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. 2d ago

    Office Hours with Colin Mustful and Melissa Makarewicz

    In this edition of Office Hours, Colin Mustful and Melissa Makarewicz begin with Colin’s recent presentation, From Timeline to Tension, and the shift that changed the way he writes historical fiction. Research often gives a writer a clean chronology of events, but a compelling story cannot simply move from one date to the next. It needs a character with a problem, something they want, and obstacles that create tension and cause and effect. Colin also reflects on the difference between writing and editing, including why writers sometimes have to quiet their editor brain long enough to get the draft on the page, and why even editors have to admit when their advice is not right for a particular story. The conversation then turns to the discomfort many authors feel when promoting their work. Colin and Melissa reframe self-promotion as an invitation rather than an imposition: books do not expire, and sharing one gives the right reader a chance to find the story they need. They talk about identifying a book’s audience, explaining its value without apologizing for it, and looking for opportunities that serve other people too, whether that means offering a library a timely presentation or giving a writing community a useful Q&A instead of opening with a sales pitch. Confidence does not mean being pushy. It means being willing to stand behind the work, stay open to feedback, and help readers discover something they may love. Finally, Colin and Melissa discuss AI, historical research, and the growing importance of human connection. AI can be useful for technical help and quick questions, but it cannot replace a writer’s critical thinking, research process, or responsibility to history. Writers still need to check claims against reliable primary and secondary sources and understand the bias and limits of every source they use. Just as importantly, writers need other people: readers, editors, fellow authors, and communities that can offer perspective, encouragement, and the lived experience that no tool can duplicate. Whether they are talking about craft, marketing, or the setbacks that shape a creative life, Colin and Melissa return to the same idea: writers do better work when they share what they know and do not try to do everything alone. If you want more structure and support for your writing life, The Working Writer offers a two-week free trial, new writing sprint times, and a community of writers working through the same questions. Members can also join an upcoming author chat with Ellie Alexander and take part in the book club discussion of Self-Publish and Succeed. 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. 3d ago

    Behind the Publisher’s Desk

    In this episode of Behind the Publisher’s Desk, Colin Mustful steps away from the usual behind-the-scenes tour of History Through Fiction to talk about one upcoming program: the Novel Whisperer Writing Adventure in Santa Fe, New Mexico, June 6 to 12, 2027. He is joined by Robin Henry, managing editor at History Through Fiction, to discuss why Santa Fe’s art, natural beauty, and quiet pace make it a fitting setting for a small writing retreat. Robin explains how the retreat will combine protected writing time with individual coaching, conversations about characters and plot, and goal-setting before the group arrives. With only seven spots, the experience is designed to give each writer room to focus while also creating a supportive community of people working on historical fiction at different stages. The conversation also gets into the parts of a retreat that happen away from the page: shared breakfasts, group and individual activities, meals together, and yoga if Robin’s teacher training is complete. Colin and Robin reflect on how much more productive revision can become when a writer and editor are able to sit together, talk through a problem, and make changes in real time. The Novel Whisperer Writing Adventure is for historical fiction writers of all abilities, especially those with an idea or manuscript in progress. Each guest will have a private bedroom in a three-unit Airbnb within walking distance of downtown Santa Fe. To learn more and apply, visit historythroughfiction.com/writing-retreat. Space is limited to seven writers. 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. Sep 24

    Behind the Publisher’s Desk

    In this episode of Behind the Publisher’s Desk, Colin Mustful begins with a question raised by his recent Substack post, What Is Historical Fiction? Drawing on Ariel Lawhon’s argument that historical fiction is not a genre but a setting, Colin invites listeners to think about how we define historical fiction—and what those definitions mean for the stories we write, publish, and read. Colin then turns to the growing operation behind History Through Fiction and HTF Publishing. As the press has expanded, more and more of its processes have existed inside his own head. He talks about working with an operations manager to evaluate the press’s many initiatives, document recurring workflows, and build a practical handbook that will make it possible to hand off administrative and content-related tasks. He also shares updates on the acquisitions fellowship, a new round of volunteer readers, the upcoming Historical Fiction Virtual Book Festival, which has reached around 250 registrants, and the continued growth of The Working Writer community. The episode also offers a tour through the publishing pipeline, including updates on Captain M, Not Ours to Keep, The Oleander Message, All Different Kinds of Free, The Death of Driftwood, The Last Fugitive, and The Oleander Message. Colin discusses audiobook production, cover and interior design, manuscript revisions, and the careful decisions involved in selecting new traditional and hybrid publishing projects. He closes with news about upcoming book festivals, the early planning for the 2028 History Through Fiction Conference, and the larger challenge of building an independent press that can continue to grow without depending on one person to hold every detail. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to create systems around a creative business while continuing to publish meaningful stories, this episode offers an honest look behind the scenes. If you’re looking for more structure, encouragement, and accountability in your own writing life, consider joining The Working Writer. It’s a growing community for writers who want steady support, practical momentum, and a place to keep showing up for the work. 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. Sep 12

    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

  5. Sep 10

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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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