other at every turn. This goofy, hilarious story relates a series of challenges which spill into every activity they come across. Oscar, their best friend, adds to their daily adventures and provides them with plenty of good laughs along the way.
This book is published in memory of author Jane (Cookie) Jimenez, whose family felt it was important to finish her story. The characters are lightly based on her children and other relatives. Half of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be made in memory of Jane to the American Cancer Society, with the other half to be shared equally between her two boys, Josh and Randy.
About the Author: Jane was the youngest daughter of West Indian parents from Dominica, W. I. She attended Cardinal Spellman High School and received a degree in Business Administration from Iona College. She held various positions as an office manager as well as a receptionist at a family practice. She was referred to as Cookie, Janie, or Cook Cooks. She married her soulmate, Ray Jimenez on August 27, 1993 in New York. Jane was the proud mother of twin boys Josh and Randy whom she cherished and adored dearly. She doted over them day and night.
By Nijaah Howard
About the Book: Raising John’s Boy is a raw, honest approach to how the author raised her son. The hope is that you take away practical tools to alleviate any concerns of successfully raising your boy into a good man, while aiming to change the stereotype that places limits on both of you.
A woman can only do but so much as she hears the silence of the loud dismissive cries from a young man raised without his father. Can you imagine how much easier it would be on the mother and the son if we STOP SAYING that “Women cannot raise boys into productive men” or “Only a Man can raise a Man”? What message are we sending young men who are growing up in a single parent household when they hear that?
It sounds like our mothers and boys are trying to fight a losing battle. This could be the very negative seed planted that is telling them both that they are not enough (and they will never be enough), which contributes to low self-esteem and an inability to perform at their greatest potential.
I can only imagine what the world would look like if more mother and son teams actually believed they were ENOUGH! Raising John’s Boy confronts these issues – and more – in this personal, essential book.
About the Author: Nijaah Howard is a Mental Health Counselor, Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor, graduate of NYACK COLLEGE, Alliance Graduate School of Counseling, member of American Counseling Association, Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling and recipient of multiple Community and Women of Distinction Awards throughout New York City. She is also the publisher of THOUGHTS/ ACTION, the first multicultural uplifting magazine for men and women of color. She served as Vice President of Parent Teacher Association and Vice President of Youth Affairs, National Action Network, West New York Chapter, and Chaplain under the Worldwide Association of small Churches.
By Shevelle Ford
About the Book: Liesa is a bright and spirited little girl who enjoys helping her mom around the house. Her most favorite thing to do with her mom is go on walks around the neighborhood. When she meets a new friend, a happy little dog, she’s soon plunged into a world of curiosity. Will her new friend ever bark?
About the Author: Shevelle Griffin Ford wears many different hats—wife, mom, daughter, sister, author, pharmacist, entrepreneur, evangelist, playwright, and pastor, just to name a few. The author of I’m Not God, I’m Just a Woman, she loves God and loves life!
By J.R. Smith & Chris Smith
About the Book: J.R. and Chris both have dreams of playing in the NBA, but they quickly realize they can’t do it alone. Join these two brothers on their quest of commitment as they learn the value of teamwork and work toward achieving their ultimate goal!
About the Authors: Earl Joseph Smith Jr., better known as J.R. Smith, was born in New Jersey in 1985. J.R. was a star member of the St. Benedict’s High School basketball team before entering the NBA Draft in 2004. He spent his first two seasons in the NBA with the then New Orleans Hornets before being traded to the Denver Nuggets in 2006. During the 2011 lockout, J.R. played in China, leading the league in scoring and making the All Star Game. He then returned to the NBA with the New York Knicks, playing alongside his brother, Chris. J.R. now plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers, with whom he won a championship with in 2016. During the offseason, J.R. returns to his hometown of Millstone, New Jersey, with his wife and kids to be near the rest of his family and the place he calls home.
By Jon Alston & Neka Alston
About the Book: Selecting a few of the University of South Carolina’s most-loved sites and locales, this delightful children’s story is filled to the brim with a mixture of vibrant illustrations and whimsical rhyming, dispensed through the use of lyrical text. Without Excuses promotes positive emotional development and underscores the fundamentality of partnership for young people to practice.
About the Authors: The Alstons share Without Excuses hoping to unite all hearts receptive to its message of the relentless pursuit toward a more nurturing community. They enjoy spending time with family and friends, trips to amusement parks, helping with community service and outreach activities, and all things Carolina. Go Cocks!
By ShalomIsrael Diggs
About the Book: Jam-packed with exciting activities involving new vocabulary words of empathy, creativity, understanding, self-esteem, and commitment to self and others, Alphakey’s Alphabet Activity Book is a great addition to the library of any kid with big dreams! Color, draw, and play your way through fun activities involving a new, powerful take on an early education staple, from Achieve to Zeal!
