Becoming a Contributor / staff


Paizo General Discussion


So no one knows me yet, but here goes: My name is Alexander Duck and I am a poet and writer of fantasy fiction. I have several published works on Amazon. My biography is there as well, if you want to learn more about me. I have a BA in Spanish Language & Lit. but I write predominantly in my native language (English).

I am in the process of self-publishing my very first RPG Guidebook - called Empyrean - this month. I am hoping that this speaks to how dedicated I am to the fantasy role playing genre.

My question is: how does one go about landing a job at Paizo? Does the company ever hire contract workers or contributors, or is it solely full time staff? Do they hire remotely or would one need to live in CA (I'm guessing this is where HQ is located)? Not to sound like sour grapes, but if it is anything like other industries where you have to start at the ground floor, where exactly is that? Ie. what is considered an "entry level" position?


Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Hi, Alex!

Paizo's HQ is located in Redmond, WA. The most direct way to land a staff position would be monitoring this link to see when something comes available:

http://paizo.com/paizo/careers

Most staff positions I have seen advertised require relocation if you aren't local. As far as contract work and contributors, an actual staff member or someone who has done contract work for Paizo would be best to answer your questions there.

Best of luck with Empyrean.


5 people marked this as a favorite.

Paizo does use a fair amount of freelance work, as do other publishers. It's likely you'll need to be able to show them some writing work you've done if they're to hire you, but it probably differs for everyone what exactly it takes to get a foot in the door. Freelancers come from all over the world. As Yossarin says, they also have full-time employees, almost all of whom are based in Redmond, I believe.

I recommend checking out Freelance Forge; its a forum for freelancers that might interest you and help answer more of your questions.


Thanks to you both! I will definitely give Freelance Forge a look when I have a little more time on my plate.

Contributor

2 people marked this as a favorite.

As others said, freelancing is your ground floor, working to spec on publishers' preexisting concepts. As for getting that work, I know some third party publishers have open calls. My prospects expanded a ton when I went to GenCon and talked to folks about wanting to write for them. Having writing samples ready to go for your post con followups is also important; it sounds like you have plenty of prose samples, but also have examples of mechanics you've developed for whatever system you want to write for.

If cons aren't in your future, definitely find a community of other writers. Freelance Forge is full of helpful people whose thoughtful critiques were a huge boon when I was starting out! It's also a big relief/comfort to have peers you can talk to about the ins and outs of the business.


3 people marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Hi, Alexander! As someone who also started with fantasy fiction before branching out into RPG writing as well, I may have a sense of where you're coming from.

Freelancing with third-party companies is the best way to get your work known and out there. In most of these cases, they'll give you a set thing they want you to work on, though the specifics of that vary depending on the company and the particular project. For example, some of my jobs in the past have been: write a short adventure for a particular level set in a tavern, create several magic items based around a theme, or create a hybrid class with some archetypes.

You'll make a really good impression if you can demonstrate on your first few jobs that you can write to spec, keep a deadline, stay within the required wordcount, etc. Although writing fiction is a bit different than writing RPG mechanics, it can definitely help because you've already been working at putting out polished writing.

If you're able to, I recommend going to cons; GenCon was already mentioned, but PaizoCon is especially good for this because it's smaller and entirely focused on Pathfinder. Also, the forums here have a board where third-party companies often put up requests for writers/artists/etc. to work on a particular project. If you don't already, have samples of Pathfinder work on hand to send on request (not sure if your guide is for Pathfinder or a different system). A few short samples of various types of mechanics (e.g., a monster, a brief encounter, an archetype) are best.

Also, check out Wayfinder. It's not paid (because it has to adhere to the Community Use license), but submitting things there is a great way to get your name out there and give you an idea of what to expect from pro jobs.

Good luck!

Paizo Employee Organized Play Lead Developer

11 people marked this as a favorite.
Meraki wrote:
If you're able to, I recommend going to cons; GenCon was already mentioned, but PaizoCon is especially good for this because it's smaller and entirely focused on Pathfinder. Also, the forums here have a board where third-party companies often put up requests for writers/artists/etc. to work on a particular project. If you don't already, have samples of Pathfinder work on hand to send on request (not sure if your guide is for Pathfinder or a different system). A few short samples of various types of mechanics (e.g., a monster, a brief encounter, an archetype) are best.

