Welcome to Paper Cat Press’s Weekly Roundup! In the Weekly Roundup, I provide links and summarized information about the crowdfunded projects, creator opportunities, and resources that have caught my eye over the week. I hope you enjoy!
WARNING! Some content below may feature NSFW content. Links will be marked NSFW! when the content identifies itself as adult material.
As a note: I am not sponsored by any company, group, or individual listed below or elsewhere on this site unless otherwise listed.
Want to jump to a specific section? Use the links below:
Helping Others || Awards || Recent Webcomic Debuts || Crowdfunded Projects || Animation || Comics, Illustration, and More || Conventions and Events || Fan Zines || Mentorships & Fellowships || Residencies, Retreats, and Workshops || Scholarships, Sponsorships, and Grants || Teaching || Typesetting || Voice Acting || Writing and Editing || Youth || Resources || Deals || Giveaways
News!
During September, I will be on hiatus. This will be the last Weekly Roundup until October 6. There is more information about why I am taking a break and what I’ll be doing with the time off on my Patreon.
Thank you to my Patrons, Ko-Fi tippers Cai, Emm, and Robin, and all of you readers, especially those of you who send thanks and spread the word about Paper Cat Press! I’m happy to do what I can to help you find fun, engaging, and inclusive opportunities, especially those that pay.
Take care this September! If you’re eager to find more opportunities during the month, be sure to check the outgoing links on the Roundup, and check the Links page for great reads and resources!
Helping Others
Are you a US resident wondering what to do about recent executive orders, gag orders, cabinet confirmations, and the future of your country? Sign up with 5calls.org to find out who to call about specific, pressing issues and what to say. Countable is also an informative resource. Check What the Fuck Just Happened Today? for daily summarized news on the current administration that you can have delivered to your inbox.
If you’re just getting started with protesting and doing something about your government, you can read this free zine What Now? organized and designed by Deandra “Nika” Tan. (I contributed a short comic.)
Here’s a free, open source Resistance Manual.
If you are a trans person in need of legal assistance, check translawhelp.org for pro bono services in your state.
If you need to talk to someone or otherwise vent, please utilize this list of help hotlines.
Take care and take your time. Your work is more important than ever. Thank you for sharing your originality and openness with the world. You bring light to the days of others, and it is so, so appreciated.
Awards
The Sunday Times EFG Short Story Award 2017 is accepting entries from authors previously published in the UK or Ireland. Submit by September 28 for a chance to win £30,000 or £1,000.
Lee and Low Books is accepting submissions to their New Voices Award now until September 30. Previously unpublished writers of color are welcome to submit picture book manuscripts for consideration.
Lee and Low Books is also accepting submissions from authors of color to their New Visions Award for middle grade or young adult novels. Submissions will be accepted until October 31.
Recent Webcomic Debuts
Did your webcomic debut or will it debut this year before September 30, 2017? Did you publish a comic online or sell it online this year? Fill out this form so I can add you to an upcoming post about webcomic debuts and cool comics to check out!
Check out February’s mid-month list of debuts.
Looking for more webcomics? Check out Michael Kinyon’s ongoing and ever-growing list of creators!
Crowdfunded Projects
The Ferocious Five: A Costumed Crime Caper! is running a Kickstarter to fund its production. The Ferocious Five is a comic about a heist crew and their plot to steal a family heirloom in transport. The finished story should be 90 pages long with stretch goals for additional content thereafter. Tier options include digital and physical copies of the book, stickers, a postcard, a print, and a cameo! The Kickstarter ends on September 3.
NSFW! It Will Be Hard: A Choose-Your-Own Gentle Smut Adventure is running a Kickstarter to fund the production of the game and comic. It Will Be Hard is a 70-page erotic interactive comic focusing on respect, boundaries, and erotic cuddling between two men. Tier options include basic and deluxe digital copies of the game and your name and/or portrait in the credits. The Kickstarter ends on September 3.
