Where do we go from here?

[Jesse Benner]

<EDIT> My wife, who is better at...word stuff than I am suggested that recourse wasn't quite what I meant. It wasn't. WHOOPS!

So...
I'd really like to win RPG Superstar 2010. I am working towards that end, and would be a fool not to give my all but here's my thought...
There have been 32 very cool monster submissions this round. As we whittle our way down to the top 8 and the top 4, we all know "There can be only one!" <aaaaaaaand lightning>

If I got into the top 4 (fingers crossed) but didn't win, I'd still want to keep writing. I'd want to make additional content and try to get it published, start getting the rejection letters so I can keep polishing until I get it right. I guess my question is: does anyone know what options there are for people that want to submit their work but that don't get the brass ring?

Thanks,
QGJ

[Snorter]

Jesse Benner wrote:

...we all know "There can be only one!" <aaaaaaaand lightning>

"We. We-ere. Boooorn. To be Princes of the Univeeerrrrrse!"

<Quick Draw>

<decapitates Jesse>

"Who wants to live forever anyway?"

[Jim Groves]

The Top 4 do seem to get some writing work from Paizo, and do generate lots of attention with 3rd Party Publishers. That isn't guaranteed, but I see it happening.

Kobold Quarterly is also a great place to start, and they're always looking for more Pathfinder content (as are fans requesting it).

[Snorter]

On a more serious note, don't despair if you don't end up in the top spot. Just as with American Idol/Pop Idol, etc, the one who officially wins the series isn't the only one who'll be bothering our eardrums when the tickertape stops blowing.

Some of the (semi-)finalists from previous years' RPGSS are now considered safe hands, by 3PP and Paizo.

Remember Clinton Boomer? Lost out at the last hurdle to the charming Christine Schneider (Clash of the Kingslayers; quite a feat to write in a second language), but there's no need for wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Just look at him now!

[terraleon]

There's Wayfinder.
There's Kobold Quarterly.
There's Dragon and LevelUp!

There's Pathfinder Society open calls.
There's the RPGA Living Forgotten Realms open calls.

There's Open Design.
There's Rite Publishing.
There's LPJDesign.
Necromancer games might even start making material again. ;)

There's a host of 3PP who might be willing to take a chance on a new designer they got to watch here.

You just get in there, keep sending queries to people who accept them and then hammer on those deadlines.

Welcome to the grind and enjoy RPGSuperstar; this is the best and greatest volume of feedback you get to experience, hands down.

-Ben.

[Jesse Benner]

Thanks everybody!
And Snorter, my weapon was already out! Quickdraw as much as you like sir but we would have at least danced a round or two!
Thanks again

[Snorter]

Damn; that Brian May solo gave my position away!