Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about The Frontier Letters
Got a question we didn't answer? Email me at [email protected] — I respond personally to every message.
— Callie McAllister
Founder, The Frontier Letters
Jump to: The Basics | How It Works | The Story | Physical Details |
Pricing | Shipping | Experience | Technical | Questions
Section 1: The Basics
What exactly is The Frontier Letters?
The Frontier Letters is a subscription service that delivers historical fiction through authentic physical letters. You'll receive 24 letters over 48 weeks telling the story of three women in 1889 Montana Territory who uncovered a deadly conspiracy and changed history.
Each letter arrives in your mailbox on aged paper with period-authentic inserts (pressed flowers, maps, artifacts, playing cards). It's storytelling the way it was meant to be experienced—slowly, deliberately, and with something real you can hold in your hands.
Is this real history or fiction?
It's fiction inspired by real frontier history.
The characters (Maeve, Ruby, and Lottie) are fictional, as is the town of Sagebrush Hollow. But the story is grounded in real historical events, real challenges women faced in Montana Territory, and real conspiracies that happened in frontier towns.
I researched extensively to make sure the details—from homesteading laws to mining operations to the legal system—are historically accurate. The emotions, the struggles, the courage? Those are as real as it gets.
Who is Callie McAllister?
I'm a 5th-generation Montana rancher who found a tin box of letters in my root cellar and became obsessed with preserving frontier women's voices. I'm not a professional writer—I'm a storyteller who happens to live on land my ancestors homesteaded in 1879.
I run cattle, homeschool my kids, keep bees, and spend way too much time thinking about what life was like for women who settled this land 140+ years ago.
The Frontier Letters is my way of making sure their stories don't disappear.
Section 2: How It Works
How often do letters arrive?
Every two weeks, on the 1st and 15th of each month.
This gives you time to read, absorb, and anticipate the next letter—just like the women in 1889 would have experienced mail delivery in a remote Montana town.
Total timeline: 48 weeks (about 11 months) for all 24 letters.
What's included in each letter?
Every letter includes:
📜 One historical letter (800-1200 words) from Maeve, Ruby, or Lottie on premium ivory paper
🌾 An authentic insert - pressed flowers, maps, artifacts, documents, playing cards
✍️ Callie's framing notes - my introduction and closing that connects past to present
🕯️ Wax seal on envelope - because details matter
Everything is designed to feel like you're actually receiving correspondence from 1889.
Can I get all 24 letters at once?
No—and that's intentional.
These letters tell a serialized story that builds over time. Part of the experience is waiting. Anticipating. Checking your mailbox. Letting each letter sink in before the next one arrives.
The women in 1889 didn't get their story all at once. Neither should you.
Trust me—the waiting makes it better.
What if I start in the middle of a month?
Your first letter ships on the next scheduled mailing date (1st or 15th of the month).
Example:
▸ You subscribe on January 8th → Your first letter ships January 15th
▸ You subscribe on January 20th → Your first letter ships February 1st
You'll always start with Letter #1, and the story will unfold in order over the next 48 weeks.
Can I pause or cancel my subscription?
Yes, with conditions:
✅ Full refund if you cancel within the first month (after receiving Letters 1-2)
✅ Pause for up to 3 months if you need to (moving, traveling, life happens)
❌ No refunds after first month - we've already produced and aged your letters
If you need to pause or have issues, just email [email protected] and we'll work it out.
Section 3: The Story
What's the story about?
Montana Territory, 1889.
Three women arrive in Sagebrush Hollow with nothing in common except missing men and a town that wants them to stay quiet:
▸ Maeve Callahan (26) - Widow who discovers her husband was murdered for Spanish gold
▸ Ruby Hale (32) - Saloon keeper whose partner vanished while "prospecting"
▸ Lottie Voss (22) - Mail-order bride whose husband disappeared days after their wedding
When Maeve uncovers evidence of a 30-year conspiracy built on murder and greed, these three unlikely allies band together to expose the truth—even if it costs them everything.
