Weekly Roundup: April 7, 2018

/ papercatpress

Hello, and Happy April! 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:
News || Helping Others || Awards || Recent Webcomic Debuts || Crowdfunded Projects || Animation || Comics, Illustration, and More || Conventions and Events || Designers || Fan Zines || Mentorships & Fellowships || Residencies, Retreats, and Workshops || Scholarships, Sponsorships, and Grants || Teaching || Typesetting || Voice Acting || Writing and Editing || Youth || Resources || Deals || Giveaways

News

Helping Others

Need to contact your government officials? Let Resist Bot and 5calls help you out.

If you are a trans person in need of legal assistance, check translawhelp.org for pro bono services in your state.

Here’s a list of free or low-cost mental health resources. Thank you so much for compiling this list, Tiffany!

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 Kids’ Comics Awards 2018 are accepting nominations through April 14.

The Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award for 2018 is accepting nominations through April 20.

The 2018 Toronto Book Awards is open for submissions of books featuring Toronto content published between June 1, 2017 and May 31, 2018 through April 30. Ebooks and self-published works are not eligible.

The Little, Brown Emerging Artist Award is accepting applications through May 15. Submit mock-ups of picture books featuring a diverse narrative for a chance to receive $1500 in American Express giftcards, a round trip ticket to New York, and a one-day mentorship with Little, Brown Books for Young Readers’ professional children’s book design and editorial team and distinguished Artist Mentor Grace Lin.

Nominations from pros and fans are open for the 2018 Ringo Awards through May 30. Read here to learn more about which comics can be nominated.

Recent Webcomic Debuts

Check out this list of 2017 Webcomic Debuts and find a new series to read!

Looking for more webcomics? Check out Michael Kinyon’s ongoing and ever-growing list of creators!

Crowdfunded Projectschubby

The fourth volume of the Chubby Anthology LGBTQ Comic is currently raising funds on Kickstarter for its production. The Chubby Anthology is an inclusive body-positive collection of short comics and illustrations, and its fourth volume focuses on outer space. Tier options include digital and physical copies of the book and its previous issues, digital wallpapers, enamel pins, postcards, a sketchbook, stickers, and more. The Kickstarter ends on April 8.

fauna

Illustrator and toy designer Ashley Benson is currently raising funds on Kickstarter to produce their scented Fauna Fruits: Strawbunny Plush Toy. The Fauna Fruits collection includes 10 animals featuring Strawbunny as the debut plush and two additional plushes obtainable through stretch goals. Each toy purchased through the Kickstarter will include a birth certificate so that recipients can give their plush its own birthday and name. Tier options include the plush toy, enamel pins, and a digital print. The Kickstarter ends on April 8.

midwinter

Kayla Swain is hosting a Kickstarter to raise funds for the printing, fulfillment, and production of “Midwinter” issue 7. Midwinter features a universe that meshes cyberpunk with fantasy and horror and follows the thief Nox as he takes up a hospital security job while planning his next heist. Tier options include digital and physical copies of issue 7, digital and physical copies of chapters 1-7 of Midwinter, prints, bookmarks, keychains, and more. The Kickstarter ends on April 9.

seventhcircle

Rock Candy Games is currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter to assist in production costs with Seventh Circle: An Urban Fantasy Visual Novel. Seventh Circle follows the main character as they enter the Trillian, a renowned league of arena battle mages, and find themselves invested in the people and hidden histories within. The game has 7 independent character routes, a total of 15 hours of gameplay, the ability to name and select pronouns for the main character, and unlockable art from a list of amazing guest artists. Tier options include a download of the game, stickers, postcard prints, a phone background, the art book PDF, enamel pins, a patch, large prints, commissions, and more. The Kickstarter ends on April 12.

idols

The Idols of Solanşehir: Issue One is currently raising funds on Kickstarter for its production and fulfillment. The Idols of Solanşehir tells the story of two sisters who must work together to help their brother after he returns from the army with a strange artifact and haunting visions. Tier options include digital and physical copies of this first 22-page issue, a digital sketchbook, and stickers. The Kickstarter ends on April 12.

tinydragons

ArtOrder LLC is currently raising funds on Kickstarter to produce the Tiny Dragons Art Project. The project features three 3″ x 3″ books – The Tiny Dragons Art Book (full of whimsical dragons for all ages), the Not So Tiny Dragons Art Book (featuring powerful dragons for a more mature audience), and the Tiny Dragons by Tiny People Art Book (created by fans 15 and under). Tier options include the books and a cute sticker. The Kickstarter ends on April 13.

bloodandroses

Morrighan Corbel is running a Kickstarter to raise funds to produce for her senior project Blood and Roses – an Angela Carter Illustration Project. Backers will also have the opportunity to receive a physical or digital copy of an art zine compilation of comic pages and illustrations based on The Snow Child and The Lady of the House of Love written by Angela Carter. Other tier options include prints and an original commission. The Kickstarter ends on April 18.

supernatural

Kel McDonald is raising funds on Kickstarter to produce [Super]Natural Attraction – Chapter 2. The story follows a Persephone, a recently raised-from-the-dead college student, who helps demon hunter Abe after she discovers that she can now see the dead. The chapter will feature 22 pages of full color comics, and overfunding on the Kickstarter will help produce additional comics. Tier options include digital copies of the first two issues, digital wallpapers, a coloring tutorial, a concept art PDF, commissions, additional comic PDFs, and a comic cameo. The Kickstarter ends on April 19.

awesomepossum

Awesome ‘Possum Volume 4 is now funding volume 4 on Kickstarter. Angela Boyle, a natural science illustrator and cartoonist, has curated and edited 35 emerging and established cartoonists and natural science illustrators from across North America and the world. The 229 page comic features black and white pages is appropriate for all ages, with a focus on 9-12-year olds. Tier options include digital and physical copies of the book, postcards, greeting cards, a charm, and original artwork.  The Kickstarter ends April 25.

avampireinparis

A Vampire in Paris is currently running a Kickstarter to raise funds for its production. Kara Belmont works at a bar with Selma Nazari, who she is convinced is a vampire, but finds that as the two of them grow closer together, they share an undeniable attraction. Tier options include digital and physical copies of the comic, postcards, and charms. The Kickstarter ends on April 26.