About the AlphaKey Club: The mission of AlphaKey Club Art & Dance Youth Workshops is to encourage empathy, creativity, understanding, self-esteem, and commitment to the self and others through art and dance.
Through national and international partnerships, AlphaKey Club connects youth across the globe to encourage empathy, philanthropy, and promote understanding through travel beyond neighborhood and national borders. Learn more here: www.alphakeyclub.com
By Sylvia Baffour
About the Book: No matter how old you are, where you come from or what you do for a living, the desire to have satisfying and meaningful relationships is one we all share. Relationships are key to everything we do, and the bonds and connections we make with others is what gives us the greatest sense of meaning, happiness, and fulfillment. Nothing interferes more with your ability to enjoy rewarding relationships than an inability to understand your own emotions and manage their impact on you and those around you. Emotional intelligence, the currency of the 21st century, is the essential skill set that separates those who fail in their personal and professional relationships from those who succeed.
About the Author: Sylvia Baffour is a professional speaker, trainer, and executive coach ranked among HubSpot’s Top Fifteen Female Motivational Speakers. She is the founder and president of Baffour International LLC, an organization committed to improving how individuals and companies leap beyond their barriers to achieve peak performance. Her roots began more than four decades ago in her native country of Ghana, and since the tender age of one and a half, her life’s journey has taken her through several countries across the globe. Sylvia is one of the most sought-after speakers and trainers in the fields of personal empowerment and professional development and she is a highly respected thought leader in Emotional Intelligence.
By Joshua White
About the Book: Legend is a typical boy, but he has just one problem–the only thing he wants to do is play games on his phone. What happens when his phone frenzy goes too far? What games can he play without his phone? Join Legend on this messy, silly, and creative journey as he finds out what happens when he has to put his phone down.
About the Author: Joshua White calls Northern California home. You can catch him gazing at the universe through his telescope or at your local car meet. He entered Bethune – Cookman University to learn and departed to serve. He enjoys the great outdoors and doesn’t have any games on his phone that you can play.
By Nikos Cox
About the Book: In this heartfelt story, the readers discovers that lessons about life and death can be found in the unlikeliest of people. In Jurni, a young girl with a love for all things math, science, and space shows us how we can all deal with grief and death.
The pain and fear of tragedy affects us all, no matter our age. After losing her mom, Jurni’s dad encourages her to look up at the night sky, and explains that her mom will always be with the stars above. From that time, Jurni’s goal is to become an astronaut so that she can be close to her mom again. The only obstacle in Jurni’s way is a regional NASA space competition that could clear the way for her most important dream.
Join Jurni as she journeys on a quest that will give her a closer knowledge of her own capacity to get through the pain of loss.
About the Author: Nikos Cox is a designer and photographer currently residing in Northern Virginia. Hailing from Hampton Roads, he has photographed countless future world leaders as a school yearbook photographer, traveled to three continents and ten countries, and helped produce short films and theater productions while studying at Virginia Tech. When he isn’t writing, you can find him spending time with family and friends.
By Quinn Woodard
About the Book: Zoey loves math and science, but she doesn’t know what she can be when she grows up. As she says: “It’s difficult to see what I can be when no one looks like me.”
With the help of a friend, Zoey learns all about the amazing things she can become if she follows her passions just like the pioneers who have come before her.
Aimed at introducing new possibilities in STEM for young children, Like Me is perfect for the budding scientist in your family.
About the Author: Quinn Woodard is a STEM advocate, mentor, author, and speaker. At an early age, he showed an aptitude for math. However, it wasn’t until high school that he had his first exposure into STEM careers through Project Lead The Way. After completing the program, he leveraged his newly developed appreciation for STEM to pursue an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Tulsa. It was while completing his engineering degree, that he realized there weren’t many individuals who looked like him in STEM. Through his involvement with serving on curriculum advisory committees, mentoring students, and his own personal experience, Quinn realized that early exposure to STEM is critical for minority students. With his book, Like Me, he hopes to provide that early exposure and provide a brief history lesson of those who came before.
About the Book: What’s a kid to do without his shoe?
Dave and his family are ready for a fun trip to get ice cream – until disaster strikes! Dave hops on one foot all over town trying to find his missing shoe, and enlists the help of his friends and neighbors (and even zoo animals!) to locate his lost shoe. After searching high and low, Dave finally discovers that the help he needed all along was with the person he least expected – and the last place he looked!