It's a mystery. A thriller. A story about women who refused to disappear.
Is it appropriate for all ages?
Recommended for ages 16+
The story deals with mature themes:
▸ Murder and violence (not graphic, but present)
▸ Corruption and conspiracy
▸ Trauma and survival
▸ Women facing real danger
It's not gratuitous, but it's not sanitized either. This is frontier life as it really was—harsh, dangerous, and unforgiving.
Think: Yellowstone or 1883 in tone, but told through letters.
Do I need to read them in order?
Yes! Absolutely yes.
This is a serialized story with cliffhangers, mysteries, and character development that builds over 24 letters. Reading out of order will:
▸ Spoil major plot twists
▸ Ruin the pacing and tension
▸ Make character arcs confusing
▸ Diminish the emotional impact
Start with Letter 1. Read in order. Don't skip ahead.
How long does each letter take to read?
About 15-20 minutes per letter.
They're designed to be read in one sitting—like sitting down with a cup of coffee and a friend's letter. Not so long you get fatigued, not so short you feel unsatisfied.
Perfect length for:
▸ Morning coffee ritual
▸ Evening wind-down
▸ Lunch break escape
▸ Bath time reading
Section 4: Physical Details
What does the paper look like?
Premium ivory paper with a warm, natural tone—the same quality writing paper these women would have used in 1889.
I use Southworth fine paper (24lb weight with watermark) to give each letter substance and authenticity. The ivory color is historically accurate—this is how frontier correspondence looked when it was freshly written, before 135 years of aging.
The paper has texture, weight, and a professional quality that honors the original letters while making them easy to read and enjoy.
Why isn't the paper aged or yellowed?
The original letters from 1889 are yellowed and fragile after 135 years. But when Maeve, Ruby, and Lottie wrote them, they used fresh ivory paper—the standard writing paper of their time.
I've chosen to reproduce them on the same quality ivory paper they would have used, rather than artificially aging them. This honors the moment these letters were written: when the paper was new, the ink was fresh, and their stories were unfolding in real time.
The premium quality paper gives you the authentic experience of holding correspondence exactly as it appeared in 1889—fresh from the pen, ready to be read.
Are the inserts real or reproductions?
Mix of both:
Real/Natural items:
▸ Pressed flowers (Indian paintbrush, wildflowers)
▸ Dried sage bundles
▸ Feathers
▸ Small rope pieces
Period-accurate reproductions:
▸ Vintage playing cards
▸ Historical maps
▸ Court documents
▸ Newspaper clippings
▸ Coordinate notes
Everything is designed to feel period-authentic, whether it's a real pressed flower or a carefully reproduced historical document.
How are letters packaged?
Each letter arrives in a kraft paper envelope (6" x 9") sealed with:
▸ Red wax seal stamped with "SR" (Sagebrush Ranch)
▸ Hand-addressed or vintage-font addressed label
▸ Your name and address
Inside:
▸ 2 sheets of aged paper (letter printed front/back, folded)
▸ Insert tucked inside the fold
Everything designed to feel like opening correspondence from 1889
Can I save/collect them?
Absolutely—you should!
Many subscribers:
▸ Keep letters in a special box or binder
▸ Display them in shadow boxes
▸ Create a physical collection they re-read
▸ Plan to pass them down as family heirlooms
By the end of 48 weeks, you'll have a complete collection of 24 letters that tells an epic story—a physical artifact you can treasure, display, or share.
The paper is durable. The wax seals are removable without damage. The inserts are designed to last.
Section 5: Pricing & Value
How much does it cost?
$179 per year (48 weeks, 24 letters)
That breaks down to:
▸ $7.46 per letter (less than a movie ticket)
▸ $14.92 per month (less than two fancy coffees)
This includes:
▸ All 24 letter reproductions on premium ivory paper
▸ 24 period-authentic inserts
▸ Kraft envelopes with wax seals
▸ Shipping to your door (USA)
The complete story experience
Why does it cost $179?
