Want to write for games?

Think your art is ready for professional publication?

Not sure how to get your foot in the door?

Freelance writer/editor/game creator Jess Hartley shares her secrets for using conventions as an entry into the game industry.

This was originally a series of articles presented on Jess’ website to offer her experiences and advice to potential freelancers looking to make the best use of their time during the summer 2009 convention season.

Recently revised and updated with expanded information, Jess Hartley’s Conventions for the Aspiring Game Professional is available now for only $1.99.

Get it today at the Flames Rising RPGNow Shop.

For many years, I existed in a shadowy realm that bordered on true darkness: I lived the life of a non-gamer. This world of strategy, role-playing, plotting and power unfolded in my adult years when I started to date a gamer.

It was only natural that I would look to combine this newfound lifestyle with my other passion, editing. And while you might snigger about the editing, other obsessive-compulsive grammar serfs will understand.

A ROAD TO FREELANCING
How do people land a freelancing job inside the game industry? For me, the answer was a whole lot of luck and a decent amount of editing skill.

I have a degree in journalism and have spent about a decade editing professionally. I read grammar books compulsively when I’m not working on a project. Thus, I had enough confidence and experience to bolster my resolve to walk into new waters.

When Wizards first announced it’s new Open Game License (OGL) for publishers, a flurry of forum activity like this thread on RPGnet covered concerns from fans, contributors and publishers. Wizard of the Coast’s new OGL license for 4th Edition Rules hardly resembles the previous, free-flowing version, and while you may (or may not) agree with the way that Wizards has handled this aspect of their business, I still feel that it’s important to point out that this change could affect freelancers workflow and payment schedules.

Heather Grove tells us a bit about her work on various World of Darkness RPGs from White Wolf Publishing and offers up a bit of advice for folks looking to get into the industry.