About the Author: Candace Coleman resides in Mobile, Alabama. She is an Early Childhood Development Education Major at Spring Hill College. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Candace is also an Applied Behavior Analysis Therapist. She enjoys working with children and being a part of their learning processes. She discovered a love for writing when she was in her Education Literature class. Candace was inspired by many of the authors she studied. She wanted to include diversity in her book so that every child can see different ethnicities. In her spare time, she enjoys decorating, being with family, and reading.
By MJ Romain
About the Book: Fudo Town is no easy place to live: it’s a developing city that’s being milked by greedy corrupt leaders.
Every couple of years, the Guvu Tournament–a tournament of strength and strategy–is held in the city. Fifteen- year-old Kuro Simba has his sights set on entering this year, but soon forces out of his control come together to teach him what is truly important.
About the Author: MJ Romain was born in Canada and raised in the United States by Haitian Parents. MJ finds his inspirations through his friends and family. The stories he tells reflect the struggles and triumphs of his and his people’s lives. Storytelling has always been a passion of his and this is one of many outlets he uses to tell his story. MJ’s goal is to represent his Haitian heritage in a respected light.
By Destiny Fernandez
About the Book: In the world of children’s dreams, anything is possible. Find adventure as you follow an alphabet of possibility, remembering that one day your little one’s dream could be reality.
By Takisha M. Payne
About the Book: This is a book about a small child understanding and using her God-given talents. Although her mother is skeptical, she never loses focus and, along with encouraging words from her father, she excels with her hip hop dancing skills.
About the Author: Takisha Payne was born in Warrenton, Virginia. Her love for writing began at an early age. In 5th grade she received an award for an outstanding paper on “Saying No To Drugs”. This began her love for writing. Specializing in poetry her love to write increased. She began to write short poems with rhyming patterns. In 2008 Takisha began to focus her rhyming ability into stories which in turn have become her children’s books.
By Kimberly F. Monroe
About the Book: It’s time for homecoming at Grambling State University, and Charlie P. can’t wait! Along with his parents, he tours the school and finds out everything there is to know about Grambling State and its alumni and traditions. With its fun facts and school spirit, this children’s book is perfect for any true GSU fan.
About the Author: Kimberly Ferren Monroe is a two-time graduate of Grambling State University. Having received her B.A. in History and M.A. in Mass Communication and History in 2014, she is a proud alumna who wrote this book as a way of giving back to Grambling State University. A native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Kimberly grew up using writing as a way to express herself. At Grambling, she was a part of various organizations, including Sigma Alpha Iota and Lyrical Quest, and served as an editor for The Gramblinite—the school newspaper. In addition, in 2011 she founded Natural Sistahs, an organization promoting self-confidence for natural haired women at GSU. At an HBCU full of rich traditions, there was a lot of history to include, but she chose what would stand out to fans and potential students. Kimberly is receiving her Ph.D. in History at Howard University and her proposed graduation is 2018. She plans on being a History professor at an HBCU—hopefully Grambling!
By Latrice Collins
About the Book: Come along as we explore North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. From being at the forefront of civil rights, politics, and space exploration to having the greatest homecoming on earth, learn about the rich heritage of this Historically Black College and University (HBCU) as you take a tour of the yard. Can I get an AGGIE PRIDE?
About the Author: Latrice Collins is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. She graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, University of Virginia, and the Savannah College of Art and Design. When she’s not being a CPA and running her collegiate brand Rated HBCU, you can find her traveling the world, having a dance party with her son Christian, and telling everyone how much she loves HBCUs. She currently resides in Dallas, Texas, with her son and his fish. Visit her at latricecollins.com.
To see more of our #mascotauthor’s stories, visit the Mascot bookstore.
April Feature: Making It Delicious
(Posted on Friday, April 10, 2020)
Our April featured title is Making It Delicious by Chef Jamie Daskalis, a cookbook with an emphasis on Southern food, but with a twist! From fun spins on the classics to indulging your sweet tooth, Chef Jamie’s recipes star simple and fresh ingredients that encourage creativity in the kitchen. We promise you’ll find a new favorite dish within these pages!
Chef Jamie Daskalis is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with a degree in baking and pastry. She has worked in the restaurant business for more than fifteen years, and was recently awarded Chef of the Year by Grand Strand Magazine and The Myrtle Beach Hospitality Association. Chef Jamie is the owner and head chef of Johnny D.’s Waffles and Benedicts, one of the hottest breakfast spots in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. A working mother of a child with special needs, she understands the importance of fast, affordable, and family-friendly food, and hopes that she can help families through this cookbook.
An Interview with Chef Jamie
- When creating recipes, what is the brainstorming process like? Is there a trial and error?
