Aspiring freelance writer looking for some tips.

[presumed_druid]

Hello all. I say that, mostly because this is my first post to the RPGnet. :)

I'm an avid gamer, and an aspiring freelancer. Since finding this -(marvelous)- forum, I've been weaving through the threads, looking for more information that will help direct me towards my goals.

As I mentioned, I am <I>aspiring</I> to become a freelance writer. So, what I'm saying is that I have next to nil experience with typical procedures for going about actually getting published. Hopefully by posting this, someone here will be able to guide me along.

Specific goals include finding a d20 gaming company that is looking for new writing talent (pardon my inflated self-opinion;) ). The writing that most appeals to me is adventure design. I've also enjoyed creating some short fantasy stories. However, I wouldn't restrict myself (on that note, maybe someone will suggest a niche in the gaming industry that I've never thought about, or that may need filling). I've noted that <I>all</I> companies are looking for proposals, but hopefully, someone will be able to direct me towards a company that is willing to acknowledge untested authors and that is decent to work for.

This may convolute any responses to this thread, but I wanna ask another question on a similar topic. This question is mainly targeting veteran freelance writers.
<font color=red>If you were just beginning again, where/how would you start, and what pitfalls would you try to avoid?</font>

'Till the next, swords sharp, and keyboards clacking, presumed_druid

[CrazyIvan]

I suppose I'm not much a vet on here, but that just means I remember when I went "I want to do this" all the more clearly.

Pyramid Magazine. I'd say Scrollworks, which was for me when I convinced myself that I could actually hack it, but sadly Christian has folded that fine publication.

But Pyramid publishes frequently, does all kinds of diverse articles, and pays well.

Beyond that, for my first jobs I adopted what I heard one fantasy writer term the "Brazen Hussy" approach. Email, with resume, and ask for a job.

It worked two out of two times, even with confusion over my name in one case. Your mileage may vary.

[Eilfin]

Adventure writing, eh?

We don't do d20, but if that doesn't bother you, send me an e-mail (contact info posted below)

[Patrick Y.]

If you like adventure design, you're best bet is to send off some ideas to Dungeon magazine.

Paizo (http://www.paizo.com)

They pay more than most anyone else in the industry, and the editor is a nice fellow.

Try pitching short adventures or developed NPCs first, to get your foot in the door (Sidetreks and Critical Threats, respectively).

Otherwise, if you skew old-school adventure wise, you might hit up Necromancer Games. Their motto is "3rd edition rules, 1st edition feel".

From there, you might pop over to Enworld:

Enworld (http://enworld.org)

and check in their Publisher's Forum. There are open calls there, as well as a link to a webzine (done by Anna Dobbrit, I believe is her name) which is specifically for d20 freelancers.

Also, I'd consider branching out from adventures and fiction. There's a lot more work available in sourcebook work (creating magic items, beasties, feat, PrCs and so on).

Pitch Dragon magazine with articles too. Editor Jesse Decker is a good guy, and he gave me my first industry credit.

Beyond that, I can tell you for a fact that Mongoose Publishing is new author friendly, since they let me write a 64 page sourcebook when I had only a 4 page article (not even published at the time) to my name.

Patrick Y.

[presumed_druid]

-[Rubs hands together in delight]- Excellent! Already I feel less like a headless chicken running away from the farmers axe!

There's some good solid advice coming out here, and I appreciate it. I assure you that none of it is wasted time.

I have submitted to DUNGEON in the past (if a person not in-the-know were reading that, it might sound a little depraved!), and actually in the present as well. Referring to my original post, that is where my <I>next</I> to nil experience comes from.

As for the writing of sourcebooks, I never gave it a lot of consideration... mostly because I assumed that type of work would be done in-house. I'd love to try my hand at it. The veils of mystery surrounding freelance writing are being lifted! -[Rubs hands together in delight]- Excellent!

[Michelle Lyons]

You might also try Campaign magazine. (http://www.corsairpub.com/campaign/) It's also D20, but the competition might be a little less intense. The submission guidelines are here. (http://fastforwardgames.com/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=22)

Other than that, I have to agree that asking for work is a pretty good way to get work. Funny, that. :)

[DougSun]

Originally posted by presumed_druid
As for the writing of sourcebooks, I never gave it a lot of consideration... mostly because I assumed that type of work would be done in-house.

Most sourcebooks are written by freelancers. I think WotC is the only large publisher that has all of its writing done in-house, and even that may not be the case anymore.

I would suggest networking as a way of generating opportunities. Go to a major convention, check out the exhibitors' booths, talk to the people there. Ask if they're looking for freelancers. You might get lucky. A systematic examination of the dealers room can also give you a sense of what's going on in the marketplace--what's hot and what's not, etc. It always behooves a freelancer to know that sort of thing.

Finally, when you do get a gig, make sure you turn in clean copy, and turn it in on time. I've been surprised by just how far a little professionalism can get you.

Good luck!

[Mike Suileabhain-Wilson]

Originally posted by CrazyIvan
I suppose I'm not much a vet on here, but that just means I remember when I went "I want to do this" all the more clearly.

Pyramid Magazine. I'd say Scrollworks, which was for me when I convinced myself that I could actually hack it, but sadly Christian has folded that fine publication.

But Pyramid publishes frequently, does all kinds of diverse articles, and pays well.


If d20 is your bag, I would actually look first at Pyramid's sister publication, d20 Weekly. Pyramid is an excellent venue, but its slushpile is enormous, and it can take a very long time for an article to get looked at.

[Elissa Carey]

To add to the good advice given so far, there's some generally good freelance writing advice on Heather Grove's site, The Burning Void (www.burningvoid.com), specifically in the Writers' Resources section. She's done a healthy amount of writing for White Wolf, so she knows of which she speaks. :)

In general, I'd add to keep your eye out for Open Calls, send in proposals if there's projects you'd like to tackle, and keep in writing practice. :)