Frequently Asked Questions

How do I subscribe? 

Welcome! Click here and choose a subscription tier.

Do I have to subscribe? 

No. You can read and listen to free content on the website without a subscription. If you’d like to get book reviews by email, though, sign up for a free subscription

Will I have access to the Drafting the Past website as a free subscriber? 

You will have access to much of it, yes! All book reviews and podcast episodes will be freely available in the newsletter and website. There will be sections of the website, however, that are only accessible to paid subscribers. 

Can I comment on reviews and features? 

Paid subscribers can (and are encouraged to!) comment on posts. We’ve limited this option to paid subscribers because it seems like the best way to ensure that commenters are invested in the Drafting the Past community. No abuse or harassment will be tolerated in the comments. We do have community standards for the comment section. Click here to read about them.

Why should I become a paid subscriber?

Free subscribers will have access to weekly book reviews, podcast episodes, and some additional website content, supported by advertisements. Paid subscribers will have ad-free access to all content, including exclusive Friday features including craft essays, Q & As, and more. There are bonus perks for paid subscribers, too; check out the subscription tiers for all the details.

In addition to what you get as a paid subscriber, consider what you’ll support: subscription fees go toward paying writers and editors of Drafting the Past, enabling us to publish great coverage of nonfiction history books, and helping to promote history worth reading.

I’m a paid subscriber. How do I turn off ads on the website/podcast?

On the website, make sure you’re signed in to your account. For the podcast, you should have received a link to the ad-free feed when you subscribed. If you can’t find it or need help setting it up, reach out to kate@draftingthepast.com.

I’m not up for becoming a paid subscriber right now, but I’d like to give a tip or a one-time donation. Can I do that?

Yes! Click here

Can I give someone a gift subscription?

Yup! You can do that here.

There is a book coming out I’d like to review. How do I pitch you? 

Click here and read more about our review guidelines and pitch procedures.

I have a book I would like Drafting the Past to review. Can I pitch you? 

Yes, absolutely. Click here to read about how to do that. 

Can I advertise on Drafting the Past?

We’re happily accepting advertisements for the newsletter, website, and podcast (although we don’t accept all advertising, of course). We’re working on an info packet for advertisers, but in the meantime, email hello@draftingthepast.com and we’ll talk about the possibilities.

Can I use a Drafting the Past essay or podcast episode in my classroom? 

We love that, and we would love to hear about it if you do! If you’re using paywalled content in the classroom, a small donation as a thank you is always appreciated, but not required.

I have other questions/complaints/technical questions that aren’t answered here. Can you help me?

Yes, or we’ll figure it out together! Email hello@draftingthepast.com

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