When I create new dishes, sometimes it is something that I really think about, but more often than not, it is opening the refrigerator and pantry and grabbing a few things. I tend to cook every dish with the same attitude, simple. By simple, I mean, simple ingredients and simple techniques but never simple flavors. Cooking at home should not feel like a job in itself. Many of us work all day or are taking care of the kids and by the time it is time to eat, we are exhausted. That’s why when I put together the collection for Making It Delicious, I kept that in mind. I did not want my recipes to exhaust anyone. Some of the recipes are a little more time consuming and have more steps then others but sometimes you have more time and energy. I tried to give it a good balance.
When I am doing a dish for a competition or event, I do tend to brainstorm a lot, sometimes too much. If I am cooking for a special event, I always make a round of whatever I am going to serve to adjust any techniques or seasoning before getting to the main event. I need to know exactly what it is going to look and taste like before the event. I always try to make sure I have a salty, sweet, and crunchy component with all the dishes I make in competition. I find that I receive the best feedback if I can get all three on a plate. And of course, I always put together a little research and development team to give me feedback beforehand.
- Food tends to bring people together. Do you have a favorite moment of people bonding over a dish you made?
When I first moved to South Carolina, I met my friend Stephanie, who at the time was living across the street from me. The first time I invited her and her husband over for dinner, I felt the need to show off a bit. So I prepared fresh homemade fried pork dumplings for an appetizer, a stuffed flank steak with veggies, and a fresh fruit tart for dessert. The rest was history and we have been best friends ever since. I am not saying we are best friends because of the food I cook, but it definitely gives me the edge!
- Which of your recipes do you think is the easiest to make and which one is the most advanced?
I think that the breaded pork chops with the sauteed apples and risotto is the hardest. Only because the risotto needs to be watched closely and at the same time you need to prepare the pork chops and apples. Now when I say hard, I don’t really mean hard, like you need a special skill set to prepare this recipe. You just need to take a minute, read the recipe and get yourself ready to cook. I would have to say that one of the recipes I think is the easiest and is a favorite is the shrimp tacos with corn salsa. The shrimp cook up in a matter of minutes, and have great flavor because of the seasoning, and the jalapeno ranch can be prepared quick as well. The corn salsa takes a few minutes to prepare because of the chopping but it is easy and you end up with enough for 2 dishes. There are a few other recipes that use corn salsa, so you can plan a second meal, or a snack with some chips.
- Which recipe is your favorite?
My favorite recipe in Making It Delicious is the Mediterranean meatball hero. It wins big over the rest for me because it reminds me of my mother. Throughout the years, she has made us these Greek meatballs and we ate a lot of them. When I was preparing for a big event, I decided I wanted to make a “gyro.” But since it was a tasting size serving, I decided to make a deconstructed “gyro” with meatballs that mimicked my mother’s. I served it with a little dressed cucumber pico, but with Mediterranean flavors, a couple slices of pita bread, and my mother’s Tzatziki sauce. Needless to say the guests and the judges LOVED it and I took home the judges choice for my Mediterranean Meatballs. The best part of the night was that my mom was at the event to witness the win.
- Cooking can be fun and creative, as you’ve shown. What advice do you have for people who now have more time on their hands and are looking for new ways to improve their cooking skills?
I would tell them to keep it simple. You do not need to have fancy or specialty ingredients. Good quality proteins, fresh fruit and veggies, some salt and pepper, lemon and butter go a long way. You would be surprised how often I just use lemon to add a burst of acidity and freshness when finishing a dish. Cooking does not have to be complicated. If it is complicated it is not fun to me. I do not want to sit down to eat and be exhausted from cooking.
I would also suggest picking up a few fresh herb plants and keeping them by a window. And don’t forget to water them. Fresh herbs, to me, are the best way to add big flavor to any dish. If you always have them sitting on the window or in a garden you will be more inclined to use them. Purchasing them each time could be costly, and because of this you may pass on the opportunity. I always have basil, dill, rosemary, thyme, and mint growing at my house to use as I wish.
Making It Delicious is a great kitchen tool to help you learn and understand that ingredients can and should be utilized in many different ways. This will help save you money and time at the grocery store. It has different recipes for sauces to keep handy, tips and tricks throughout the book, a quick red meat cooking guide, a temperature guide, tips to setting up a breading station and 98 recipes to help and teach you some new dishes. This cookbook was designed for the home cook in mind. I hope you love it!
Honoring Veterans Day with Mascot Books
(Posted on Monday, November 11, 2019)
On Veterans Day, we recognize our United States military veterans for all of their sacrifices and contributions for our country. To honor this special day, we’re highlighting some of our notable wartime and veteran titles. 
By Erin Morris
About Who is Sam the Solider?