Sweethearts of 1989: A LGBT/Trans Positive Romance Series is running a Kickstarter to fund its production and creation. Sweethearts of 1989 follows Hiroko, a 24 year old trans man, and his relationship with salaryman Hideyuki Inoue as they explore communication, respect, and consent. The final product will be a 48+ page comic with pages in color or color-tinted grayscale, with future chapters to be announced hereafter. Tier options include digital and physical copies of the book, a bookmark, postcards, an enamel pin, and a comic cameo. The Kickstarter ends on September 3.
The Sun and the Wayward Wind is running a Kickstarter to raise funds for its printing, production, and fulfillment. The comic and illustration anthology will feature nearly 200 pages of full-color content exploring the legends, lore, and history of North America created by 16 artist teams and 9 illustrators. Tier options include digital and physical copies of the anthology, digital desktop backgrounds, postcards, patches, and commissions. The Kickstarter ends on September 14.
Mine! A Comics Collection to Benefit Planned Parenthood is running a Kickstarter to support Planned Parenthood, an inclusive and respectful provider of general and sexual health in the United States, and pay for printing, production, and fulfillment costs. Mine! includes stories about trailblazing women, civil rights leaders, sexual health education, and more written and illustrated by dozens of artists and creators. Stretch goals will provide for more content, a Spanish-language edition of the anthology, and additional library copies. Tier options include digital and physical copies of the anthology, access to the ComicMix digital library, a t-shirt, signed book plates, original comic pages, and more. The Kickstarter ends on September 15.
Guardian: A Fantasy Coloring Book of Women in Armor is running a Kickstarter to fund its production and fulfillment. Guardian will feature 25 illustrations of women and femme elves, mages, rogues, warriors, and more in practically-designed armor interacting in lush landscapes evocative of fantasy settings. Tier options feature digital and physical copies of the coloring book (which will ship in November, before the winter holidays), phone wallpapers, and commissions. The Kickstarter ends on September 21.
Cute Galaxy Narwhal Purse and Cape! Starwhal by inki-Drop is running a Kickstarter to fund their production and fulfillment. The Starwhal has long been a favorite from the inki-Drop collection of creatures and this Kickstarter aims to fund 500 each of the purse and cape. Tier options include a Starwhal purse, a Starwhal cape, phone wallpaper, thank you postcard, and original artwork. The Kickstarter ends on September 22.
Creative Opportunities
General
Did you or will you table in an artist alley in the US this year? Take the 2017 Artist Alley Convention Survey here.
The Comic Tea Party is a weekly book club for webcomics. Participate in the Discord chat weekly on Thursdays at 5pm to 7pm PST. Sign your comic up for a chance to have it read and discussed in the group!
Looking for other weekly chats on Twitter? Ink Drop Cafe lists them on this handy calendar!
Are you a comic critic or journalist? Take this survey!
#VisibleWomen was a huge success! Are you a hiring professional interested in seeing a list of the participants? Email info at milkfed dot us! There will be another #VisibleWomen in February, so prepare your portfolios! (I know I gotta!)
Do you work in interactive fiction? Check out these opportunities, some paid and some with “potential stipends.”
The Yuri Game Jam starts today, September 1! Participants have 2 months to create a game about relationships between women. Tag your work with #yurijam!
Animation
Here is a survey for Women Professionals in Animation. If you work in animation and identify as a woman, please submit your anonymous information to this survey to inform and assist current and future animators.
Cherylynn Lima is looking for an animator with 3D low poly experience.
You can find a directory of currently open animation jobs at animatedjobs.com! Companies like Cartoon Network, DHX Media, Nickelodeon, and others have a number of open full-time, part-time, freelance, and remote positions available, including those in social media, editing, and teaching. Cartoon Network also has several positions in Production available!
Comics, Illustration, and More
Threadless is accepting design submissions for “Chaos” until today, September 1, “Asymmetry” until September 8, and “Costume” t-shirt designs until September 14. You can submit designs outside of contests anytime here.