A common piece of follow-up advice I provide is "Have a business card." Conventions are busy experiences, and the folks you meet—publishers, developers, and other folks looking to hire talent—are going to have a tough time remembering each person they meet. By providing a business card with your basic contact information, skill set, and interests, you can provide that person with something with which to help remember you; it's a way they can contact you directly, not just wait for you to contact them. On top of that, having a business card in the first place shows that you've taken that step in taking your work seriously and having the initiative to network at these shows.

Personal recommendations for business cards:

I receive numerous business cards at larger shows, and there are a few trends I've noticed.

  • Having a bit of "white space" for a person to write notes is valuable. I carry a pen with which I write a few reminders about whoever gave me the card, such as "Really passionate about Absalom," "Lots of organized play experience," or "Met at booth, pushy and brash." As you can see by my example notes, it's helpful to make a good first impression.
  • Be concise with your text. Beyond your name and key contact information (email's essential, address and phone number are your call), you probably want to stick to 5–20 words. Something like "Freelance RPG author and designer specialized in Pre-Columbian history, sci-fi narrative, and intrigue adventures" gives me lots to work with and provides some traits that distinguish you from a crowd.
  • If you have a website or blog where you feature your work, please note it on the business card!
  • You'll get mixed feedback on this one, so take it with a grain of salt: stay classy with the design. An overly "cute" presentation (for example a card styled after a classic console RPG and says "Level up by hiring [XXYourName]! +3 points of professionalism, +5 points of RPG genius") usually makes me skittish.
  • Be honest, both on your card and in your correspondence. I have the pleasure to meet a wide range of people at vastly different points in their career, and there's no shame in conveying where you are in your career while also noting where you hope to be. If I know you're fairly new, I can provide you specific advice, recommend specific projects, and put you in contact with specific colleagues.
  • Having a sample of your work to hand to someone you meet can be nice. My one counterpoint that I've run into occasionally is that I'll get handed a writing sample in some busy context where I won't be able to read or store it easily for several hours, at which point I'm carrying it in my hand for the rest of the day. Don't see this as discouragement so much as advice to be cognizant of your surroundings.


    Thankfully, John, I do always come equipped with a professional business card. As a writer, I know it is important to have my work easily accessible. So I have a Facebook author page, Tumblr, LinkedIn, Amazon, and YouTube channel, all which provide information about me and samples of my work.

    www.facebook.com/alexcduck
    *the Shop Now link will take you to my Amazon page*

    The type of work you described, Meraki, which I would assume is paid on a commission-basis, is precisely the type of thing I would be most interested in. I actually prefer when clients can give specifics about what they need for an article or piece. Vague requests can be really frustrating on both ends.

    Empyrean was an entirely original idea of my own making. While I call it a "free form RPG" it does incorporate some fairly simple (and familiar) game mechanics. Yes, there is still SOME dice rolling. While it is not Pathfinder specific, I felt that it works decently to show that I am capable of writing eloquently while still explaining rules clearly and concisely. From the responses above, I wonder if this is sufficient, or if I should really focus on creating something PF specific.

    It looks like I will definitely need to become much more familiar with the series as I move forward, also. My experience with it to date is admittedly limited, but maybe that's a matter of opinion.

    Thank you all again.
    What a tremendous community you have!


    1 person marked this as a favorite.
    Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

    For payments, it depends on the company and the job. Some will pay a flat fee for your work; others will pay in royalties (usually for a set period of time).

    I'd definitely recommend having some Pathfinder-specific samples. Other writing may show your writing skills, but doesn't really give a sense of your grasp of Pathfinder mechanics. Familiarity with the system is important, so I'd also recommend GMing some games if you haven't already. This gives you a lot more experience with the game than just playing, as you have to keep track of a number of different rules, characters, etc. (Though playing is good too!)

    Dark Archive

    5 people marked this as a favorite.
    John Compton wrote:


    "Met at booth, pushy and brash."

    ** spoiler omitted **...

    You remember me! That is so sweet, John!

    Awwww....

    Lantern Lodge Customer Service Manager

    5 people marked this as a favorite.

    Make sure you consider the business aspects of getting paid for freelance or contract work. How it could affect your taxes & what you will need for that.

    Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer

    4 people marked this as a favorite.

    The best way to get our attention is to build a reputation for your work on your own (either self-published, or for another company).

    Also, please note that we cannot look at unsolicited manuscripts.


    Vic Wertz wrote:


    Also, please note that we cannot look at unsolicited manuscripts.

