Foot in the RPG Door

[The Wandering Bard]

It used to be that Dungeon and Dragon magazine, and thus Paizo, were the gateway for new and aspiring designers to enter the industry. Now with Paizo taking a larger role in the industry itself, their publishing has necessarily become much more exclusive. Looking through previous posts it has been stated that the WotC web-zine versions of Dungeon and Dragon are still the way to go to get a start, but with the divide between 4E and PFRPG looming, that will no longer be an option for those looking to work with Pathfinder content. So what is now the best path to take for those looking to start a career in Pathfinder game design? RPG Superstar and Sinister Adventure's similar competitions are one route, but are there any smaller brands working with PFRPG which could serve as the first step for a new designer? Are there possibly plans somewhere in the future for a Paizo imprint targeted at publishing the best of new talent as cheap (or free) PDFs on a consultant or stable-type basis, serving as a training ground for new designers? Or is independence and self-publishing (such as the illustrious Werecabbages have done) the best way to get noticed? Not that I've done anything to get noticed yet, just a general question, but still...

Any thoughts?

[Erik Mona]

Pathfinder Society scenarios will be one way, and we're looking to open sections of the Pathfinder Companion as well. So while we don't have much to offer aspiring authors right now, we realize that's a problem and it's one we're trying to solve soon.

[Lilith]

The Wandering Bard wrote:

Or is independence and self-publishing (such as the illustrious Werecabbages have done) the best way to get noticed?

To clarify this point, we have not (to date) actually published anything ourself.

Yet. ;)

EnWorld has a forum for job openings and vacancies. It may not be a glamorous start, but it's something. :)

[The Wandering Bard]

Lilith wrote:

The Wandering Bard wrote:

Or is independence and self-publishing (such as the illustrious Werecabbages have done) the best way to get noticed?

To clarify this point, we have not (to date) actually published anything ourself.

Yet. ;)

EnWorld has a forum for job openings and vacancies. It may not be a glamorous start, but it's something. :)

Sorry. My bad.

Erik Mona wrote:

Pathfinder Society scenarios will be one way, and we're looking to open sections of the Pathfinder Companion as well. So while we don't have much to offer aspiring authors right now, we realize that's a problem and it's one we're trying to solve soon.

Wow. I wasn't criticizing Paizo so much as looking for another route, but it's good to hear that the all-seeing Paizo are already looking for an answer to my problem. Excellent stuff.

[Ross Byers]

Kobold Quarterly also takes submissions from subscribers and Open Design patrons. You can try there as well.

[Lilith]

The Wandering Bard wrote:

Sorry. My bad.

Nothing to apologize for! :D Just wanted to clarify. :)

[Joel Flank]

Also, Sinister Adventures Nick Logue's new game company. He recently ran two contests - one to create a monster and one to create a pirate's lost treasure - the winners of each will both get their entry published as well as a hefty cash prize. Right now both are closed, but Nick's mentioned that there will be others in the future.