Omg, We Have Quadrupled In 4 Months :)
When I opened History of Women to submissions, we had just over 200 readers. Now we’re over 800 strong. It seems small in terms of a publication but when you think about it — that’s a LOT of smiling faces reading our stories. I get better response in this little pub than I get from big ones.
A few stories that are worth a read if you missed them…
All writers struggle with the same things; catchy titles, stronger openings, and keeping the reader reading. Here’s a few that stood out as inspiration — click on the images to load the story.
1) Most prolific contributor: Kyrie Gray
If you like a side of humor with women’s history, you’ll enjoy these. I’m loving what Kyrie is doing with header images. They stand out on the home page.
— 20 Thoughts I Had While Reading a Victorian Guide for New Wives
History wasn’t exactly full of men looking out for women’s best interests
2. Most popular stories by contributors :)
I had a head start because I started this publication months before I opened to new writers. These two stories floated to the top super fast
High Fashion Harlots: How Prostitutes Changed Fashion History
Courtesans were the trendsetters of their day.
The Slut of the Tudor Court
Kitty Howard is the child-abuse survivor history loves to hate
3. Highest views: 61K and counting
How do you get 61K views in a pub with 800 readers? Simple. It’s how algorithms work. When initial readers love a piece, it gets wider distribution.
No, Anne Boleyn Was Not Black
If whitewashing is okay, so is black Anne Boleyn, but I wish they’d ordered her necklace off Amazon
4. Highest Read Rate. (Wow, Jamie! 100%)
This piece didn’t make the highest views list — but people who clicked loved it. 100% read rate. That is almost impossible. Well done, Jamie!
What I Learned By Sewing and Wearing An 1890’s Working Woman’s Corset
I’m just going to say it, I really like the way I look in a corset.
5. Most viewed right now
I wrote this piece 4 months ago, and it’s our top viewed story right now, which goes to show you never know when the feed is going to burp up old writing.
Real Dating Advice From A 1938 Magazine. Omg, Lol The Pics.
#2. If you need a brassiere, wear one. (Said no man, ever)
A couple of notes to our writers…
- For new writers, you’ll notice there’s a specific type of story that floats to the top here. Stories with a sort of — je ne sais quoi. An appeal that defies words. Perhaps they are a bit racy, or funny. They are always true and always easy to read. They feel more like storytelling than Wikipedia. If you can nail that, you will do well here. That’s practically a promise.
- I work in ecommerce and this is the craziest time of year for me. I can’t write as much as I wish I could. If you can keep submissions coming, I will be eternally grateful! Notifications have been buggy, so I promise to check the submissions page often. Thank you for helping us grow!
A note to our readers…
Thank you. So much. For the reads and the shares, and for loving what we’re trying to do with this little publication. And if you’re not a writer here, I have only one question? Why not? Here’s how to get added as a writer
If history was a Hollywood movie, the editing room floor would be littered with the stories of women clipped to make room for men’s stories. We’re here to tell those stories. ~ History of Women
