Now entirely FREE to read!
A new chapter for the Society of History Writers
Dear History Writer,
It is with something of a heavy heart that I write to you today, to share news about the future of the Society of History Writers.
I started this newsletter in the summer of 2024, the product of a desire to connect with other history writers and a passion for using the small platform I had to give the spotlight to others.
It has been the most wonderful journey - but it has been fraught with difficulty.
I have never been able to ‘get it right’ with monetizing and providing high-quality material for paying subscribers: it was never supposed to be about me, but I found myself having to take on more of the work so that I could justify readers’ payments.
It doesn’t work - and I think that’s because making money from a space designed to highlight the work of others doesn’t really sit well with me.
And so, despite announcing new paid perks in recent weeks, I have made the decision to run the Society of History Writers as a completely free-to-read newsletter, focusing entirely on the writing of others on Substack. That’s what it was supposed to be, and that’s what it should be.
You’ll get…
Regular guest posts showcasing the work of members across the spectrum of historical writing, fiction and nonfiction
Monthly roundups of new additions to the Directory, highlighting the diversity of history writing on Substack
Monthly interviews with history writers, showcasing their work, hearing about their journey to publication, and asking your questions
Join our engaging community chat, with multiple discussion prompts each week related to your own writing
In light of that, paid subscriptions will remain an option but become contributions to the work of putting together these guest posts and interviews without providing a gateway to additional or different content. You can make a voluntary donation to the work of hosting this community by taking out a paid subscription, starting at £5 per month (≈ US$6.70) with a flexible option to make a one-off donation of up to £100 (≈US$133.60).
I want to finish by emphasising how grateful I am for you all. I really do think we have something special here, and it’s you as readers who make it what it is. This next chapter should return us to our core principles of community, support, and mutual flourishing, and I can’t wait to see what happens next for us all.
All the best as always,
Holly
