Behind the Publisher's Desk with Colin Mustful

In this episode of Behind the Publisher’s Desk , Colin Mustful shares a wide-ranging summer update on what’s happening at History Through Fiction and HTF Publishing . He talks about upcoming public events like the Inbound BrewCo book fair and the Twin Cities Book Festival, gives listeners a preview of the virtual book festival planned for November, and reflects on the many moving parts involved in...

In this episode of Behind the Publisher’s Desk , Colin Mustful offers a wide-ranging behind-the-scenes update on what’s happening at History Through Fiction and HTF Publishing. He shares where several upcoming titles stand in the publishing pipeline—from books already in their marketing phase to manuscripts still waiting on blurbs, revisions, and final quality checks—and gives listeners an honest...

In this episode of Behind the Publisher’s Desk , Colin Mustful is joined by Sophie Beal of Cadence Publishing for a candid conversation about what it really looks like to build a small historical fiction press from the ground up. Sophie shares how the press began during lockdown, how mentorship helped her clarify her vision, and why she ultimately chose to focus on historical fiction. Together, Co...

In this episode of Behind the Publisher’s Desk , Colin Mustful shares a candid look at the realities of independent publishing through his recent trip to Atlanta for the release of Jungle of Ashes by Brynn Barineau . What begins as a celebration of a new historical novel becomes a thoughtful reflection on the persistence, unpredictability, and emotional investment required to support authors and b...

In this special Office Hours replay, Melissa Makarewicz is joined by Brynn Barineau , author of Jungle of Ashes , while Colin Mustful travels home from Brynn’s launch-week events. What begins as a conversation about a new book release quickly opens into a candid discussion about the real work behind author visibility: setting realistic expectations, rebuilding momentum, and finding sustainable way...

In this episode of Behind the Publisher’s Desk , Colin Mustful shares a candid update on what life looks like inside History Through Fiction during a season of momentum. He talks about traveling to Atlanta to support Brynn Barineau at her book launch, reflects on how vulnerable it can be for authors to put their work into the world, and explains why showing up in person matters. From there, Colin...

In this Office Hours replay, Colin Mustful and Melissa catch up on a season of growth at History Through Fiction—from new author signings and a wider range of submissions to the long-term vision for future events, including a virtual book festival, a possible writers’ retreat, and the next conference. Colin also shares more about the launch of the Narrative Guild and the strong response to the rec...

In this Office Hours conversation, Colin Mustful and Melissa Makarewicz move from the mechanics of storytelling to the realities of building a sustainable writing life. They unpack the difference between interiority and foreshadowing, why subtlety matters on the page, and how writers can trust readers more while still guiding emotion and tension. From there, the discussion turns to something just...

What does a full day look like behind the scenes of an independent press? In this episode, Colin Mustful walks through his real-time schedule—from drafting his own novel (by hand) to leading editorial meetings, hosting a BIPOC historical fiction panel, and connecting with authors at every stage of the publishing journey. Along the way, Colin shares updates from History Through Fiction, including u...

In this episode of Behind the Publisher’s Desk , Colin Mustful shares a behind-the-scenes look at everything happening at History Through Fiction after the History Through Fiction Conference. From discovery calls with writers and upcoming book launches to submissions, workshops, freelance editing, and plans for the next season of the podcast, Colin offers a candid update on the work of building a...

In this episode of Behind the Publisher’s Desk , Colin Mustful takes listeners behind the scenes as he prepares for the History Through Fiction Conference. Sharing his keynote speech, Colin reflects on his journey from parking lot attendant to historical fiction author and publisher. He explores the transformative power of storytelling, the responsibility of writing with integrity, and the role of...

In this episode of Behind the Publisher’s Desk , Colin Mustful reflects on the challenges of entrepreneurship after stepping away from a steady job to focus solely on his independent press, History Through Fiction. Colin shares his evolving perspective on financial uncertainty, the importance of perseverance, and the rewards of building something meaningful. He also provides updates on recent proj...