Because quality costs money.
Every letter includes:
▸ Premium Southworth fine paper
▸ Hand-selected or handcrafted inserts
▸ Kraft envelopes with wax seals
▸ Production time (aging, assembling, quality control)
▸ Materials (paper, wax, flowers, reproductions)
▸ Shipping costs
▸ The story itself (research, writing, editing)
I'm not printing on cheap paper and mass-mailing generic content. Every letter is produced with care to create an experience that honors these women's voices.
Think of it as:
▸ 48 weeks of entertainment
▸ A physical collection you'll treasure
▸ Supporting small, independent storytelling
▸ An investment in experiencing story the way it was meant to be told
Is there a cheaper option?
No—and here's why:
I could offer a "digital only" version for less, but that would defeat the entire purpose. The physical experience—the paper, the inserts, the anticipation of mail—is central to what makes this special.
This isn't just a story. It's an experience. And experiences have value.
Do you offer gift subscriptions?
Yes! Gift subscriptions are perfect for:
▸ Book lovers who crave physical reading experiences
▸ History buffs who appreciate frontier stories
▸ Women who love strong female characters
▸ Anyone who's nostalgic for mail that isn't bills or junk
▸ Mothers, daughters, sisters, friends who appreciate thoughtful gifts
How it works:
1. Purchase subscription as a gift
2. Receive a printable gift card you can give in person
3. Recipient's first letter ships on next scheduled date
4. receive 24 letters over 48 weeks
Email [email protected] to arrange a gift subscription.
Section 6: Shipping & Logistics
Where do you ship?
Currently: United States only
I'm a small operation and want to ensure quality before expanding internationally. If you're outside the US and desperately want this, email me—if I get enough interest, I'll consider international shipping in the future.
How long does shipping take?
3-5 business days after each letter ships (USPS First Class Mail)
Letters ship on the 1st and 15th of each month, so expect delivery:
▸ 1st of month → Arrives by ~5th-7th
▸ 15th of month → Arrives by ~20th-22nd
Timing may vary slightly based on your location and postal service efficiency (you know how it is).
What if my letter doesn't arrive?
Email me immediately: [email protected]
I'll:
▸ Check tracking (if available)
▸ Wait 7-10 days to see if it's just delayed
▸ Send a replacement if lost
Lost mail is rare, but it happens. I'll make sure you get every letter.
Can I change my shipping address mid-subscription?
Yes—just email me at least 5 days before the next ship date.
Moving? Traveling for a few months? No problem.
Just give me:
▸ Your name
▸ Old address
▸ New address
▸ Effective date
I'll update your records and make sure letters go to the right place.
What if I'm traveling during my subscription?
Two options:
1. Pause subscription - Hold letters until you return (up to 3 months)
2. Ship to temporary address - Update address for duration of travel
Just email [email protected] with your situation and we'll figure it out.
Section 7: The Experience
Is this like The Flower Letters?
Similar concept, different execution.
Both are subscription letter services, but:
The Flower Letters:
▸ Romance-focused love story
▸ Lighter, more uplifting tone
▸ Letters from one protagonist
The Frontier Letters:
▸ Mystery/thriller with strong women
▸ Darker, grittier, more complex
▸ Three rotating perspectives
▸ Focus on justice, conspiracy, survival
If you loved The Flower Letters, you'll probably enjoy this—but expect a very different emotional experience.
Can I read it with a book club?
YES! Book clubs love this.
Why it works for book clubs:
▸ Built-in discussion schedule (every 2 weeks)
▸ Everyone reads at the same pace
▸ Natural cliffhangers spark conversation
▸ Multiple perspectives for rich discussion
▸ Physical letters create shared experience
Tips for book club subscriptions:
▸ All members subscribe at the same time
▸ Meet every 2-4 weeks to discuss recent letters
▸ Use Zoom if members are scattered
▸ Create a shared online doc for theories/observations
Want to do a book club order (5+ subscriptions)? Email me for a group discount code.
