The Next Chapter

Going all the way with History Through Fiction

A couple months ago, I announced that I’ll be leaving my job as General Manager of Lake Harriet Pizza to focus entirely on building and sustaining my business, History Through Fiction.

This is a huge step for me. Since founding the press in 2019, I’ve never paid myself from the income earned through publishing or editorial work. I’ve always relied on other jobs to make ends meet. That all changes on January 1, 2026. When it does, I want to be ready.

Today, I want to share some of the key changes and new directions I’m implementing to make this transition a success.

Hybrid Publishing

In 2023, I expanded History Through Fiction’s model to include hybrid contracts alongside traditional publishing. This shift has allowed us to publish more books and create a sustainable income stream while maintaining high standards.

Now, with experience and feedback in hand, I’ve refined the hybrid program into four tiered options, giving authors more flexibility based on their goals, experience, and budget.

In collaboration with Robin Henry, I’ve also developed the HTF Publishing Pathway, a coaching program for authors whose manuscripts aren’t quite ready for publication. Rather than turning writers away, we’re helping them grow and strengthen their work with the goal of eventually earning a contract.

Finally, our new “Publish With Us” page clearly outlines each publishing model and the expectations for submitting to History Through Fiction.

Freelance Editing

I’ve been editing and coaching writers for years, mostly through word-of-mouth. But until now, I’ve never formally established my freelance brand.

That’s about to change. Together with editors Robin Henry, Amanda Symes, and Alida Winternheimer, I’ve co-founded The Narrative Guild — a boutique editorial collective offering high-level, professional editing for serious storytellers.

Instead of working solo, I’ll be part of a team that provides a curated, collaborative space for authors to find the editor who best fits their needs. The Narrative Guild will officially launch in 2026.

Workshops

Since launching History Through Fiction, I’ve hosted a variety of workshops — including How to Write History Through Fiction — but scheduling them consistently has been a challenge.

That changes next year. Partnering with

Melissa Makarewicz

, I’ll offer twelve monthly workshops through the HTF Writing & Publishing Series, plus a six-month group coaching program and new editions of How to Write History Through Fiction.

Workshops will be announced soon, giving writers time to plan their participation. Paid Substack subscribers will also gain access to these workshops without needing to register separately.

Advertising for Indie Authors

Our online reach has grown tremendously — often exceeding 1 million Google impressions and 10,000 clicks each month.

To help indie authors connect with this audience, I’ve expanded our advertising options into tiered packages. Authors can now combine ad placements to get more exposure and value, choosing packages that align with their goals and budgets. This change also creates a more sustainable income stream for the platform.

Substack

When I joined Substack earlier this year, I wasn’t quite sure how to use it. Now, I have a plan.

Starting in 2026, I’ll be moving to a regular publishing schedule:

• Free posts: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays — behind-the-scenes insights and lessons from my life as a writer, publisher, and editor.

• Paid posts: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays — deep dives into craft, publishing, and book marketing.

Paid subscribers will also be invited to office hours with Melissa Makarewicz on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month, where we’ll answer specific questions and discuss trends in publishing and marketing.

I’ll continue producing my podcast, Behind the Publisher’s Desk, twice a month for all subscribers. And at the start of each month, paid members will receive a post with Zoom links to upcoming workshops, providing full access through their subscription.

Looking Ahead

I’m both nervous and excited to make my full-time job my only full-time job. I love what I do — helping authors share their stories, guiding them through the publishing process, and building a platform that celebrates historical fiction.

Every obstacle I’ve faced has shaped me into the writer, publisher, and editor I am today. Whether these next steps lead to success or new lessons, I’ll continue to pour my heart into this work — for the authors, readers, and community that have supported me from the start.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

— Colin