Publish With Us

Where Storytelling Meets History

At History Through Fiction, we believe history is best told through story — and that every story deserves careful stewardship. Whether you’re an established author or an emerging voice, we offer multiple publishing pathways that combine professional standards with personalized support.

Founded by historian and author Colin Mustful, our mission is to bridge the gap between history and storytelling through well-researched, engaging, and authentic narratives.

Our Publishing Models

History Through Fiction (Traditional Imprint)

Our flagship imprint publishes select historical novels through a traditional contract. These titles reflect the heart of our mission: bringing history to life through engaging, historically grounded storytelling.

Traditional contracts are limited and reserved for authors who demonstrate exceptional writing, a strong author platform, and a manuscript that aligns with our editorial vision.

What We Offer:

  • No author costs

  • 35% author royalty on net sales

  • Full professional editorial and design services

  • Comprehensive distribution through IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, and GooglePlay

  • Strategic marketing and promotional support via our established HTF platform

Traditional publishing with HTF is highly competitive — we typically select just a few novels each year — but we welcome all authors to submit for consideration.


HTF Publishing (Hybrid Imprint)

For authors ready to invest in their success, HTF Publishing offers a hybrid publishing model that combines professional editing, design, and distribution with author partnership and transparency.

Our hybrid program allows us to publish more books each year while maintaining the same high standards of quality and care as our traditional imprint. Every manuscript is evaluated for writing, research, and market potential.

We pride ourselves on:

  • A rigorous editorial process (3 rounds of editing)

  • Industry-standard design and formatting

  • Transparent costs and royalty splits

  • Personalized author collaboration

  • Access to HTF’s established readership and marketing network

Hybrid Contract Options:

  • The Foundation Package – $7,500
    Professional editing, design, and distribution.

  • The Campaign Package – $9,750
    Includes marketing support, giveaways, and NetGalley exposure.

  • The Legacy Package – $11,250
    Expands reader outreach with multi-platform engagement.

  • The Chronicle Package – $12,875
    Adds a professionally narrated audiobook and premium visibility.

All hybrid authors retain 70% of net royalties and receive print, ebook, and (where applicable) audiobook distribution under the History Through Fiction brand.

Learn more

HTF Fantasy & Romance

Our newest imprints, HTF Fantasy and HTF Romance, extend our commitment to historical storytelling into new imaginative territories.

These imprints publish historical fantasy and historical romance under traditional or hybrid contracts, offering opportunities for authors to blend factual research with creative reimagining.

Each title follows the same editorial rigor and design excellence that define HTF Publishing. Whether your story blends myth and history or explores love across eras, these imprints provide a professional home for genre authors with a passion for the past.

Our Publishing Promise

No matter the imprint, every author we work with receives:

  • Professional editing and design that meet or exceed industry standards.

  • Transparent collaboration — we guide you through every step of the process.

  • Quality-first publishing — your book will look and read like those from major traditional houses.

  • Distribution and support — print and digital availability worldwide.

  • Access to community — through History Through Fiction’s platform, events, and reader network.

At HTF, we don’t just publish books. We champion authors who bring the past to life with integrity, imagination, and purpose.

HTF Publishing Pathway

For authors seeking developmental guidance before publication, we offer The HTF Publishing Pathway — a six-step coaching and editorial program designed to strengthen your manuscript for submission.

Cost: $900
Includes: personalized coaching, curriculum access, and prioritized submission review (with guaranteed response within three weeks).

While completion does not guarantee a traditional contract, graduates are encouraged to submit to HTF Publishing or other presses with confidence and professionalism.

Submit an Interest Form

Program Overview

Step 1 – Getting Started
We match you with a trusted, pre-screened coach and send them your manuscript. At the same time, you’ll receive the full program curriculum. Your coach will reach out to schedule an initial meeting, which takes place a few weeks after the program begins—giving you time to review the materials and your coach time to review your manuscript.

Step 2 – Meeting 1: Initial Feedback
In your first meeting, your coach provides detailed feedback on your story. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions about the curriculum and next steps.

Step 3 – Deadline 1: The Big Picture
You complete the first set of assignments, then submit your work to your coach. They’ll schedule Meeting 2, where they’ll share feedback and answer your questions about Deadline 2: Character Work Leading to Plot Work.

Step 4 – Deadline 2: Character & Plot Development
You complete the second set of assignments and submit your work to your coach. In Meeting 3, your coach will give feedback and guide you through Deadline 3: The New Vision.

Step 5 – Deadline 3: The New Vision
You finish the final set of assignments and submit your work to your coach. During Meeting 4, you’ll receive feedback and discuss any additional revisions needed.

Step 6 – Final Submission
You make final revisions to your story and resubmit it to History Through Fiction. Because you completed our coaching program, your manuscript will be prioritized at the top of our submissions queue, with a guaranteed response within three weeks.

Note: Authors who enroll in The HTF Publishing Pathway are not eligible for a traditional publishing contract with History Through Fiction. However, you are encouraged to pursue publication through our hybrid program or submit your manuscript to other publishers and agents with confidence.

How We Compare

While other respected hybrid publishers—such as She Writes Press, Atmosphere Books, and Historium Press—offer professional publishing opportunities, History Through Fiction stands apart for its unwavering commitment to historical authenticity, personalized author collaboration, and editorial expertise grounded in the craft of historical fiction. Every HTF title reflects the same standards of quality, design, and storytelling found in the finest traditional presses.

Our hybrid model is not a shortcut to publication—it’s a collaborative partnership built on trust, craftsmanship, and integrity. Together, we work to ensure that stories of the past are told with both creative passion and historical care.

Ready to Publish With Us?

Learn more about our submission process and send us your manuscript via our Submission Guidelines page.

Together, let’s bring history to life through story.