Pixie Dream Ghoul Issue #2: “Haunted” is accepting submissions of art and writing until today, September 1. Contributors will receive 5 physical copies of the zine as well as a PDF version.
Sweaty Palms Volume 2 is accepting applications until today, September 1.
Light Grey Art Lab has an open call for artists for SWARM: Beauty in the Storm. Submit your portfolios for consideration by September 4.
Buzzfeed is accepting pitch submissions until September 8 for Mental Health Week. Personal essays, pop culture criticism as it relates to mental health, comics, illustrations, and more are welcomed.
The Asexual is seeking submissions of writing and visual art for their next issue “Body” from contributors who identify themselves as members of the asexual spectrum. Submissions are due by September 15.
Iron Circus Comics is accepting submissions for their next comics anthology FTL, Y’all until September 15. Selected contributors will be paid $50/page and will receive 10 complimentary copies of the finished anthology, in addition to other benefits.
Comic Book Hour is hosting a Power Ups: Vilified anthology. Teams of 2-4 people work together on a 4-page comic. Once completed, the submissions will be collected into an anthology which participants must print themselves and sell at an established rate, should they choose to sell copies. Submissions are due September 17.
Shousetsu Bang Bang is accepting submissions for its upcoming artist special issue. Final submissions are due September 19, but anything with text (like comics) needs to be submitted by September 5.
Awesome Possum is accepting submissions of all-ages comics and illustrations for their fourth comic anthology until September 27. Contributors will be paid a minimum of $10 with bonuses to be funded through a Kickstarter
Myriad Comic Cuts is seeking submissions of comedy or comedy/drama graphic novels to be considered for adaptation to television. Submissions are due September 30.
The Silent Manga Audition just announced the theme for its next competition: “fair play”! Submit by September 30 to be considered.
The Gender Euphoria Zine is accepting written and illustrated submissions about the joy and euphoria of being trans until October 31.
Lilies Anthology is accepting submissions to their spooky-themed 4th volume SPIDER LILY! Submissions close October 31.
Flora and Fungal: The 2018 Object Head Zine is accepting submissions until November 2. The zine will be distributed digitally for free.
Queerly Represent Me is accepting submissions of writing and art pertaining to queer representation in video games and any related intersections of diverse representation and expression in media until December 31 2017. Accepted submissions will be collected into a zine next year and all contributors will receive evenly split compensation depending on funds raised.
Weekly Shonen Jump is holding a Universal Manga Contest with MediBang! They’ve even made a free new program, Jump Paint, to help illustrate and tone your creation. You can submit up to 5 entries in any genre at a length of 55 pages or less. Submissions are due January 5, 2018.
3 of Cups is seeking black and white and/or grayscale comics and illustrations for their second book On Bodies. Here are their pitch guidelines.
Anthea is looking for guest art for webcomic Fate!
Aquila Magazine is seeking illustrators with fun, colorful work.
Argot Magazine is seeking written and illustrated submissions about queer and marginalized experiences.
Asexual Artists is seeking creative asexual interviewees all year long.
Black Girls Create is looking for submissions of written, drawn, filmed, photographed, or any other expression of creative work from black creators showing what their time at Hogwarts would’ve looked like! They are also seeking black women creators and pop culture critique and commentary from black women creators.
The Brave Some is seeking submissions of short stories, prose, essays, reviews, and visual art by black and/or brown women and femmes.
Cicada is seeking submissions of poetry, fiction, essays, comics, and illustration.
Double Fine is accepting applications for environment artists, technical artists, art directors, and more.
The Fair Page Rates annual survey is live! If you’ve worked professionally as a comic artist this year, fill out the survey to help inform yourself and other artists in the future.
Webcomic Forbidden Sake is looking for a new (paid!) comic artist.
Girls Make Games is looking for 2D game artists to work on a paid project!
Jerry’s Art-A-Rama hosts a number of art contests, some ongoing and some requiring specific materials.
Makers in Malaysia is accepting registration applications for their upcoming English language zine celebrating the work of Malaysian creators.
