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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Nazhkandrias" data-source="post: 3462324" data-attributes="member: 50521">OK, I've been considering breaking into this business for a while now. I have an understanding of the OGL and SRD, and I don't think that I'll be treading on anybody's toes. I have a good concept (a VERY detailed book covering swashbuckling-themed feats, classes, items, and ideas), a fun approach, and I can write fairly well. I am my own editor, I have somebody who can provide artwork for free, and I know plenty of people who would be thrilled to playtest my product. But, a few questions remain...1. The OGL is a pretty fuzzy topic at times. I know that anything in the SRD (I use the one at d20srd.org) is up for grabs, and that anything that isn't, well, isn't. Certain psionic classes are OK, variant classes are fine, and there are even a couple of feats in the SRD that are legal to use. But, what about everything in the Core Books? Is anything in PHB, DMG, and MM1 fine to use? Or is it OK only if it is expressly written in the d20 SRD?2. Another quick question concerning OGC... doing variants of classes like the Hexblade, Dragon Shaman, and Marshal is right out, correct? For example, I was thinking about doing a sea-themed variant class for the Marshal, but that probably isn't OGC. So, therefore, can I only use the classes provided at d20srd.org (this includes some extras, like the Psion and a few variant base classes) and in the Core Rulebooks?3. I really think that I can put out a high-quality product, possibly up to 50 pages, with multiple black and white illustrations (provided for free by a friend). How much should I expect people to pay for this? I know that you can sell a good 5-pager for $1.50, how much for this?4. Is there anything I should watch out for? Legal issues, rip-offs, copyright violations and such? Just tips for somebody with experience in d20 and writing, but none whatsoever in PDF publishing.5. One of the publishers I've been looking at is RPGNow. A fair cut, high popularity... seems good to me. But I'm loathe to sign under big labels like that, so if anybody can post some suggestions for a publisher with reasonable popularity and fair cuts from sales (I think that RPGNow takes a 30% cut, so I don't want anybody suggesting a 60/40 split), let me know. Remember, swashbuckling is my theme (D&D 3.5), written in the style of a D&D Sourcebook (different sections for feats, classes, items, story suggestions, etc.).6. How many people do you think would be interested in being able to pick up one book for all of their swashbuckling, plundering, treasure hunting, pirating, salty needs? Over-the-top pirate theatrics are included (How To Slow Your Fall Down A Sail With A Dagger, Sink A Ship In 3 Minutes Or Less Without Fire, Sink A Ship In 3 Minutes Or Less With Fire, Turn Your Beverage Into A Lethal Weapon, Witty Pirate Catchphrases, The Accessorizing Buccaneer, etc.).</blockquote>

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