Ever wonder what a soldier actually does? Why does he dress that way? Could I be a soldier one day? Private First Class Sam Smith is a soldier in the U.S. Army. Come along with Sam as he tells all about what it’s like to live, work, and (even) relax like a soldier.
Why We Love It
Author Erin Morris served as the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps and did one tour to Afghanistan with the 201st Airborne Division. When talking with children about her experiences, she found that many of them did not understand what exactly a solider does, and did not realize that a woman could serve in the military. This book provides children with insight into the duties of a soldier, and showcases soldiers from different backgrounds, genders, and races. 
By Karol Nielsen
About Walking A&P: A Vietnam War Memoir
Her father was part of the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War. Now, 40 years later, Karol travels to Vietnam to retrace her father’s footsteps. This is a touching, and inspirational story about one man’s journey through one of the darkest times in world history.
Why We Love It
Karol Nielsen provides a harrowing and unique account of her father’s experiences as a soldier in the Vietnam War. This compelling wartime title is full of personal anecdotes, photographs, and raw emotion.
By Tara McClary Reeves
About Is Your Dad a Pirate?
Her daddy went away to fight for our country. And he came home changed.
What’s a young family to do when a parent is injured? How might they respond to curiosity? In this tender account based on her childhood experiences, beloved author Tara McClary Reeves shares how her family adapted to the extensive physical losses her father, Marine Corps Lieutenant Clebe McClary, sustained.
With warmth and humor, this book encourages children and spouses facing similar trials to cherish the gift of family. To hold on to faith. And to choose to be loving heroes on the home front. Is Your Dad a Pirate? will challenge your perspective and deepen your commitment to love.
Why We Love It
Is Your Dad a Pirate? highlights the importance of faith and family, while teaching children in a lighthearted way how to cope with a parent who has been injured in war. Based on the childhood experiences of author Tara McClary Reeves, this personal account uses beautiful illustrations to showcase the brave sacrifices of our soldiers and the unwavering support and love of their families.
By Laura Bogan
About Homecomings
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron—better known as the Blue Angels—is one of the most iconic and respected aerobatics teams in the world. For years, photographer Laura Bogan has been chronicling the Blues as they return to Pensacola, the team’s beautiful seaside home on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Through moments both triumphant and poignant, Bogan has captured stunning scenes that, until now, have only been enjoyed by those lucky enough to be there. This is Homecomings.
Why We Love It
Homecomings is filled with stunning and majestic photographs of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration, and is sure to leave readers full of pride and respect for our nation’s soldiers.
By Kristin Ayyar
About Countdown ‘Til Daddy Comes Home and Countdown Til’ Mommy Comes Home
Countdown ‘Til Daddy Comes Home and Countdown ‘Til Mommy Comes Home are stories of a young boy waiting for his parent to come home from a trip. To make their separation easier, his family creates rituals to stay connected and make the countdown fly by. Inspired by her experiences, Kristin Ayyar shares how her family copes with the separations that are part of everyday life.
Why We Love Them
These books are perfect for any military family. Told from the perspective of a child, these titles show readers how military families can stay connected with their loved ones who are serving overseas.
Writer’s Tip: How To Make Compelling First Chapters
(Posted on Wednesday, June 19, 2019)
By Acquisitions Editor Jess Cohn
Everyone has had a favorite book that when they cracked open the spine, smoothed out the first page, and starting reading, they just couldn’t stop. The first chapter sucked them in and carried them all the way to the last snap of closing the book. And I bet they wondered “How?” How did the first chapter make them keep reading? There’s no formula for writing a compelling first chapter, but there are tricks you can use to captivate your readers and get them to crave more.
The function of a first chapter is to draw the reader in and get them to continue on to chapter two, chapter three, and so on. If the book is fiction, you need to establish who the main character is, the point of view, give snippets of the conflict, and establish the setting—all without an overload of exposition. Easy, right? Not always. So here’s a tip: don’t have your character wake up at the beginning of the chapter. Instead, show them doing a normal task like washing dishes, chatting with a friend, or eating breakfast with the family. That way you’re not immediately launched into the conflict of the book, but you’re introduced to the character(s) and have a chance to establish a good sense of voice. If your book is in an abnormal world where monsters rule the streets, well, what’s their normal?
For nonfiction titles, a compelling first chapter is even harder to write. Depending on the subgenre, first decide on what point of view the book will be in. First person doesn’t always work for business books, just like third person isn’t great for memoirs. Once you have that, establish the why of the book. Why do the readers need to continue reading? What are you planning on teaching them or helping them with? Making sure readers know this right off the bat sets up the rest of the book for them. Don’t overload it with statistics, but instead open the book as if you’re going to have a conversation with a friend. This works for almost every subgenre except memoir. For that, follow rules more aligned with fiction.