Monika Bielskyte is seeking concept artists and illustrators, particularly women, queer, POC, and differently abled people for a week-long workshop in September imaging fictional futures in a real-world city.
You can send samples of your work along with pitches to thenib@firstlook.org to be considered by The Nib.
Panel Patter is looking for contributors, particularly from writers interested in manga and webcomics!
Parker D. Hicks is looking for a US military veteran developmental editor with experience in comics for a paid project through VengefulGhost.com.
Power and Magic Press is seeking nonbinary cartoonists for future fantasy projects. Sign up to be included on their list.
Triona is looking for flatters.
Check out Arts for LA or College Art Opportunities for more exhibition, residency, and grant opportunities. See Find Anthologies for a list of anthologies with open submissions and to submit anthologies of your own. Check Comic Ops to see opportunities specifically for comic creators. Zine Submissions and Zine Scene have great lists of zines, too!
Conventions and Events
Con or Bust has free tickets available for people of color for a number of upcoming conventions, including WizCon, Nine Worlds, GeekGirlCon, and more.
Conosaurus is LIVE! Browse cons by location, date, and other variables! Check it out and please support their Patreon! Here’s their Weekly Digest #24!
Anime Los Angeles’s artist alley tables will go on sale on September 9 at noon PST.
C2E2, the Chicago Comics and Entertainment Expo, is accepting applications from vendors until November 7.
Central City Comic Con, taking place October 21-22 in Yakima, Washington, is accepting exhibitor applications.
Grand Rapids Comic-Con is looking to fill paid positions for door guards, badge checkers, and more.
Granite State Comicon, taking place September 16-17 in Worcester, Massachusetts, is accepting artist alley and vendor applications.
HavenCon 4 has vendor spaces open, especially to vendors who are LGBTQ+, marginalized, or vendors allied to marginalized groups. HavenCon 4 will take place March 29-August 1 in North Austin, TX. (Application form)
Indigenous Comic-Con, taking place November 10-12 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is accepting artist alley & exhibitor applications.
The Nerdtino Expo 2017 in Philadelphia is accepting applications for exhibitors until October 18.
The New Latin Wave Book & Zine Fair in Brooklyn is accepting applications for exhibitors until September 1.
Phoenix Comic-Con, taking place Memorial Day weekend 2018, is accepting artist alley & exhibitor applications.
Portland Comic Expo, taking place October 29, is accepting vendor applications until September 2.
The Vermont Comic Con, taking place August 26-27 in Burlington, Vermont, is accepting applications for its artist alley on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Yaoi Con Artist Alley tables are available. Yaoi Con takes place October 6-8 in Santa Clara, California.
Here’s a list of international zine fests brought to you by ZINES!
Designers
Ash Huang is looking for Junior UX/UI/Product Designers that she can pair up with a mentor! Those selected will receive a free year of the Adobe Creative Cloud. She will also write about your work in an upcoming blog post for Adobe.
I created a document where people who have skills in web design and are willing and able to assist comic creators in creating their own websites can list themselves. Feel free to add your name, examples, and prices!
Megan is looking for a woman or nonbinary person to join Bleeding Heart Press for paid work as a zine layout designer.
Fan Zines
The BNHA Action Charity Zine has applications open until September 1. All proceeds will be donated to the Southern Poverty Law Center. Contributors should provide art of heroes taking action for the greater good, and those selected will receive two physical copies of the zine and any bonus merchandise made.
Wild Fyre: A Keith Zine is accepting applications until September 5. All funds raised will be donated to Rose Foundtaion and Acadia Center.
The Tokyo Mew Mew Zine is accepting applications until September 7. Profits will be split among contributors.
110% Sympathy: An Unofficial Welcome to the Ballroom Charity Fanzine is accepting applications until September 8. All funds raised will be donated to feed and educate children in Marawi, currently under martial law.
My Princess: An Unofficial Otome Game Heroine Fanbook is accepting applications until September 8.
