Would you be kind enough to release any info. here about the upcoming campaign arc so us writers can tailor submissions to theme(s)? Also, any insight into Campaign Workbook demand, especially new Wandering, etc.
Thanks much, PvB
Bella Sara Charter Superscriber
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Eh? Are you talking about the next adventure path? I'm sure the editors will correct me if I'm wrong, but those aren't the types of gigs that you get by submitting something at random. Those jobs are assigned to the best submitters with a track record for quality and punctuality. They are given an outline of the type of adventure that is needed, and then they write it. Same goes for the shorter campaign arcs as well.
The best information for getting published is in the black hole thread. Check there for information about what topics are overdone at the moment.
Sebastian has it right; adventure path adventures aren't taken from the slush pile, but are assigned to individual writers. If you build up a really good rep you might get asked, though!
-Amber S.
In future could start threads without making the title in block capitals. Its overkill and unsightly.
Here's the info on Campaign Workbook Wandering Monster submissions from the "black hole" thread. It suggests DUNGEON's present demand is high. (I'm sure I'm violating thread etiquette by duplicating content, but I'm too lazy to summarize, and the information is helpful.)
James Sutter (Assistant Editor, Dungeon: We're also welcoming submissions to our new "Wandering Monster" section, introduced in issue 141, in which we run either brand new monsters or update old favorites in a two-page, Monster-Manual-esque format. We ask that you please follow the organizational structure shown there, but otherwise - send us whatever you like.
Have an idea of a classic D&D monster that's never been updated? What about a completely original homebrew beastie? All are welcome in the new section.
Let the submissions stampede begin!
James Jacobs (Editor-in-Chief, Dungeon): Construct them like critical threats. We don't need queries; just send them in. The wordcount should be about 1250 words (statblock included). Use the latest version of a Wandering Monster as a guide for what elements to include.
James Sutter (Assistant Editor, Dungeon): As with all other Campaign Workbook submissions, we want to see the complete article, as finished and polished as you can make it. The only exception to this policy is for regular contributors (who I will arbitrarily define here as "people who have published at least two CWs or adventures in Dungeon"), who may send quick one-sentence or one-paragraph descriptions of their ideas to test the waters. (We still won't accept anything until we've seen the full manuscript, but it'll save you time if your idea is something we're already doing.) And lest you think us unduly prejudiced, let me point out that the difference is not because we like the regulars better, but because we already have a solid grasp of their writing styles.
Shade (Subscriber): Do we need to send a separate Standard Disclosure form with each monster, or will one labeled "Wandering Monsters" suffice?
Great Green God (Subscriber (and gifted Contributor)): I would err on the side of one per submission as the Dungeon editors don't let me get away with "Adventures" for the two or three adventures I have forthcoming. You might want to name your monsters in the disclosure form as well. It has been my experience that monsters can get awfully upset at being slighted.
Zherog (Subscriber): I know 1250 is the max word count for a Campaign Workbook. What's the minimum? Or putting the question a slightly different way, at what point is an article just too short?
James Jacobs (Editor-in-Chief, Dungeon): 1,250 words is the necessary amount. Not much over, not much under. It's certainly possible to do a low CR monster as a Wandering Monster... I'd actually think it'd be easier than a high CR one since you won't have as much worries about too many abilities eating up too much words. For low CR monsters with small stat blocks, you'll just have to compensate with a more interesting ecology, tactics, treasure, lore, description, and other sections.
For playable races, I'd MUCH rather see monsters that are ECL +2 or less. If your new monster's tougher than a drow, it's better served as a monster than a PC race.
Ashenvale (Subscriber):Can we offer a glorious illustration to fill out the space of a low-level Wandering Monster article containing somewhat less than 1,250 words?
Great Green God (Contributor (an understatement)):That I think is included in the package and what gives them a little layout manuverability to fudge things one way or another with the word count. All they need to is reduce or enlarge the image, and ta-da. However if you wanted to be the one to supply the artwork for your own article (say for instance you are Ashnvale) I would say send it in (with contact information) and see what they say. If they like it I imagine they might email you back and take it with the restof the proposal. If not they might use it as inspiration for some other artist to render.
James Jacobs (Editor-in-Chief, Dungeon):Correct; if you want to include an illustration of your monster, go ahead and do so. We'll forward it on to the art directors and they'll make the decisions on if they want to use it in the magazine.
The illustration doesn't impact the length of the article though. If you give us something that's far off of being 1,250 words, we can't use it without adding to the word count ourselves or by cutting word count. We're FAR more likely to just reject it, in this case.
Would you be kind enough to release any info. here about the upcoming campaign arc so us writers can tailor submissions to theme(s)? Also, any insight into Campaign Workbook demand, especially new Wandering, etc.