As an Acquisitions Editor, there are three main things I look for in a first chapter:
- Originality
- How the author established voice, and
- The ultimate question: Do I want to keep reading?
If the book is a concept that’s been done before (like zombies, for example), what’s the author’s take on it? If it’s a nonfiction topic that has a lot of books published on it (like politics), how does the author make the book different? The author’s voice needs to come across clearly and their style should be evident on the first page. I should realize that I want to read this book—or better yet, that I need to read it. My job is to find books that readers are going to love, and that always starts with the first chapter.
My best advice to you, dear writer, is to ask for opinions on your first chapter. Whether it’s from family, friends, or strangers you meet on the Internet, they’ll tell you if they want to keep reading. No matter what area of publishing you decide to pursue (hybrid, traditional, or self), a compelling first chapter will do your book a world of good.
June Featured Title: Hart and Seoul
(Posted on Tuesday, June 4, 2019)
Every month we feature a title we think really shines. This month’s featured title is Hart & Seoul by Kristen Burnham which releases today!
Why We Love It
Hart & Seoul is a stunning YA romance that’s both modern and current, drawing inspiration and arriving just in time for the buzz that’s been building around American pop culture’s latest sensation: Korean Pop (also known as K-pop). Even if you’re not caught up with K-pop groups like BTS and EXO, you’ll still enjoy the characters’ journey as they navigate complicated issues to which most of us can relate: tumultuous friendships, uncertain futures, broken hearts, chasing dreams, and finding purpose. Up-and-coming author and youth services librarian extraordinaire Kristen Burnham took some time to share her thoughts on the creation of this fresh new take on the YA genre.
From Librarian to Author: Writing Hart & Seoul
From author Kristen Burnham
“Oh honey, you can do better than that.”
I was in seventh grade, and the teacher had asked each of us to stand up, introduce ourselves, and say what we wanted to be when we grew up. I had proudly jumped from my seat and proclaimed to one and all that I, Kristen Mary Margaret Mary (it’s a long story) Burnham, was going to be a librarian…and got that response. No wonder I quickly moved on to the next dream of being a nurse, even though I hate needles and the sight of blood. Fast forward about eleven years, and I was facing graduation with no clue as to what I was going to do (spoiler alert: I had changed my major from nursing to English), until a chance encounter with a friend who had just gotten accepted into grad school set me on the path of becoming a librarian. A year later, I had earned my M.L.S.; six months later, I landed my first job, and I’ve never regretted it.
I have always known that I wanted to be a published author, but the trick was that I would actually have to sit down and write a book. I tried—boy, oh boy, did I try—but I could never get beyond the first three chapters; I would run out of ideas, get discouraged, take a break for a few months, and then get all excited and start all over again. Looking back, I realize that the idea I was trying to force into a story just wasn’t ready yet, and that I needed the experience of being a librarian in order to not only write a complete book but also successfully publish it.
Being a librarian has given me the perfect look inside the genre of YA Fiction: I have a front row seat to all the latest books being purchased, I know which books are being checked out more than others, and I can say with 100 percent certainty which book covers work. I’ve watched teens light up when I hand them a book (my greatest moment was when one kid enthusiastically dabbed in the stacks when I found his favorite book), talked to parents about how to have conversations with their teens about their reading interests, and watched as the paranormal subgenre morphed into dystopian, then fantasy, then contemporary, and then into sci-fi. So when I finally approached Mascot Books, I knew exactly what I was looking for—from cover design to the book layout to the book description. And they listened! After a year of querying agents and being told that my book just wasn’t the right fit, I stumbled across Mascot Books and finally found people who read Hart & Seoul (which, by the way, is not the idea that I’d struggled with years earlier) and loved it almost as much as I do. And, just as with obtaining my M.L.S., I’ve never regretted my choice.
I think the greatest thing about being both an author and a librarian is that you are right there in the thick of things. Publishers see things through the lens of marketing and selling, and authors see through the lens of the story—I see both. More importantly, I am often the one that helps connect those two elements: I help market the books that I love by putting them in the hands of those who I think will appreciate the story. Librarians work tirelessly to help people discover their passions—from the programs we plan to the hours spent working with customers to find the one book that we just know they’ll love. It’s a fantastic, albeit exhausting profession, and I’m so grateful that I’m a part of it, both as a librarian and an author. As my main character discovers, life is filled with choices, and you have to decide how you are going to not only handle the consequences of your actions, but also the actions of others. My choices ultimately led to this exciting new journey, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
So, in a way, my teacher was right. I could do better than just being a librarian, and I did. I became a passionate librarian. Oh, and author… got to remember that part now!