She Who Is the Savior, a fan zine celebrating the women of Final Fantasy series, is accepting applications until September 8. The zine will be distributed freely online.
Dark Horse: An Otabek Fanzine is accepting applications from writers and artists until September 9. Accepted applicants will be given a copy of the zine and will split its profits.
In Cold Blood: A Yuri On Ice Mafia AU Zine is accepting applications from artists and writers until September 10. Profits from digital and physical sales will be split evenly among the contributors.
ARISE: An Unofficial My Hero Academia Fashion Fanzine is accepting applications until September 22. Profits will be split among the contributors via Paypal.
SPIRIT: A Studio Ghibli Artbook is accepting applications until September 22.
Watch My Back, a zine celebrating the women of Naruto, is accepting applications until September 25. Contributors will receive a physical copy of the zine and any additional related merchandise. They will also split profits.
Kingdom Hearts zine My Friends Are My Power is accepting submissions until September 30. The zine will be distributed for free online after completion.
Adventuring: A Balance Arc Fanzine is accepting submissions of art until October 23. The final collected works will be shared online for free and a printed copy will be given to the McElroys in December.
Looking for more fan zines to submit to? Check out ZineAppCalls for more!
Mentorships & Fellowships
The Tiptree Fellowship is accepting applications until September 1. Creators in any discipline are invited to apply provided their work explores gender through speculative narratives. Two recipients will receive a $500 grant.
The Asian American Writers’ Workshop is accepting applications from Asian American, Muslim, and Arab writers in New York aged 30 and under for the 2018 Margins Fellowship. Four selected recipients will receive $5000 each, residency time at the Millay Colony for the Arts, mentorship, access to the AAWW writing space, and publication opportunities with The Margin. Applications will be accepted until September 22.
SmokeLong Quarterly is accepting applications from writers who are over 18, unpublished in SmokeLong, unagented, and have had no book-length works under contract for the 2018 Kathy Fish Fellowship. The winner will receive $500 and as a remote fellow will have their flash fiction work featured in 4 SmokeLong Quarterlies. Applications are due October 31.
The Representation Matters Mentorship Program is accepting applications on a rolling basis from self-identified people of color interested in the publishing industry. Mentorships will last 6 months, with a minimum of one session every two months.
Residencies, Retreats, and Workshops
The Halifax Zine Fair is accepting applications for a residency in the two weeks leading up to the zine fair. Residency recipients will have housing provided and will receive a stipend. Applications are due September 1.
The Enos Park Residency for Visual Artists is accepting applications for the residency in Springfield, IL until September 15. Successful applicants will need to pay $50/week to cover the costs of utilities, yard maintenance, and studio access. Residents will also be responsible for their travel and living expenses.
Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs is offering a residency as part of their Project to Support Nurturing of Media Arts Creators. Successful applicants will receive a stipend, travel expenses, room and board, and assistance from experts in their field. Apply by September 19 for consideration.
Check out the Alliance of Art Communities, Arts for LA, College Art Opportunities for exhibition, residency, and grant opportunities.
Scholarships, Sponsorships, and Grants
A number of micro grants are available for marginalized writers.
Melanie Gillman shared this list of Grants, Fellowships, and Residencies for Cartoonists! Thanks, Melanie!
Pop Culture Collaborative offers grants year-round for rapid response initiatives that help advance social change through pop culture.
Canadian artists and cultural connectors are welcome to apply for grant funds through the Professional Development for Arts Professionals of Supporting Artistic Practice. Details on how and when you can apply are available on the page.
Are you a professional freelancer experiencing financial duress? The Haven Foundation offers grants and assistance to applicants with chronic illness or injury or other career-threatening emergencies.
The Liberty Foundation will be accepting applications later this year for fellowships that provide a $60,000 stipend and coaching support for creators. Sign up for their mailing list to hear the latest news.
The Rafael Lopez and Pat Cummings Merit Scholarships are accepting applications from people of color, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, or people otherwise underrepresented in the publishing industry until September 5. SCBWI Regional Advisors, ARAs, Illustrator Coordinators, and children’s librarians are also welcome to apply. Recipients will receive entry to the 2017 Craft and Business of Illustrating Children’s Books e-course.
The Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo is accepting applications for their mini-grants until September 24. Early decision applicants must submit by September 1. 6 artists will receive $75 each to help fund their production costs.
The American Booksellers Association is accepting applications from booksellers of diverse backgrounds for their Winter Institute 2018. Apply by October 30 for consideration.
The 2017 William H. Johnson Prize is accepting applications from African-American artists through November 16.
Check out Arts for LA, College Art Opportunities, this list by Donathin Frye, or this list by ProFellow for grant opportunities.
Teaching
Sign up to teach at Skillshare to earn royalties based on the premium member students in your class. See here for additional information.
Typesetting
Digital Manga has positions open for freelance manga letterers.
Voice Acting
Check the Casting Call Club and Voice Acting Space for more voice acting and audio opportunities.
Writing and Editing
England residents who identify as disabled and low income are invited to apply to the 2017 Free Reads Scheme until September 6. Accepted applicants will have their work reviewed and given feedback from a professional reader of The Literary Consultancy.
Buzzfeed is accepting pitch submissions until September 8 for Mental Health Week. Personal essays, pop culture criticism as it relates to mental health, comics, illustrations, and more are welcomed.
Polygon is looking for a full time Games Reporter, preferably in New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco. Apply by September 10 for consideration.
Fitzcarraldo Editions seeks an intern who is a UK national from black, Asian, or a nonwhite minority for a 6-month, part-time position as an editorial assistant. The intern will be paid London living wage. Apply by September 11 for consideration.
The Asexual is seeking submissions of writing and visual art for their next issue “Body” from contributors who identify themselves as members of the asexual spectrum. Submissions are due by September 15.
The Cassandra Jardine Prize is accepting articles of 1500-2000 words in length from women in Britain aged 18-25 by September 30.
ClexaCon and Sapphire Press are accepting written submissions for anthology “Fandom and Cosplay at the Con” with lesbian characters and themes as key to the story. Submissions are due October 15. Selected applicants will be given $50, 2 physical copies of the book, and a digital file.
The Gender Euphoria Zine is accepting written and illustrated submissions about the joy and euphoria of being trans until October 31.
The Fresh Ink Anthology is accepting submissions to their second issue “Smoke and Mirrors” until November 1.
Stone Soup Community Press is seeking lesbian responses to the current US presidency and administration for No. 45 – A Stone Soup Anthology. Submissions of poetry of any length and fiction, nonfiction, and essays of 6000-8000 words in length are welcome until November 11.
Game Studies is accepting submissions of writing 6500-8000 words in length for special issue on “Queerness and Videogames.” Intersectional perspectives on queerness in and around video games are welcome. Please read the submission guidelines before submitting your final work, due by December 31.
Lethe Press has open submissions and is seeking submissions for A Midas Clutch: Tales of Opulent Horror for horror stories featuring the wealthy, due in January 2018. Queer speculative fiction is preferred. Stories featuring negative perspectives of LGBTQ+ individuals will be rejected.
The American Greetings Alternative Writing Studio is accepting applications for freelance card writers.
Anime Feminist is looking for contributors in the upcoming year. Read here for more information. Article writers will generally be paid $50 per article.
Anime News Network is looking for News or Interest Interns, a Tokyo Correspondent, Freelance Editorial Contributors, Convention Correspondents, and an OpenX Expert.
Argot Magazine is seeking written and illustrated submissions about queer and marginalized experiences.
Asexual Artists is seeking creative asexual interviewees all year long.
Black Girls Create is looking for submissions of written, drawn, filmed, photographed, or any other expression of creative work from black creators showing what their time at Hogwarts would’ve looked like! They are also seeking black women creators and pop culture critique and commentary from black women creators.
The Brave Some is seeking submissions of short stories, prose, essays, reviews, and visual art by creators who identify as black and/or brown women and femmes.
