Wizards Design Test: Who's going to submit?

[Dextra]

Nope, though that would be a really good idea, actually. Unfortunately, as a college student who can't find even a single other D&D player here, there's not anyone I could ask

Darn.
If only there were a gathering place of creative and intelligent gamers with a variety of skills and talents where you could ask for help.

 

[Darth Mikey]

The WOTC site says 2500-4000 words. At 1500 words per page (roughly) thats only 3-1/2 pages. Seems a little short to me.

(1500 words/page is based on submission guidlines for other companies)

Anybody have any insight?

 

[StupidSmurf]

Hmm, I didn't think about this aspect. I assume it only refers to work on actual products, but not something like having had an article or adventure published in Dragon or Dungeon?

Gnome
My guess (and I've been wrong before...just don't tell anyone!) is that magazine works wouldn't count. I'm guessing it's limited to WotC/TSR proper.

Clarification:
Just wanted to make sure people realized my "Chuck you, Farley" is directed at the contest idea and implementation, not towards anyone actually participating and/or posting about it.
There are certain times when I can't help but channel Bitter Stevil.

 

[jgbrowning]

The WOTC site says 2500-4000 words. At 1500 words per page (roughly) thats only 3-1/2 pages. Seems a little short to me.

(1500 words/page is based on submission guidlines for other companies)

Anybody have any insight?

I usually find only 600-800 words per page is a better reference after art, layout, and graphic design. So I'd expect more like 5 pages. Still short, but workable enough for them to get an idea of your capabilities.

joe b.

 

[Knight Otu]

I propably will submit something, when I get a compelling or twisty adventure idea.

Though I must say I'd prefer if the rule component also allowed monsters. They come easier to me than feats, spells or items.

 

[Pants]

Though I must say I'd prefer if the rule component also allowed monsters. They come easier to me than feats, spells or items.

Big ditto from me.

 

[Rystil Arden]

Darn.
If only there were a gathering place of creative and intelligent gamers with a variety of skills and talents where you could ask for help.

Well, Mike Mearls mentioned that that was a bad idea, so I'll need to work up the courage to try to draw a map

 

[Darth Mikey]

First off, remember the word count. Like we posted earlier, this is only going to be 3-5 pages, depending on how you count it. It's going to be small.

Keep it Simple.

Use graph paper, a pencil and a ruler. Draw light, then darken your lines. If you write, use block printing, and again, keep it simple. Just use area numbers and a few names to help orient the reader.

If you are not comfortable with your art ability, do not try to draw like a pro. Just draw simple and rely on your writing. Remember, they are going to commission a professional artist to draw the maps and artwork. Your stuff is only reference for the editors and the artists. So don't sweat it.

Additionally, if you have access to and skill with artistic software and a scanner, you can scan in maps and add text that way. Of course, software like that is harder to use than a pencil and paper. If you're not familiar with them, stick to the basics.

Rememder you are not submitting artwork. You are submitting for a writing job. Any artwork you provide is icing on the cake.

Hope that helps.

 

[Mercule]

Use graph paper, a pencil and a ruler. Draw light, then darken your lines.

What I do is sketch in pencil; which lets me draw, erase, redraw; then I do my finishing work in pen. Everything I do with a pen, though, is tracing pencil-work. Even room numbers, etc.

 

[Darth Mikey]

What I do is sketch in pencil; which lets me draw, erase, redraw; then I do my finishing work in pen. Everything I do with a pen, though, is tracing pencil-work. Even room numbers, etc.

That's exactly what I meant. Go light to set up the map, then darken over the light lines with pencil, pen, whatever. Light lines are easier to erase and that takes some of the pressure off you. You don't worry about mistakes as much.