About Kristen Burnham
Kristen Burnham knew that she was destined to be either a world-famous paleontologist or a writer. The dinosaur gig never took off, so it’s a good thing she had a back-up plan. When she’s not writing, she is hunting around for the best Korean BBQ food, reading, watching dramas (Korean, Chinese, British…if it’s dramatic, she’ll watch it), listening to music in foreign languages, and having arguments with her menagerie of imaginary friends (a.k.a. book characters). Find her at seoulofawriter.home.blog or on Instagram and Twitter at @seoulofawriter.
Read more about Hart & Seoul in new interviews and review from blogs Cover to Cover and
Check out these other titles releasing in June:
Traditional, Hybrid, and Self-Publishing: Pros, Cons, and Choosing Your Path
(Posted on Monday, April 15, 2019)
By Naren Aryal
Last week, I presented to a group of authors at the National Writers Union in New York City and had a great conversation with a group of motivated writers about the ever-changing market and the various publishing paths available to content creators. I’ve given this presentation many times and love giving it, so I thought it would be appropriate to share parts of my presentation here on the Amplify blog.At a high-level, there are three paths to publishing: traditional publishing, self-publishing, and where we reside at Amplify—hybrid publishing. This post provides a brief overview of each path, including the pros and cons of each approach.
Traditional Publishing
Up until the early 2000s, traditional publishing was virtually the only way to get your book into the market. This approach requires securing a literary agent who shops your manuscript to large publishing houses, typically in New York. If your manuscript is sold to a large publishing house, congratulations—you’ve beaten the odds!
Agents and large houses generally look for authors offering (a) compelling content, (b) massive author marketing platforms, and (c) a track record of selling books. I’ve met plenty of authors that have amazing content, but just don’t have the requisite platform or sales track record to be a good candidate for a traditional deal.
Traditionally published books typically have high production quality (editorial, cover and interior design, premium book printing) and have access to large distribution channels. For authors, the upside of this model is the publisher bears all the up-front production costs—the publishing house assumes the financial risk. Some (not all) authors also collect advances against future royalties.
Potential downsides that come with traditional publishing include loss of creative control and intellectual property rights (including ancillary rights, like merchandising, film, etc.), an agonizingly long time to market (18-24 months on average), and smaller royalty percentages on sales (which may be offset by an advance, meaning you don’t collect any royalties until the house recoups its investment in your content).
Regarding marketing, there seems to be a misconception that all traditionally published authors enjoy overwhelming levels of marketing support. This is true if you’re an A lister that’s authored a book with runaway bestseller potential. For rank and file authors, however, meaningful marketing support only kicks in if sales meet or exceed projections. Authors have to be fully-engaged in book-related marketing efforts—and this is true regardless of the pathway to publishing.
I have simple advice for authors considering this route: if you get a solid traditional publishing deal with a reasonable advance (and this definition differs from project-to-project and author-to-author)—take it!
Self-Publishing
Many of the elements that make self-publishing attractive to some are exactly what makes other authors refuse to consider it. First, the barrier to entry is low (or non-existent, depending on the platform). You can become a published author today by simply uploading your content onto to Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing platform—you and everyone else that fancies themselves an author—placing you among the masses clambering to stand out and get their content noticed.
On the flip side, you’ll have complete editorial control and will have final say concerning your book’s physical specifications, including its cover and interior design—a great thing if you know what you’re doing, but something that can easily become overwhelming. If you have no experience producing a book, you could end up with a book that’s riddled with typos and has a cover that “looks self-published,” a criticism you hear often in the publishing industry. If you do go the self-publishing route, and you’re intending your book to have an audience beyond your friends and family, invest in hiring an experienced editor and designer—it will be money well spent.
Distribution can be a challenge for self-published books, and even more so for self-published print-on-demand titles. Retailers work almost exclusively with their preferred distributors, such as Ingram, Baker & Taylor, and a few others that service specific account types—grocery stores, warehouse clubs, airport vendors, big box retailers, museum gift shops, hospitals, museums, gift stores, etc. Procuring inventory from these channels allows them to get inventory per industry terms, namely standard wholesale discounts, full returnability rights, lengthy payment periods, shipping and freight agreements, chargebacks to publishers, and any number of other terms, most of which are highly favorable for distributors and retailers, but not so much for authors and publishers. Most retailers won’t even consider POD and self-published titles for their shelves.
Self-publishing also places all the responsibility for the marketing and promotion of the book squarely on the author. While all authors should engage in marketing their book, self-published authors have a heavier burden. There are plenty of resources online, but it can be difficult to know what’s worth the investment, making increasing awareness of your book a challenge.