Thanks much, PvB
You mean the upcoming Seeds of Sehan arc right? I hear it's very Far Realm madness...and there might be a flying rhino? Also, cause I know the architects of it, I'm pretty darned sure its gonna totally rock out! WERECABBAGES!!!
I don't think there is much ahead info on Camp Works or Wanderings though, they are just starting to trickle in submissions to Wanderings from what I can tell (I could be wrong).
Would you be kind enough to release any info. here about the upcoming campaign arc so us writers can tailor submissions to theme(s)? Also, any insight into Campaign Workbook demand, especially new Wandering, etc.
Thanks much, PvB
Everyone else has it pretty much on target. Though if you are looking for things to avoid because they will be prominent in the next Adventure Path I can only tell you that the editors really can't tell you. The publishing industry is all about getting your idea to market first. So basically all contributors and would-be contributors are sort of stuck with the fact that their ideas might be too similar to things that are already well down the pipe (a pipe that extends perhaps 1-1/2-2 years from now). Unfortunately that's just part of the business and all I can say is try submitting a bunch of good stuff in the hopes that yours is the one that stands out and/or is different enough. Persistence is key.
Good Luck,
GGG
Great Green God (Subscriber (and gifted Contributor))....
::Blush::
Which is pretty unsightly what with my green complexion. ;)
GGG
You mean the upcoming Seeds of Sehan arc right? I hear it's very Far Realm madness...and there might be a flying rhino? Also, cause I know the architects of it, I'm pretty darned sure its gonna totally rock out! WERECABBAGES!!!
Actually the rhino is something else entirely. But it is still pretty mad. ;)
Werecabbages4eva!
GGG
Hi Amber, love your stuff. I meant more the theme of the next arc (like we are currently a pirate-dinosaur type theme) so I could tailor a Campaign Workbook or two. Thanks.
Sebastian has it right; adventure path adventures aren't taken from the slush pile, but are assigned to individual writers. If you build up a really good rep you might get asked, though!
-Amber S.
Thanks all. I will print the black hole thread as well.
Here's the info on Campaign Workbook Wandering Monster submissions from the "black hole" thread. It suggests DUNGEON's present demand is high. (I'm sure I'm violating thread etiquette by duplicating content, but I'm too lazy to summarize, and the information is helpful.)
James Sutter (Assistant Editor, Dungeon: We're also welcoming submissions to our new "Wandering Monster" section, introduced in issue 141, in which we run either brand new monsters or update old favorites in a two-page, Monster-Manual-esque format. We ask that you please follow the organizational structure shown there, but otherwise - send us whatever you like.
Have an idea of a classic D&D monster that's never been updated? What about a completely original homebrew beastie? All are welcome in the new section.
Let the submissions stampede begin!
James Jacobs (Editor-in-Chief, Dungeon): Construct them like critical threats. We don't need queries; just send them in. The wordcount should be about 1250 words (statblock included). Use the latest version of a Wandering Monster as a guide for what elements to include.
James Sutter (Assistant Editor, Dungeon): As with all other Campaign Workbook submissions, we want to see the complete article, as finished and polished as you can make it. The only exception to this policy is for regular contributors (who I will arbitrarily define here as "people who have published at least two CWs or adventures in Dungeon"), who may send quick one-sentence or one-paragraph descriptions of their ideas to test the waters. (We still won't accept anything until we've seen the full manuscript, but it'll save you time if your idea is something we're already doing.) And lest you think us unduly prejudiced, let me point out that the difference is not because we like the regulars better, but because we already have a solid grasp of their writing styles.
Shade (Subscriber): Do we need to send a separate Standard Disclosure form with each monster, or will one labeled "Wandering...
Sorry, I am new at this. Forgiveness, please.
In future could start threads without making the title in block capitals. Its overkill and unsightly.
Thanks, though I meant the theme of the arc; I would not presume to be good enough to do one of them...yet!
Eh? Are you talking about the next adventure path? I'm sure the editors will correct me if I'm wrong, but those aren't the types of gigs that you get by submitting something at random. Those jobs are assigned to the best submitters with a track record for quality and punctuality. They are given an outline of the type of adventure that is needed, and then they write it. Same goes for the shorter campaign arcs as well.
The best information for getting published is in the black hole thread. Check there for information about what topics are overdone at the moment.
Sounds juicy!
You mean the upcoming Seeds of Sehan arc right? I hear it's very Far Realm madness...and there might be a flying rhino? Also, cause I know the architects of it, I'm pretty darned sure its gonna totally rock out! WERECABBAGES!!!
Actually the rhino is something else entirely. But it is still pretty mad. ;)
Werecabbages4eva!
GGG