A Note From Lexy, Scarletta's Editorial Intern

So often, interns are belittled to coffee runs or stuffing envelopes. Fortunately, my experience as Scarletta's fall editorial intern was much more valuable, and due to Scarletta's small size and friendly staff, I got to be very involved in many of the steps it takes to take words on a page and turn them into a book.

My first responsibility was to read through new submissions and organize them. I was surprised no only by the huge amount of submissions a small Minnesota press got, but also by the wide range of content that spanned every genre and character imaginable. It was clear that this was a very busy, yet very creative environment, one where everybody's vision and talent helped to create the finished product.

The launch of Scarletta Kids brought piles of picture books to our desks. Envisioning the colorful illustrations and whimsical characters, then brainstorming with the rest of the staff about what the manuscript would allow the designers and illustrators to do, pushed our imaginations. Seeing how words become a playful puppet show or an interactive e-book indicated that books are not remaining static, but becoming more dynamic, creative, and interactive, especially for young readers.

Every detail is considered and re-worked until the color scheme, font, and illustrations come together to bring the words to life. I realized over my four months that the many small steps in this process and the decisions made are what gives each publisher their own specific fingerprint on the books published. That cover, that type, those words-- they have been mulled over and picked for specific reasons. Each of the designers, marketers, and editors at Scarletta make up a team of some of the most innovative and imaginative people I have worked alongside. With the new imprints, a stronger social media presence, a new website, and magnificent spring books, there is an energy in the office that I was not expecting in what so many have deemed to be a dying industry. These books are the final product of so many talented people and their creative vision.

Every time I walk into a bookstore with its packed shelves, or crack open a new book, I will be reminded of the collaboration of bright minds that sparked each one into being. I am excited for Scarletta going forward, and though my time with them is over, it seems like a new direction for them is just beginning!

-Lexy

A Preview of What's to Come: 2013 Books

New years are a time for new resolutions, new beginnings, new relationships, new... everything. For us, 2013 is going to be an exciting year. After all, this past year was full of exciting changes for us, including a new website, new logos, new staff members, and new imprints. This year, as we may have mentioned before, we are expanding our list and publishing more titles than we ever have. And instead of keeping it all to ourselves, we thought we'd share a bit about what's coming out soon and what we're working on for later in the year. Take a look and let us know which one you're most excited about!

SPRING 2013

Nalah and the Pink Tiger (March 12)
By Anne Sawyer-Aitch



Nalah and the Pink Tiger is about a rambunctious little girl who lives so intensely in her imagination that grown-ups view her as a troublemaker. Things come to a head when, in addition to all the exotic animals that Nalah has “placed” in the house, a pink tiger “follows” her home from the zoo and creates havoc. 

Nalah and the Pink Tiger also takes the form of a puppet show put on by the author/illustrator in both English and Spanish versions.

Find out more from the book's website, download the app, or keep up to date by liking the Facebook page. 







A Day at the Lake (March 20)
by Stephanie Wallingford and Dawn Rynders, illustrated by Erica Pelton Villnave 



Flippity flop and splash your way through this colorful trip to the lake. Jump in with your senses and play with rhymes as you experience the waves, the boats, and the many animals. This cheery book follows three children as they enjoy the simple pleasures and rare glimpses that nature offers us around the lake.

A Day at the Lake is told using all five senses, and teaches children vowels and sound effects. Contemporary, large, and brightly colored illustrations bring this story to life. Simple, short text leaves much to the reader's imagination as they experience their own day at the lake.

Like the book's Facebook page for all sorts of lake facts and fun!











Betsy's Day at the Game (April 9)
by Greg Bancroft, illustrated by Katherine Blackmore



Betsy loves hanging out with her grandfather, especially at the ballpark. Today is another game day, and Betsy is ready to show her grandpa all she's learned about keeping score. Best of all, some exciting things are about to happen at today's game. As the anticipation builds, Betsy keeps track of it all—foul balls, home runs, and favorite players.

This heartwarming story about a family tradition and America's favorite pastime includes a fully illustrated scorecard. With great illustrations, Betsy's Day at the Game teaches kids how to fill out a scorecard, and encourages them to share their memories with their families.

And if you love baseball, the Betsy's Day at the Game Facebook page is for you.