History Through Fiction: Purpose & Direction for 2026
As we close out 2025 and look ahead to the year before us, I want to pause to reflect on where History Through Fiction stands today—and to clearly articulate our purpose, priorities, and direction for 2026.
Six years ago, History Through Fiction began as a one-person experiment. Today, it is a growing publishing ecosystem supported by authors, editors, designers, reviewers, workshop leaders, and readers who believe that history matters—and that stories are one of the most powerful ways to engage with it. The progress we’ve made this year is a direct result of your work, your trust, and your willingness to grow alongside the press.
In 2025, we signed two new traditional contracts and five new hybrid contracts, sold more than 7,300 books (with December still underway), and grew our subscriber base to over 4,300 readers. While we did not meet every benchmark we set last year, the foundation we’ve built is stronger, more durable, and more intentional than ever before.
What follows is a clear statement of who we are now, where we are going in 2026, and the principles that will guide our decisions.
Our Purpose for 2026
History Through Fiction exists to publish, support, and promote historically grounded stories that engage readers, elevate writers, and contribute meaningfully to the historical fiction community. As we move into 2026, our central focus is sustainability—creative, professional, and financial—so that this work can continue and expand.
For the first time in the life of the press, I will no longer hold employment outside of my role as Founder and Editor of History Through Fiction. This is both a milestone and a responsibility. Profitability is no longer aspirational; it is essential. At the same time, this shift allows me to devote my full professional energy to the press, its authors, and its long-term success.
2026 Benchmarks
In 2026, our core goals are:
10,000 books sold
10 new authors signed
50 paid subscribers to the History Through Fiction Substack
While we will continue to grow our free newsletter audience, our priority is building a smaller, more engaged readership that actively supports the work we publish.
Key Developments & Programs
Substack & Transparency
In 2026, History Through Fiction’s Substack will publish on a consistent schedule to offer transparency, education, and shared understanding of the work we’re doing together.
Free Posts (1st & 3rd Wednesdays):
Behind-the-scenes updates, publishing lessons, creative insights, and reflections on running a small press.
Paid Posts (2nd & 4th Wednesdays):
Craft deep dives, marketing strategies, and actionable publishing knowledge for serious writers.
Podcast — Behind the Publisher’s Desk (2nd & 4th Thursdays):
A concise, ten-minute look at the work of publishing, plus conversations with authors and industry professionals.
Monthly Workshops & Office Hours:
Paid subscribers receive a new monthly workshop, biweekly office hours with Melissa Makarewicz, and ongoing craft, publishing, and marketing guidance. All HTF authors receive complimentary paid access.
The Narrative Guild
Launching in 2026, The Narrative Guild is a boutique editorial collective co-founded with Amanda Symes, Robin Henry, and Alida Winternheimer. This is now the home for my freelance editing, coaching, and mentorship work.
The Guild exists as a parallel professional avenue—distinct from History Through Fiction and not a requirement for HTF authors. Its purpose is to serve writers seeking editorial and developmental support outside of a publishing contract.
HTF Publishing: Hybrid Program Updates
Our hybrid publishing program has been formalized and strengthened to ensure sustainability while maintaining high editorial and design standards. Updates include:
A three-round editorial process
Industry-standard cover and interior design
Transparent pricing and clear tiering
70% net royalties for authors
Packages ranging from $7,500–$12,875
We’ve also introduced the HTF Publishing Pathway, a structured six-step coaching and developmental program for writers preparing for publication.
Historical Readers Club
The Historical Readers Club has been fully restructured to strengthen the reader-facing side of the press. It now includes:
A bi-monthly book club (first Mondays of odd months)
Monthly readathons, including First Friday Readathons
Exclusive HTF author content
Short fiction and reviews from The History Shelf
The goal is to build a vibrant, consistent audience for historically grounded storytelling and the authors who create it.
Early Access & Consistent Communication
All new HTF releases now include a two-month early-access window through our online shop.
We are also committed to consistent communication:
A newsletter on the 1st of each month
A newsletter on the 15th of each month, each featuring a unique book sale
Consistency builds trust, visibility, and long-term engagement.
Workshops, Events, & Community
In 2026, History Through Fiction will offer:
Monthly workshops hosted by HTF and Melissa Makarewicz
Quarterly Manuscript Matchup cycles
Monthly HTF Team Time (formal Q&A in odd months; informal social space in even months)
And most significantly, we will host the inaugural History Through Fiction Conference, including:
Prologue Day (Online): March 18
In-person conference: March 27–29 at the Wylie Inn & Tupper Manor
This conference represents our largest investment to date. Our goals are to deliver an outstanding experience, foster meaningful professional networks, and establish History Through Fiction as a visible, credible presence in the historical fiction community.
New Visibility & Review Opportunities
In 2026, we are expanding paid visibility options for authors who want to reach our engaged readership, including:
Newsletter features and interviews
Podcast ad reads
Tiered promotional opportunities
We are also offering professional editorial reviews through The History Shelf, in partnership with reviewer Peggy Kurkowski.
Looking Ahead
History Through Fiction is no longer about what I can manage alone. It is a collaborative enterprise built on shared standards, shared ambition, and mutual respect. The books we publish—and the people who create them—are the reason this press exists.
Thank you to everyone who reads our books, publishes with us, attends workshops, contributes essays, submits manuscripts, or simply believes in the power of historical storytelling. I’m proud of what we’ve built together, and I’m deeply committed to ensuring that History Through Fiction remains a place where strong historical narratives are valued, supported, and sustained.
Here’s to a meaningful and creative year ahead.
— Colin Mustful
Founder, History Through Fiction