    What do you mean "you don't want to read my 250 page treatment of the movie Moana rewritten in the Pathfinder universe while we stand here in this busy Convention hall?" I thought this was your business. Maybe you're not as serious about it as me ;)


    Hah. XD But yeah, my understanding is that there are legal and liability issues surrounding that (including "we don't want lawsuits from people who think we stole their idea"). A standing policy against looking at unsolicited manuscripts makes it easier to protect the company. Fortunately, this is a third-party-friendly industry, and there are ways to get noticed without resorting to mailing a manuscript.


    AlexDuck wrote:
    Vic Wertz wrote:


    Also, please note that we cannot look at unsolicited manuscripts.
    What do you mean "you don't want to read my 250 page treatment of the movie Moana rewritten in the Pathfinder universe while we stand here in this busy Convention hall?" I thought this was your business. Maybe you're not as serious about it as me ;)

    Hey! Get in line, I've been sending them my Moana Meets Arazni manuscript for months now!

    RPG Superstar 2015 Top 8

    3 people marked this as a favorite.

    I do some independent contract editing work for Paizo. I contacted the editor in chief and asked if they hired freelance editors. They asked for my resume and for me to take an editing test (I passed).

    I therefore presume (but absolutely cannot guarantee) if you want to do design or fiction work, therefore, the person to send a brief and polite inquiry would be whoever's in charge of the division you want to work for.

    Sara Marie wrote:
    Make sure you consider the business aspects of getting paid for freelance or contract work. How it could affect your taxes & what you will need for that.

    Specifically, check to be sure the state you live in does not require a license to do writing or editing work. Some do and some don't.

    If you earn a certain amount of income as a freelancer, you may need to formally register yourself as a business as well (and state laws on that can also vary widely).

    Paizo sends me a nice 1099-Misc that shows me what they paid me in a year, and I report that on my annual taxes if it's more than a certain amount (since taxes aren't deducted prior on contract income). If you're making a notable living as a freelancer, there may be additional tax stuff you need to do (like supply a Schedule C form, etc.) so best to consult with a CPA or other tax advisor. I mainly freelance because I'm a weirdo who enjoys correcting italics in spell lists and to beef up my resume; therefore I don't do anything complicated enough to require a lot of bureaucratic hoop jumping, but others might, so do some research (especially as I might even be wrong on some things I've just said here).

    (The above is general advice; I recognize the OP may be aware of some or all of it.)


    1 person marked this as a favorite.

    Y'all are too kind! In regards to submitting an inquiry, I was already contacted by a nice young lady (I have no idea actually, she could be a grandmother or a grad student) from Paizo who asked for a resume, writing sample and thereafter added me to their contributors list. That's a huge first step in my eyes!


    On the other hand, you can then write-off all your gaming purchases (including cons).*

    * NOTE: At least, you could under previous tax law. I have [ib]no idea[/b] about that under our new tax code, so please see a qualified professional and don't rely on my advice.

    RPG Superstar 2015 Top 8

    Jacob W. Michaels wrote:

    On the other hand, you can then write-off all your gaming purchases (including cons).*

    * NOTE: At least, you could under previous tax law. I have [ib]no idea[/b] about that under our new tax code, so please see a qualified professional and don't rely on my advice.

    I am not anything close to a qualified professional, and anyone curious should still ask one. FWIW, I *think* if you have a registered editing/writing/design business you can write it off, but with the new tax code (applying to 2018's taxes, not the ones due next week), the average person is likely to get less of a refund from itemizing deductions than from using the (new, higher) standard deduction. Definitely something to discuss with a CPA.


    If anyone wants more info on my project, here's the best source:
    https://youtu.be/XUD9purpBOk


    Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber
    Jacob W. Michaels wrote:

    On the other hand, you can then write-off all your gaming purchases (including cons).*

    * NOTE: At least, you could under previous tax law. I have [ib]no idea[/b] about that under our new tax code, so please see a qualified professional and don't rely on my advice.

    I know it worked for last year, because I wrote off PaizoCon (along with the hotel and airfare), but yeah, no idea how the new one is going to affect it.


    My Tumblr now features 2 videos about Empyrean, so at least I am making a little headway in that department. http://alexcduck.tumblr.com/

    It looks like I will need to look up where the conventions in my region are - I was actually invited to be a guest panelist (writer category) at OutAlantaCon.

    Grand Lodge

    3 people marked this as a favorite.
    Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

    Thanks for all this information — and I’m now off to order business cards.

    Hmm

    Community / Forums / Paizo / General Discussion / Becoming a Contributor / staff All Messageboards

    Want to post a reply? Sign in.