Carnation Books is accepting submissions and welcomes fanfiction writers seeking to transition into publishing their original writing content. They are also accepting applications for plot and line/style editors and marketing interns.
Choice of Games is hiring writers for their new line of interactive romance games.
Cicada is seeking submissions of poetry, fiction, essays, comics, and illustration.
Culturess is seeking new contributors!
Online monthly magazine The Dark is accepting submissions from 2000 to 6000 words in length. Encouraged genres include horror and dark fantasy, but graphic, violent horror is not desired. Payment is $0.03/word for up to 6000 words. Republishing payment is $0.01/word.
Geeks of Color is looking for news reporters and social media managers!
GeekGirlCon is seeking guest bloggers.
Hello Equality is seeking trans and POC writers for their website. Speak on issues related to LGBTQ+ people, feminism, or pop culture topics.
Lillium Publishing is accepting fiction manuscripts, either standalone books or series, in a number of genres, including urban romance and erotica.
Low-income writers in the UK can check this Storify of opportunities from The Literary Consultancy.
Lore Lush Publishing is accepting manuscript submissions in a number of genres. Diverse and inclusive works are prioritized.
Makers in Malaysia is accepting registration applications for their upcoming English language zine celebrating the work of Malaysian creators.
The Mary Sue is hiring freelance writers, especially those with pitches on queer representation, video games, and music.
Nine Star Press is seeking submissions of romance, erotica, and literary novels. They’re also looking for ARC reviewers.
On She Goes is seeking pitches and ideas about women of color and traveling. Tips, insight, and anecdotes are welcome.
Panel Patter is looking for contributors, particularly from writers interested in manga and webcomics!
Pink Narcissus Press is seeking complete novel and novella manuscripts of 50,000 words or more. They are interested in well-written but non-mainstream speculative fiction with strong elements of sci-fi or fantasy.
Publisher’s Weekly is looking for a Contributing Editor for Books in Spanish. This remote position requires experience in journalism.
The Quill is accepting submissions of stories, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Check here for their submission guidelines and pay scale.
Sapphire Books is accepting submissions of lesbian fiction, particularly within the genres of romance, mystery/intrigue with romantic elements, and young adult.
Sky Pony Press is accepting submissions for picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and YA fiction and nonfiction.
Swoon Reads is accepting submissions of complete novels for young adult and new adult fiction.
ThinkProgress is accepting pitches from freelance writers on topics such as climate policy, economy, reproductive rights, refugees, diverse perspectives, and more. Read here for guidelines on how to pitch.
Videodame is seeking contributors for their monthly guest residency. Contributors will be paid $50 for 1-4 pieces about or inspired by games and gaming culture.
Check out writingcareer.com for a list of calls for submission!
Youth
Check out Comics Club, a new blog that highlights and connects comics clubs and shares advice and resources to help youth comic creators.
Check out the NewPages Young Writers Guide for artists and writers seeking to submit their work to publications!
Are you an LGBTQ+ teen? The University of Connecticut has a survey open to help scientists better understand the needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ teens.
Natalie “Tally” Nourigat offers advice & resources for young cartoonists ages 14-18 (although this is good advice for creators at any age)!
Resources
The 2016 Artist Alley Convention Survey is now available to view and purchase! Find out which conventions were rated highest by engagement, sales, amenities, and other information, all in easy-to-understand charts and simply written information. Thank you so much Kiriska for putting this together!
Did you or will you table in an artist alley this year? Take the 2017 Artist Alley Convention Survey here.
Have questions about tabling at an Artist Alley for the first time? Phee set up this awesome 5500-word beginner’s guide! Thanks, Phee!
Becca Hillburn of Nattosoup reviewed the Kuretake Gansai Tambi watercolor set and added to the Watercolor Basic series with this post on underpainting and glazing.
Blambot shared these tips on effective comic lettering! Thanks, Nate Piekos! See Blambot for additional tips under the “Articles” section, as well as fonts for free and for purchase!
