History Through Fiction is an independent press dedicated to historically rich, story-driven fiction. Our work brings together editorial judgment, careful research, and a belief in the power of stories to connect readers with the past.

This page lists current opportunities to work and learn with our team, including fellowships, internships, and other openings. Each listing includes its own responsibilities and application instructions.

Acquisitions Fellowship

Dates: November 1, 2026–January 31, 2027
Format: Remote
Compensation: Unpaid
Application deadline: October 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central

The History Through Fiction Acquisitions Fellowship offers experience evaluating submissions at an independent historical fiction press. Fellows work with publisher Colin Mustful to consider the strengths of a story, the areas that may need development, and its fit for publication.

Depending on the submissions received, fellows may review query letters and sample pages, recommend manuscripts for full review, read requested manuscripts, and evaluate short stories submitted throughout the year. Fellows complete an Acquisitions Reader Evaluation for assigned work and participate in editorial discussions. Short Story Contest entries may also be included when applicable. Final publishing decisions remain with History Through Fiction.

The fellowship includes mentoring meetings approximately every two weeks via Zoom. Topics include fiction craft, manuscript evaluation, editorial decision-making, and how an independent press operates. We welcome applicants who read closely, explain their judgments with care, communicate reliably, and are interested in historical fiction. Prior publishing experience is not required.

How to apply

Email editor@historythroughfiction.com with the subject line Acquisitions Fellowship Application by October 11. Please include:

1. A brief introduction explaining your interest in the fellowship and any relevant reading, writing, or editorial experience. No résumé is required.

2. A 250–350 word evaluation of Frank R. Stockton’s “The Lady, or the Tiger?”. Briefly identify a strength of the story, an editorial concern, and whether you would recommend it for further consideration if it arrived as a submission today. Explain the reasoning behind your recommendation. There is no expected answer.

3. Your availability for meetings and assigned reading between November 1 and January 31.

Please send your evaluation as part of the email or as a PDF. We will use this exercise only to assess fellowship applications.