What if I don't like it after the first few letters?
Full refund within the first month.
If you receive Letters 1 & 2 and decide this isn't for you, email me within 30 days of your first letter's ship date and I'll refund your full subscription.
No hassle. No hard feelings.
I want people who genuinely love this experience, not people who feel trapped.
Will there be more series after Shadows of Sagebrush Hollow?
YES!
Shadows of Sagebrush Hollow is Series 1. I'm already developing:
▸ Series 2: Coastal mystery (Maine, 1870s)
▸ Series 3: Southern Gothic (Louisiana, 1920s)
▸ Series 4: TBD (taking suggestions!)
Subscribers to Series 1 will get first access to future series and special insider pricing.
Section 8: Technical Questions
How do I subscribe?
1. Click "Start Your Subscription" button
2. Enter your shipping address
3. Complete payment ($179)
4. Receive confirmation email
5. Get shipping notification when Letter 1 ships
6. Check your mailbox 3-5 days later
That's it. No complicated signup. No account creation. Just simple, straightforward subscription.
What payment methods do you accept?
▸ Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover)
▸ Debit cards
▸ PayPal (coming soon)
Payment is processed securely through [Stripe/your payment processor].
Will I be automatically renewed after 48 weeks?
No.
This is a one-time subscription for 24 letters over 48 weeks. When you've received all 24 letters, the subscription ends.
If I release Series 2, you'll receive an email with early access to subscribe—but nothing is automatic.
Do you sell or share my information?
Absolutely not.
Your information is used ONLY to:
▸ Ship your letters
▸ Send shipping notifications
▸ Communicate about your subscription
I will never:
▸ Sell your email to third parties
▸ Spam you with marketing emails
▸ Share your information with anyone
The only emails you'll get from me are:
▸ Order confirmation
▸ Shipping notifications (every 2 weeks)
▸ Occasional updates about the series (maybe 2-3 times total)
Section 9: Still Have Questions?
I have a question that's not answered here.
Email me: [email protected]
I respond personally to every email. Usually within 24 hours, sometimes within minutes if I'm at my desk.
I'm a real person running this operation from my ranch in Montana. Not a customer service team. Not a chatbot. Just me—Callie.
Ask me anything.
Can I follow along on social media?
Yes! Find me on:
📷 Instagram: @thefrontierletters
📘 Facebook: The Frontier Letters
🎥 TikTok: @thefrontierletters (if I figure out TikTok, which is questionable)
I share:
▸ Behind-the-scenes production photos
▸ Subscriber reactions and testimonials
▸ Historical research and Montana ranch life
▸ Sneak peeks of future series
Can I leave a review or testimonial?
PLEASE DO!
If you're loving the series, I'd be honored if you'd:
▸ Leave a Google review
▸ Share on social media (tag @thefrontierletters)
▸ Tell your book club friends
▸ Email me your thoughts ([email protected])
Word-of-mouth is how small businesses like mine survive. Your support means everything.
Ready to Uncover the Truth?
For the next 48 weeks, three women will write to you from 1889.
They'll tell you about murder and gold, conspiracy and courage, survival and sisterhood. They'll make you angry, make you cry, make you believe that ordinary people can change the world.
Their story begins with Letter 1.
Your journey begins the moment you subscribe.
Your first letter ships on the next scheduled mailing date. Cancel anytime within the first month for a full refund.
P.S. — The tin box held exactly 24 letters. I found them in a specific order, tied with ribbon, meant to be read as a story. That's how you'll receive them—in the exact sequence these women intended. Don't miss the beginning.
The Frontier Letters
Historical Fiction Letters from the American West
📧 Email: [email protected]
📷 Instagram: @thefrontierletters
🌐 Website: thefrontierletters.com
Copyright 2026. The Frontier Letters. Shadows of Sagebrush Hollow - Series 1. All Rights Reserved.