The Crash Override Network has resources on what to do if you’re a victim of online harrassment and/or doxxing and how to protect yourself.
For full time independent contractors and freelancers, here’s a list of deductables, expenses, and other tax advice!
Fruke made this handy tutorial for achieving a “glow” effect in digital programs! Thanks, Fruke!
Katie Lane released a free e-course for artists and freelancers about How to Read a Contract. Thank you, Katie!
Kingston Creative shared this Ultimate Guide to Turning Your Art Into a Product, which offers comprehensive advice and design tips for a number of popular merchandise items.
Nika shared this incredible resource on Navigating the Kickstarter Interface! Great for those who are using Kickstarter for the first time and aren’t sure how to use all of its tools. Thank you, Nika!
Thanks Michelle for sharing this website that lists onomatopoeia!
Nilah Magruder created this awesome list of literary agents who represent illustrators. Niki Smith also has one of agents who represent creators of graphic novels. Thank you Nilah and Niki!
Peahat created a webcomic theme that you can host on Github pages for free. It was developed so those with little or no coding experience can set up a webcomic site without complications. Check here if you have any questions, or send a DM Peahat‘s way! Thank you so much for this awesome resource, Peahat!
SpiderForest released episode 11 of their podcast. “Proud to Be A Working Artist” explores the balance webcomic artists make with fulltime work, freelancing, and making ends meet!
Steve Lieber shared this thread on what to bring and show at portfolio reviews. Thanks Steve!
Check this thread for some great resume tips! Thanks Teresi!
Vron shared this collection of tweets sharing helpful wrist and body stretches for artists! Thanks, Vron!
Looking for tips on following self-hosted comics? Here’s an illustrated guide to using RSS feeds! Thank you Fanny! This thread by fatcrow also explains in a very easy-to understand method. Thank you both!
Deals
Avery Hill Publishing is having a moving sale! Get their books for 20% off!
Daiya Manga lists great deals for manga and anime!
ELEMENTS: FIRE from Beyond Press (both digital AND physical versions) is on sale for 25% with code “ignatznominee” until September 15!
Use code “ignatznom” to get 25% off POWER & MAGIC: The Queer Witch Comics Anthology!
Keezy Young’s new graphic novel, Taproot, is available for preorder on Amazon for $7.59! It’s a great deal from the creator of Yellow Hearts!
Make sure you have business cards before your summer cons! Save $15 off your first purchase from MOO using this code. Thanks, Becca!
Use code “cut20” to get 20% off laser cutting and code “wood15” to get 15% off wooden charms through ZapCreatives until September 5!
Remember to check ComiXology, Dick Blick, Jerry’s Art-A-Rama, Joann, Michael’s, and RightStuf for their weekly ads, coupons, and specials on comics and art supplies.
Giveaways
Ash of Experiments in Manga is giving away 4 manga published by Vertical Comics! Comment with your favorite Vertical Comics release and tweet for chances to win. The giveaway ends on September 6.
Goodreads constantly offers giveaways for a variety of titles in all genres. Check out these giveaways for graphic novels, including this one for Sun Bakery and this one for Kingsman!
JetPens is giving away this Juice Up Back to School set! Submit your email by September 6 for a chance to win.
Seven Seas has a new survey for AUGUST! Fill out the survey to be entered into a raffle to win a copy of any book Seven Seas has published in 2017!
I signed up for a free month on Skillshare, a site where people share educational videos (many of them creative- or marketing-oriented). Use my link to get 2 months free! If you’re an educator, consider uploading a class to earn some income and engage with others.
That’s it for this week! Look out for another post next week with these categories and possibly more. Is there something you’d like to see more of? Something you know about but don’t see here? Let me know!
If you enjoy the Weekly Roundup, please consider supporting me through my Patreon or through Paypal. Any tips through Ko-Fi will go directly to supporting papercatpress.com, which just renewed its annual membership! Plus you can get a free sketch 🙂
Link to the previous Roundup: Weekly Roundup – August 25, 2017
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