Hybrid Publishing
So what is hybrid publishing? Up until February 2018, there really wasn’t a universal answer. That’s when the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) attempted to clear-up lingering confusion by issuing their Hybrid Publisher Criteria, which is definitely worth a read.
The high-level takeaway is that a true hybrid publisher maintains the highest industry and ethical standards and produces books that are on par with traditional houses. Hybrid publishers have a vetting process for content, provide access to meaningful distribution channels, and offer book marketing services. In other words, there’s a commitment to creating high-quality books and emphasis on helping get those books into readers’ hands through distribution and marketing. Other benefits include speed-to-market (the average timeline is about half that of traditional—sometimes even less), creative control, and ownership of all intellectual property rights.
Unlike traditional publishing, there are production-related costs, and therefore the financial risk falls largely on the author. To make up for these up-front expenses, the author often receives a much higher royalty rate per sale than traditionally published authors. At Amplify, we pay our authors 85% of sales, and provide distribution and marketing services designed to maximize visibility and sales potential.
Every writer’s publishing goals are unique and there are benefits and disadvantages to each pathway to publication. I encourage you to investigate each opportunity available to you before deciding which path to choose. Do your research. Ask questions. Compare your options and then confidently pursue the publishing path that’s right for you.
Naren Aryal is the co-founder and publisher of Mascot Books and Amplify Publishing. After starting his career as a Washington lawyer, Naren launched Mascot Books in 2003 with the publication of his first book. As an author himself (How to Sell a Crapload of Books: 10 Secrets of a Killer Author Marketing Platform), Naren appreciates the opportunities and challenges facing storytellers. As a publisher, he’s well-versed in the market factors that determine a project’s ultimate level of success. Naren’s more than fifteen years of publishing experience have made him an expert in the editorial, production, distribution, and marketing arenas. He’s passionate about staying up-to-date on industry technology and trends and is a respected commentator on anything publishing-related.
From the Publisher
(Posted on Friday, April 5, 2019)
By Naren Aryal
Welcome to Amplify.
At Amplify, we publish top-quality nonfiction titles. Specifically, we’re all about business books, political and policy-related works, and current affairs issues that are starting conversations. That’s it. Nothing else.
We launched our first book in October 2018, but we’re not new to the world of publishing. Amplify is the first imprint of a company I co-founded fifteen years ago, Mascot Books. Mascot is a multi-genre house, publishing everything from children’s titles, to cookbooks, to fantasy/science fiction novels, to memoirs—and everything in between. But even book people have favorite genres, and, as CEO, I wanted to establish a new imprint focusing on the genres I enjoy most and where we’ve had growing success. In the last five years, we’ve had the opportunity to work with some really impressive authors in the nonfiction space: CEOs, subject matter experts, innovative thought leaders. A new imprint would give these authors and their big ideas a unique space in the publishing landscape and set their work apart. Amplify was born.
Amplify’s first release was Brainwashed: The Bad Science Behind CTE and the Plot to Destroy Football, a controversial look at CTE research and the way it’s represented in the media, by former NFL star and ESPN commentator Merril Hoge. In several ways, it embodies the core of what we look for in an Amplify title, beyond being well-written and thoroughly researched. Some agree with the stance Brainwashed takes, some disagree, but one thing is clear: it’s gotten people—journalists, players, and readers—talking. Brainwashed started a new thread in one of sports’ longest and loudest conversations. That’s what good books do.
In 2019, we’re continuing the momentum with The Age of Intent: Using Artificial Intelligence to Deliver a Superior Customer Experience by P.V. Kannan, the cofounder and chief executive officer of Silicon Valley-based [24]7.ai, a leader in AI-driven customer experience software and services. Slated for release on May 28, 2019, the book shares P.V.’s take on how AI is helping the world’s leading businesses attract and retain customers through personalized, predictive, and effortless customer experience by redefining the way companies interact with consumers.
At Amplify, we believe content is king. Here, you can expect to find books from leading figures in business like Tae Hea Nahm and Bob Tinker; subject matter experts like Melissa Agnes (Crisis Ready); and budding thought leaders like Dave Frankland and Nick Worth (Marketing to the Entitled Consumer). With the 2020 general elections a little over a year away, we’ll rise to meet the slew of political titles hitting the market with some of our own from both sides of the aisle. We’re looking forward to new voices, growing partnerships, and great books in 2019. I’m glad you’re here and hope you’ll come along for the ride.
620 Herndon Parkway, Suite 220|
Herndon, Virginia 20170
|
Phone: 703-437-3584|
Fax: 703-437-3554|
info@amplifypublishing.com
All rights reserved.