She says being a finalist in these awards gives her book another chance.
"It's hard to see them sinking after the initial attentions when they are first released.
"A lot of work went into editing this book so it's nice to see it recognised.
"Editing and re-editing is something I have learned is so important and I put my heart and soul into it. Rewriting, making the story fresher over and over again."
Mrs Scott has been busy writing another book which is "sitting on a desk at Penguin/Random House".
"I'm well aware there's a trash bin sitting at their feet - it could be turfed out."
She said it is getting easier to write but with that brings a certain "risk I might get blase".
However, she doesn't have to look far for inspiration.
"I recently picked up Catherine Chidgey's The Wish Child to read. Every word is so beautiful - it motivated me to keep trying my best."
When Mrs Scott needs time out to write she retreats to the family bach at Mahia.
"I set up my standing desk outside and write. It's truly isolated and the perfect place to think."
She has been invited to Gisborne schools to help young writers and was thrilled the students came to her in their lunch break.
As yet she has not been invited to any Hawke's Bay schools "but am hoping I will be".
The judges for the 2017 awards are convener Pam Jones, Trish Brooking, Ben Brown, Sarah Forster and Rachael King. Professor Martin Salisbury is an adviser for the Russell Clark Award for Illustration.
"This year's shortlist reminds us that books are powerful vehicles for helping children make sense of their world and gain a better understanding of themselves and others," Ms Jones said.
"At times the vividly descriptive writing was brutal and heart-breaking, providing moving portrayals of life through the eyes of children and teenagers. All finalist titles are convincing in their realism, skilfully laced with honour and honesty throughout."
• Young readers will have a chance to meet the finalist authors in early August, at three big events. The first is in Christchurch (August 7 in association with WORD Christchurch); then in Dunedin (August 11 and 12 in association with Dunedin Public Libraries and UBS Otago); and finally in Wellington on August 14 when the winners will be announced.