History Through Fiction Short Stories History Through Fiction Press (Gold Star Program) Gold Star Founded in 2019 by Minnesota Author and Historian Colin Mustful, History Through Fiction is an independent press publishing high quality fiction that is rooted in accurate and detailed historical research. As publishers of historical fiction, we seek to provide readers with compelling narratives that also act as valuable historical resources. Our books, though fictionalized, include important primary and secondary source materials that are disclosed to readers through a variety of traditionally nonfiction elements such as footnotes, endnotes, or a bibliography. This way, readers may enjoy a fictional narrative while also examining the historical foundation upon which that narrative is based. By combining elements of fiction and nonfiction, our authors provide readers with an immersive experience that is both entertaining and educational.MissionTo address the gap between history and storytelling through well-researched, engaging, and diverse narratives.VisionTo help readers across the world discover new authors, learn new histories, and become engaged critical thinkers with a knowledge of the past and a broad, culturally relative understanding of the present.ValuesAt History Through Fiction we value engagement with the past through well-crafted fiction that is based on real events and people. We believe in promoting, creating, and sharing diverse, authentic, and transparent stories and voices. We represent authors who are committed to conveying the historical elements of their stories directly to their readers. We produce content that is relevant to readers and writers alike, while proliferating history, historical fiction, writing, and reading in a manner that is educational, entertaining, and promotes dialogue about the past and its relevance for us today. We support independent authors, book sellers, and publishers. Short Stories Fee: usd $5.00OpenCloses on Sunday, June 1, 2025 11:59 PM CDT (in 383 days)History Through Fiction accepts historical fiction short story and novel excerpt submissions that, if accepted, will be published in the member-only content area of our website. Stories and excerpts must be previously unpublished and should be 1,000 - 7,000 words long. HTF prefers stories that are based on real historical events and/or people. However, all stories (with the exception of those related to Nazi cruelty) with any kind of historical setting will be considered – this includes those with elements of fantasy and alternative history. Stories that are accepted will receive light editing before being scheduled for publication to our member-only content area. We will publish one new story on the first day of each month. Authors whose work is accepted for publication will receive a $30 honorarium for their work. History Through Fiction reserves first time rights for publication. This means, once an author’s story is accepted for publication, and a contract is signed, the author cannot publish it elsewhere until it has been published by History Through Fiction plus thirty days thereafter. To submit, please complete all required information and upload your synopsis and short story as a single document via our Duosuma Submission Platform. Please allow up to eight weeks for a response to your short story submission. Due to the quantity of submissions, if your story is rejected, we will not be able to provide any specific feedback.Starting immediately, we will be implementing a $5 submission fee for all short stories. This fee serves three important purposes:Ensuring Serious Submissions: By introducing this nominal fee, we aim to filter out submissions from individuals who are genuinely committed to seeking publication. This helps us maintain a high standard of quality and dedication among our contributors.Recognizing Our Esteemed Editor: The fee also enables us to compensate our esteemed editor for the valuable time and effort she invests in reviewing each submission meticulously. Her expertise ensures that only the best stories make it to our platform. Supporting Our Published Authors: Lastly, the submission fee allows us to financially support our published authors by compensating them for the privilege of sharing their exceptional work with our readers. It's a way for us to acknowledge their talent and contribution to the literary community.We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we implement this new policy. Your continued support is invaluable in helping us maintain the quality and integrity of our publication. Thank you!Writers who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ, disabled, neuro-diverse or as a member of other marginalized and traditionally underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to submit their work.*History Through Fiction will not accept submissions that have used Generative AI in any step of the writing process. SubmitShort Story ContestTemp ClosedOpens on Saturday, June 15, 2024 12:00 AM CDT (in 31 days)DescriptionHistory Through Fiction is proud to announce its second annual short story contest. We're opening submissions on June 15, 2024, and they'll close on August 15, 2024. We invite writers to send in their historical fiction short stories. Two judges will carefully review each story, and every writer will get feedback from both judges. On September 15, we'll announce the top twenty stories. Then, on October 15, we'll reveal the top ten stories. These stories will be published in a paperback anthology, and each author will get $75. The big announcement for the runner-up and grand prize winners will be on November 15. The runner-up gets $150, and the grand prize winner takes home $250. Look out for the anthology's release on March 1, 2025.Submission PeriodJune 15, 2024 – August 15, 2024Submission GuidelinesWord Limit = 5,000Time Period = Must take place prior to the year 2000Historical Setting = AnyPublication Status = All submissions must be previously unpublishedMultiple Submissions = Accepted Submission Requirements and DetailsSubmissions can only be made through our Duosuma Submission Manager. $15 Submission FeeAll submitters will be subscribed to the History Through Fiction newsletter. Submitters may unsubscribe at any time, but all contest announcements will be made through the HTF newsletter. All submissions require a brief cover letter and writer bioStories must be in a PDF, .doc, or .docx formatJudgesClick here to meet the judges. Judging CriteriaStories will be judged on five major criteriaTheme/MessageHistorical RelevanceCharacters/Plot/SettingNarration and POVOverall Impact/QualityAll stories are rated on a 50 point scale, with 10 points for each category. Prizes1st Place, Grand Prize$250 Cash PrizePodcast interview History Through Fiction: The PodcastPublication in our paperback anthologyThe title of your story will also be the title of the anthology2nd Place, Runner-Up$150 Cash PrizePublication in our paperback anthology Written interview on History Through Fiction's blogShortlisted$75 Cash PrizePublication in our paperback anthologyAll Submitters Receive:Two written evaluations of your submissionA discount code for free access to our Member-only Content AreaNot Open Other Related ProjectsHistory Through Fiction Press