Colin Mustful and Melissa Makarewicz hosted a fun and engaging Office Hours session, where they shared valuable insights on author success, marketing strategies, and what’s coming up next. They talked about the importance of planning and setting goals, with Colin giving a peek into his 2026 calendar strategy and Melissa chatting about using tools like Strava for a motivational boost. They also hig...

In this candid episode of Behind the Publisher’s Desk , Colin Mustful shares an honest update from the front lines of independent publishing. While History Through Fiction celebrates multiple book launches, strong pre-orders, successful events, and a growing roster of workshops and freelance projects, the realities of small business ownership are also front and center. Colin discusses the challeng...

A recent The New York Times article profiled author Coral Hart, who reportedly published 200 AI-assisted romance novels in a single year. The story has reignited debate about artificial intelligence in writing and publishing. In this video, I share my perspective—not from a place of fear or outrage, but from a commitment to craft. As I begin drafting a new novel—by hand, in a notebook—I explain wh...

In this candid episode of Behind the Publisher’s Desk , Colin reflects on a major milestone: stepping away from his former job and fully embracing life as a small business owner. He shares what it feels like to build History Through Fiction full time—the challenges, the momentum, and the quiet confirmation that he made the right decision. This episode is about growth, sustainability, and trusting...

In this episode of Behind the Publisher’s Desk , Colin Mustful shares a comprehensive update on his work as an independent publisher, author, and freelance editor. Broadcasting from Roanoke, Virginia, Colin reflects on the freedom of remote work after leaving his role at a pizza restaurant. He dives into the latest developments at History Through Fiction, including the upcoming 2026 conference, vi...

In this Office Hours session, Colin and Melissa dig into the real work behind building a sustainable writing and publishing career. Drawing from audience questions, they explore the foundations of self-publishing, the importance of setting realistic expectations around audience size and marketability, and why authors need to think about marketing and community-building earlier than they often expe...

In this episode of Behind the Publisher’s Desk , host Colin Mustful sits down with Eva Langston, author, podcaster, and creator of The Long Road to Publishing . Eva shares her journey through the challenges of traditional publishing, including novels that “died on submission,” and how she found empowerment by launching her podcast and Substack. Together, Colin and Eva discuss the importance of res...

In case you missed our live Office Hours, you can now catch the recording. Melissa and I had a very lively conversation about working over the holidays, how to market your book without sounding "salesy", and how to make a plan to write your first novel in 2026. Don't miss our next live Office Hours on Friday, January 9, at 12pm Central. Check out my chat thread to ask us questions you want us to c...

In this episode of Behind the Publisher’s Desk , Colin Mustful shares a whirlwind update on his many projects as 2025 comes to a close. From revamping his Substack schedule for 2026 to juggling audiobook production, editing, and conference planning, Colin offers a behind-the-scenes look at the life of an independent publisher. Learn about the challenges of managing audiobook platforms, the intrica...

In our first edition of Substack Office Hours, Melissa Makarewicz and I talked about the nuances of POV in writing, the realities and challenges cultural appropriation, and the challenges of managing expectations during your author journey. Thanks to every one who tuned in! Please join us for our next Office Hours on Friday, December 26, at 12pm Central. This is a public episode. If you'd like to...

In this episode of Behind the Publisher’s Desk , host Colin Mustful offers a whirlwind update on the many projects underway at History Through Fiction. From prepping two upcoming novel releases— The Water Lilies of Mishipeshu and The Choir —to finalizing audiobooks, proofreading lengthy manuscripts, and coordinating cover designs, Colin shares the intricate details of running a small press. He als...

In this 10-minute episode of Behind the Publisher’s Desk , Colin Mustful, founder of History Through Fiction and author of five historical novels, takes you behind the scenes of independent publishing. From finalizing cover designs for Jungle of Ashes to proofreading layouts, evaluating submissions, and preparing for the Twin Cities Book Festival, Colin shares the intricate details of managing an...

In this episode of Behind the Publisher’s Desk , Colin Mustful shares a behind-the-scenes look at his busy week as the founder of History Through Fiction. From meetings with authors and interns to finalizing book designs and preparing for upcoming releases, Colin dives into the many roles he juggles as an indie publisher. Hear updates on new titles, marketing strategies, and the short story contes...