Behind the Publisher's Desk with Colin Mustful

Exploring the art and business of storytelling.
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Welcome to Behind the Publisher’s Desk with Colin Mustful, a podcast that pulls back the curtain on the world of independent publishing. As an author, editor, and publisher, Colin shares candid insights into the daily realities of running a press, working with authors, and building a career in storytelling. In each ten-minute episode, you’ll discover practical lessons, hard-earned experiences, and behind-the-scenes perspectives on the challenges and rewards of publishing. Whether you’re an aspiring author, a fellow publisher, or simply curious about the business of books, this podcast offers a thoughtful look at the industry from the other side of the desk. colinmustful.substack.com

  1. 6d ago

    Office Hours with Colin Mustful and Melissa Makarewicz

    In this edition of Office Hours, Colin Mustful and Melissa Makarewicz begin with a wide-angle look at literary community—what it means to connect authors, readers, and independent bookstores in ways that feel meaningful rather than promotional. Their conversation moves from Bookstore Romance Day to the newly announced History Through Fiction Virtual Book Conference, highlighting a shared belief that readers want more than transactions. They want experiences, conversations, and accessible ways to participate. For writers and publishers, it is a helpful reminder that building audience trust often starts with creating spaces where people can gather around books together. From there, the replay turns into an especially practical discussion of audiobooks: when to start planning, how much professional narration typically costs, what to consider when choosing between distribution platforms, and why audiobook marketing requires its own strategy. Colin walks through the realities of lead time, auditions, budgeting, and production quality, while also explaining why authors should think beyond the upload itself. If readers are going to invest in an audiobook, they need a chance to hear it. That is where samples, clips, narrator events, and long-tail promotion become essential. For writers considering audio for the first time, this section offers a grounded, transparent view of both the opportunity and the commitment. The final stretch of the conversation shifts toward The Working Writer, the new community Colin and Melissa have launched to help authors stay focused, supported, and in motion. They talk about writing sprints, monthly planning, honest feedback, guest experts, and the power of being surrounded by people who understand both the creative and practical side of writing a book. Taken together, this Office Hours replay is about more than updates—it is about building a sustainable writing life. Whether you are trying to reach readers, expand into audio, or find a stronger structure for your work, this conversation offers both encouragement and a clear sense that writers do better when they do not have to do everything alone. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colinmustful.substack.com/subscribe

    Office Hours with Colin Mustful and Melissa Makarewicz

  2. Aug 13

    Behind the Publisher's Desk

    In this episode of Behind the Publisher’s Desk, Colin Mustful shares a candid update from a season of rapid growth at History Through Fiction. After a surge of submissions driven by conference momentum and wider outreach, he reflects on the challenge of keeping up with acquisitions while still giving each submission the time and care it deserves. He also shares why that growth has led him to hire an operations manager and begin building the systems needed to scale the press without losing sight of its mission, quality, and values. Colin also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at several major initiatives moving forward at once: the launch of The Working Writer community with Melissa Makarewicz, the upcoming Historical Fiction Virtual Book Festival, and the close of the short story contest that will help shape a new anthology. Along the way, he offers updates on current editorial work, including Captain M and Operation Okapi, as well as plans for special book boxes tied to the November release of All Different Kinds of Free. He closes with a more personal creative note, reflecting on the value of stepping away from words long enough to sketch a character from his work in progress. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to manage growth, protect quality, and keep creating at the same time, this episode offers an honest snapshot of the work in motion. History Through Fiction with Colin Mustful is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colinmustful.substack.com/subscribe

    Behind the Publisher's Desk

  3. Jul 23

    Behind the Publisher's Desk

    In this episode of Behind the Publisher’s Desk, Colin Mustful shares a candid behind-the-scenes update on a major season of growth at History Through Fiction. He reflects on reviewing 155 internship applications and explains why he is expanding the team with a fall intern, volunteer readers to support acquisitions, diversity advisors, and an operations manager—all with the goal of helping the press grow more sustainably, efficiently, and thoughtfully. Colin also gives listeners a look at several projects moving forward at once: the upcoming virtual book festival on November 14, a community read and book box tied to All Different Kinds of Free, editorial progress on Captain M, Operation Okapi, and The Oleander Message, and continued development of The Working Writer community. Along the way, he offers an honest snapshot of the balancing act involved in building an independent press while trying to serve authors, readers, and the wider writing community well. He also shares updates on upcoming releases like Exalted Objects and Circus of the Vanishing Elephant, book festival appearances in Chicago, Decatur, and the Twin Cities, and his own teaching and speaking commitments in the months ahead. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to grow a literary press without losing sight of mission, values, and long-term vision, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the work in motion. History Through Fiction with Colin Mustful is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colinmustful.substack.com/subscribe

