Monday, September 22, 2008

Help Wanted

As I mentioned before, I intend to expand The Cursed Chateau adventure I wrote a few months ago, with an eye toward self-publishing it in support of Swords & Wizardry. To do that, though, I'm going to need some assistance from people who can draw, make maps, and lay out a small book (no more than 32 pages and probably a bit less) -- and who are willing to offer their services for little or no immediate remuneration. The simple reality is that, until I sell a few copies, I won't have much of a budget to work with. I hate that, because I am a firm believer in paying people for those skills I myself don't possess. Artists and cartographers are often under-appreciated and I have no desire to contribute to that. However, I'm not going to go into debt to finance a little old school project, which is why I need to ask for assistance.

So, if you're someone who's got any of the skills I mentioned and is willing to volunteer to help me with this, drop me an email. Ideally, The Cursed Chateau will be successful and I'll make a little money so I'll have a budget to work with in the future, but I can't bank on that and anyone who wants to assist me shouldn't either.

Thanks!

17 comments:

  1. Hey James, I'd be interested in working with you in the art/layout realm. Not 100% sure my current style would click with you, but I'd be happy to give it the old college try. Drop me an e-mail ( I think it's attached to this message ) and I'll send you some samples.

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  2. There was an article on Tor.com recently about Greg Stolze and Dennis Detwiller using www.fundable.com to raise money for their RPG products as 'ransom'. Maybe this helps you fund the project?

    Tor interview here.

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  3. you might want to contact "sir clarence",m the official unofficial map-maker for the dragonsfoot modules. he's a great guy and his maps are even better (if that's possible).

    i could only help you with some proofreading.

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  4. Might I suggest that you offer the adventure up for pre-orders so you can use the money to help finance part of the book?

    I'm sure you have enough of a loyal following that you can get a kick start to cover some if not most production costs.

    My 2 cents.

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  5. James send me a PM or email on the cartography.

    Rob

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  6. I am an expert with Adobe Illustrator. Here is an example of my work:

    http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr161/MgunnerQuist/w400.jpg

    The map is blue, like the old TSR module. But I know from reading your blog that you don't necessarily favor that color scheme.

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  7. You don't mention editing, James, but if you'll be in need and our schedules align, I'd be happy to assist.

    Allan.

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  8. There have been some glitches with people offering preorders - the most prominent being Rob Kuntz's late delivery of the Bottle City module - that have left a bad taste in several peoples' mouths. I wouldn't go that route.

    The ransom idea is very cool - I have thought about trying that in the past, and never really got around to it on a project.

    If you let me know what you need in terms of interior illustrations, I can see whether I can come up with something.

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  9. Not sure about the mapping, but I can draw you some pictures. My website is here, if you want a look, and you can find my email there too if you're interested.

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  10. The map is blue, like the old TSR module. But I know from reading your blog that you don't necessarily favor that color scheme.

    I don't, but I have to admit that your work there made me reconsider. That's some truly excellent work.

    Hmmm ...

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  11. You don't mention editing, James, but if you'll be in need and our schedules align, I'd be happy to assist.

    If you'd like to help, Allan, I'd be more than happy to have you on board :)

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  12. There have been some glitches with people offering preorders - the most prominent being Rob Kuntz's late delivery of the Bottle City module - that have left a bad taste in several peoples' mouths. I wouldn't go that route.

    Agreed. I'm very reluctant to take people's money before a project is completed, just on general principle.

    The ransom idea is very cool - I have thought about trying that in the past, and never really got around to it on a project.

    I hear good things about it, so it might be worth giving it a whirl.

    If you let me know what you need in terms of interior illustrations, I can see whether I can come up with something.

    I'd love to have you provide an interior piece or two if you're able to do so. I'll drop you a note about it soon.

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  13. I like doing hex maps. You can find an example here:

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/kensanata/2614914871/in/set-72157594406870853/

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  14. I don't, but I have to admit that your work there made me reconsider. That's some truly excellent work.

    Hmmm ...


    If you are self-publishing, I assume that black-and-white would be cost-efficient. I would recommend it.

    I wasn't implying that you should do the maps in blue ink. That map of the level from "Greyhawk Ruins" was something I made for myself sometime within the last year.

    I've been wondering why TSR made those maps with blue ink in the first place. My working theory for all of these years was that the light blue ink made it difficult to copy using the photocopiers of the 1970s. I have no idea if that was the case.

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  15. That's spot-on, m.gunnerquist, and exactly why the maps were blue to begin with.

    Allan.

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  16. I'd be interested in possibly helping out, art-wise. I enjoy old-school RPG's and the art that accompanies them. The art in the Moldvay basic set was an early inspiration to me. Particularly Erol Otus' work.

    You can check out my website at www.freezerclown.com. My email address can be found on the site.

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  17. I'd be interested in possibly helping out, art-wise. I enjoy old-school RPG's and the art that accompanies them.

    Thanks for the offer. I think, for this project anyway, we're good as far as artwork goes, but I'm hoping that it's the first of several, so I'll be sure to contact you in the future if that comes to pass.

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