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. 3d ago

    Office Hours with Colin Mustful and Melissa Makarewicz

    In this edition of Office Hours, Melissa Makarewicz is joined by History Through Fiction author Jane Dietzel-Cairns, who fills in for Colin Mustful while he is on the road. With Jane’s novel Exalted Objects set to release on September 15, the conversation begins at that strange, exciting threshold of sending a book out into the world. Jane reflects on the fear that readers might hate the book, the relief of receiving generous early reviews, and the way more mixed responses can help an author understand the audience the book is actually for. Rather than trying to make a novel appeal to everyone, writers can pay attention to what the right readers respond to—and take pride in having made the best book they could make. Jane also shares the wonderfully unusual premise behind Exalted Objects: two rival brothers in Gilded Age New Hampshire, a family legacy to live up to, a railroad executive, and a younger brother whose fascination with elephants turns the family estate into a literal zoo. From there, the discussion turns to what it means to be an author in public. Jane talks about the book events, history hikes, and conversations with other writers that are filling her launch week—activities that may not all be direct book promotion but are still part of being an author rather than staying home as a writer. Melissa and Jane explore social media and Substack as forms of people-to-people connection, not simply chores or sales channels. Sharing the writing life gives readers a chance to see what an author cares about, while giving the author practice articulating the book’s themes, interests, and points of connection. For historical fiction writers especially, the research and discoveries surrounding a novel can become an inviting way to bring readers into the larger world behind the story. Jane’s Substack, I Look Through Dead People’s Windows, becomes a useful example of that process. Writing regularly has helped her turn research rabbit holes, travel, cover-art discoveries, and the emotional questions behind her historical characters into material she can share with readers. A post about the nineteenth-century artist whose work inspired part of her cover, for instance, gives Jane more than an interesting story to publish—it gives her a way to prepare for future talks and explain what the book means to her. The conversation also offers a practical mindset shift for writers: move from trying to produce perfect content to documenting what you are already noticing, learning, and making. Over time, that repetition helps you find your voice and makes it easier to talk about your work both online and in person. The replay closes with a candid look at the transition from promoting a current book to beginning the next one, the value of following inspiration instead of forcing a rigid content calendar, and the reminder that hashtags matter far less than consistently sharing something real. Melissa encourages writers to treat social media as an experiment, focus on keywords and connection, and create three more pieces of useful content rather than spending an hour searching for the perfect hashtag. She also recommends Austin Kleon’s Show Your Work as a small but powerful guide to sharing the creative process. Finally, Melissa highlights The Working Writer, which offers a 14-day free trial, writing sprints, 30-day goal setting, and a growing resource library for writers who want more structure and support. Whether you are preparing for a launch or still finding your way toward a first draft, this Office Hours conversation is a reminder that showing your work is not about presenting a perfect version of yourself—it is about giving the right readers a chance to find you. 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. 5d ago

    Behind the Publisher’s Desk

    In this episode of Behind the Publisher’s Desk, Colin Mustful shares a wide-ranging update from a particularly busy season at History Through Fiction and HTF Publishing. He talks about upcoming book festivals and the practical realities of exhibiting—from travel, inventory, and outdoor weather protection to liability insurance—and reflects on what it means to keep showing up for readers while managing the costs of independent publishing. Colin also gives an inside look at the systems being built to support the press as it grows. He discusses the work of three volunteer readers who help with acquisitions, the arrival of a new intern and an operations manager, the short story contest’s longlist, and preparations for the Historical Fiction Virtual Book Festival, which has already attracted around 200 registrants. He also reflects on a community education class that had to be cancelled because of low enrollment, plans to repurpose that curriculum, and an upcoming book-marketing workshop where he will share lessons from both successful and unsuccessful investments. Along the way, Colin talks about using writing sprints in The Working Writer to make progress on his own novel, a more complicated-than-expected audiobook production, and the many books moving through the publishing pipeline—including Exalted Objects, Circus of the Vanishing Elephant, All Different Kinds of Free, The Death of Driftwood, Captain M, Operation Okapi, and Not Ours to Keep. He closes with updates on the 2027 Santa Fe writing retreat and the early planning for the 2028 History Through Fiction Conference. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to build an independent press while balancing growth, sustainability, creative work, and community, this episode offers an honest look at the many moving parts behind the scenes. 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. Aug 27

    Behind the Publisher’s Desk

    In this episode of Behind the Publisher’s Desk, Colin Mustful is joined by Elle of Elle Reads Library Books for a thoughtful conversation about reading, libraries, and the communities that grow around books. Elle shares how her Substack began as a way to create space for readers who love books but cannot always afford to buy them, and why she wanted to celebrate libraries not just as institutions, but as lifelines for curiosity, access, and literary discovery. Together, Colin and Elle talk about the kind of content that resonates with readers on Substack, from under-the-radar historical fiction recommendations to monthly reading roundups, paid subscriber extras, and the small “Easter eggs” that help deepen community. They also explore why historical fiction remains such a powerful gateway into culture and history, especially for readers who want to move beyond the most familiar time periods and settings. Elle also reflects on her lifelong relationship with libraries, her reading habits across formats, and what it has been like to build a reading life as an American living in Brazil, where book access and library culture can look very different from the United States. If you care about books, reading access, and the role literary communities play in keeping curiosity alive, this conversation offers a warm and insightful look at why libraries—and the people who champion them—matter so much. 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. Aug 14

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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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