    Behind the Publisher's Desk

  4. Jul 9

    Behind the Publisher's Desk

    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 building a literary community while continuing to grow an independent press. Along the way, Colin offers a behind-the-scenes look at the daily work of publishing: reviewing internship applications, guiding an independent author through distribution on IngramSpark and KDP, signing a new author, and moving several manuscripts through editing and revision. He also shares updates on projects including Sean Cooper’s The Wolf’s Brigade, Judy Lamble’s M, and Lisa Oakley’s Not Ours to Keep. Colin also looks ahead to several writer-focused initiatives, including a summer workshop on the discipline and systems required to write a novel, a mentorship program, and early planning for a writers’ retreat next year. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to balance editorial work, author support, event planning, and long-term vision inside a small press, this episode offers an honest snapshot of the work in motion. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colinmustful.substack.com/subscribe

    Behind the Publisher's Desk

  5. Jun 25

    Behind the Publisher's Desk

    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 look at how many moving pieces it takes to bring books into the world. Along the way, Colin talks about ARCs, NetGalley outreach, giveaway strategy, developmental editing, and the careful pacing required to support each author well. He also reflects on the broader work surrounding the books themselves: planning a virtual book festival, building The Working Writer community, reviewing internship applications, running the short story contest, and helping shape a nonfiction genealogy project. If you’ve ever wondered what independent publishing looks like between announcement and release—or how a small press balances editorial care, marketing, community-building, and long-term growth—this episode offers a candid snapshot of the work in motion. History Through Fiction with Colin Mustful is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colinmustful.substack.com/subscribe

    Behind the Publisher's Desk

  6. Jun 11

    Behind the Publisher's Desk

    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, Colin and Sophie talk about brand-building, acquiring the right manuscripts, and the close, often delicate relationship between publisher and author. They explore why transparency matters so much, what it means to work with writers who are genuinely open to revision, and how to balance rigorous editing with respect for an author’s voice. Sophie also reflects on the ambition behind independent publishing: not simply releasing books, but creating work that can stand confidently alongside books from major publishers. If you’re interested in the behind-the-scenes realities of small press publishing—from editorial standards to author relationships to building a lasting identity—this episode offers an honest and thoughtful look at the work. History Through Fiction with Colin Mustful is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colinmustful.substack.com/subscribe

    Behind the Publisher's Desk

  7. May 28

    Behind the Publisher's Desk

    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 books in today’s publishing landscape. Colin discusses traveling by bus from Minneapolis to Atlanta, attending bookstore events with both strong and disappointing turnout, and the importance of simply showing up for authors during vulnerable moments in their careers. He also pulls back the curtain on the business side of publishing, explaining how promotions like BookBub features can help propel a novel to bestseller status while simultaneously creating significant financial risk for small presses. Along the way, Colin shares updates on upcoming History Through Fiction titles, advance review campaigns, current editorial projects, and the growing demands of freelance publishing work. He also reveals an exciting new opportunity involving filmmakers interested in adapting historical material connected to his novel Grace at Spirit Lake. This episode is an honest and insightful exploration of what independent publishing really looks like behind the scenes—the long hours, the financial challenges, the personal relationships, and the enduring belief that stories matter. Thanks for reading History Through Fiction with Colin Mustful! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colinmustful.substack.com/subscribe

    Behind the Publisher's Desk

  8. May 22

    Office Hours with Melissa Makarewicz and Brynn Barineau

    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 ways to show up online. Brynn reflects on the launch of Jungle of Ashes, a historical novel set against the rise and collapse of Fordlandia in the Brazilian Amazon, and shares how her own background in Brazil shaped the story she wanted to tell. From there, the conversation turns to the realities of launching a book as a working parent, including the challenge of re-entering literary community after time away, reconnecting with readers, and choosing marketing efforts that actually fit the season of life you’re in. Melissa brings a practical coaching perspective throughout, emphasizing that the best platform strategy is not the most ambitious one—it’s the one an author can sustain. Together, she and Brynn explore what it means to build an authentic author brand, why creators need to lean into the formats they genuinely enjoy, and how visibility grows when writers stop trying to force themselves into strategies that drain them. They also talk about podcasts, reels, Substack, launch events, and the importance of showing up in ways that feel human rather than performative. The deeper takeaway is clear: consistency matters, but so does honesty. If you can find a way to share your work that energizes you instead of exhausting you, you’re far more likely to keep going. If you’re a writer trying to balance creativity, family, work, and the demands of book marketing, this conversation offers practical encouragement, grounded insight, and a refreshing reminder that sustainable growth is often built one honest step at a time. If this conversation resonates with you, consider picking up a copy of Jungle of Ashes by Brynn Barineau. It’s a vivid, thoughtful historical novel set against the rise and unraveling of Fordlandia in the Brazilian Amazon—and a perfect companion to many of the themes discussed in this Office Hours replay. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit colinmustful.substack.com/subscribe

    Office Hours with Melissa Makarewicz and Brynn Barineau
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Welcome to Behind the Publisher’s Desk with Colin Mustful, a podcast that pulls back the curtain on the world of independent publishing. As an author, editor, and publisher, Colin shares candid insights into the daily realities of running a press, working with authors, and building a career in storytelling. In each ten-minute episode, you’ll discover practical lessons, hard-earned experiences, and behind-the-scenes perspectives on the challenges and rewards of publishing. Whether you’re an aspiring author, a fellow publisher, or simply curious about the business of books, this podcast offers a thoughtful look at the industry from the other side of the desk. colinmustful.substack.com

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