General

Did you or will you table in an artist alley in the US this year? Take the 2018 Artist Alley Convention Survey here.

Are you a Canadian writer, translator, illustrator, editor, or photographer? Do you have books in public libraries? You may be eligible to receive payment through the Public Lending Right Program! Check to see if you’re eligible and apply by May 1.

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!

Sparkler is looking for a freelance part-time bookkeeper, to be paid $20 and hour!

Are you a comic critic or journalist? Take this survey!

Animation

You can find a directory of currently open animation jobs at animatedjobs.com and updated listings at The Animation Guild.

Comics, Illustration, and More

  • Cicada is seeking comics, essays, fiction, and poetry on the theme of family. Submit by April 13 for consideration.
  • Haunted Cosmos Press is accepting submissions from queer artists for Strange Waters: A Queer Aquatic Fantasy Comic Anthology through April 15. Creators will be paid $50 per page, with bonuses possible following Kickstarter funding. Up to 12 black and white or grayscale pages will be permitted per creative team.
  • Witchawave is seeking applications from artists through April 15 for the witchcraft/vaporwave-themed art book.
  • Stim is seeking pitches from autistic writers and artists through April 30. Short fiction, creative nonfiction, essays, illustrations, and comics are welcome. Contributors will be paid £150.
  • The Hooker’s Ball, a Bay area fundraiser supporting sex workers and Red Light Legal, is accepting artwork and merchandise from sex workers through May 1.
  • The Lauren Child Poetry Illustration Prize is accepting submissions from illustrators age 18-25 through May 1. Illustrate a poem by a Betjeman Poetry Prize finalist for a chance to win £1000.
  • The European Comic Schools Contest 2018 is accepting submissions of illustrations and one-shot comics from students of European schools teaching comics, digital art, and/or illustration. Entries are due May 10. Winners may win 200-1000 €, a Wacom Intuos tablet, and copies of Clip Studio Paint.
  • The Silent Manga Audition is accepting submissions to their extra contest “WASAMON – Give it a try!” through May 31. Black and white comics of 1-17 pages or black and white or color illustrations may be submitted for a chance at cash prizes.
  • The 12th Annual International Manga Award is accepting submissions of manga through June 15. Winners will receive a ten-day trip to Japan for the award ceremony.
  • SacAnime is hosting two art contests – one for the program cover/badge art, and another for a t-shirt design. Entries are due by July 1, and selected winners will receive a free badge, artist alley table, and helper badge for the 2019 Winter convention.
  • Lee & Low books are accepting submissions for their New Visions Award through August 31. Cash prizes and a standard publication contract will be given for a middle grade or young adult novel (including graphic novels) by a writer of color or Native/Indigenous writer.

Check out Arts for LA, College Art Opportunities, or Graphic Competitions 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. Chris Arrant regularly shares location-based jobs in comics (mostly editorial, office, or design work). Check the #ComicJobs hashtag! 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 the SFWA Nebua Conference, the Locus Awards weekend, and WorldCon 76! Con or Bust is accepting items and services for their 2018 auction, which will run from April 8 – April 22 and help fund Con or Bust’s mission for the next 12 months. Consider donating or bidding to help people of color get to cool SF/F cons!

Conosaurus is LIVE! Browse cons by location, date, and other variables! Check it out and support their Patreon! Here’s their Weekly Digest #50! Need convention advice? Join #ConTalkTues every Tuesday at 8PM EST!

Here’s a list of international zine fests brought to you by ZINES!

Designers

Geeks of Color is looking for a graphic designer.

(Salem, MA) Page Street Publishing is seeking an Associate Designer for their Page Street Kids line.

(New York, NY) Penguin Random House is seeking a designer or senior designer to work primarily with the Avery, TarcherPerigee, and Berkley imprints.

(Boulder, CO) Roost Books, an imprint of Shambhala Publications, is looking for an Art Director.

Fan Zines

Looking for more fan zines to submit to? Check out Find Anthologies and ZineAppCalls for more! Have a finished zine project you want to advertise? Check out Zine RTer!

Mentorships & Fellowships

Disabled Writers is offering a paid fellowship through The Daily Dot through April 15. Selected writers will contribute three pieces in collaboration with an editor.

Pineapple Street Media is offering their first-ever Pineapple Fellowship for underrepresented voices in podcasting. Fellows receive a stipend of $3000 a month and work as a full-time producer in Brooklyn. Apply by April 15 for consideration.

The PEN America Writing for Justice Fellowship will begin accepting submissions on April 15 through July 1. The six writers selected will receive $10,000 each with the option to request up to $5000 more for travel and research so that they may create works of lasting merit that illuminate critical issues related to mass incarceration and catalyze public debate.

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 Boston Public Library Writer-in-Residence Program is accepting applications from emerging children’s writers until April 5. The selected writer will receive a $20,000 stipend and office space at the BPL’s Central Library in Copley Square.

Spotify is accepting applications from women of color who are passionate about podcasting for the Sound Up Bootcamp through April 10. The program is free for the ten women selected and includes five days of workshops, panels, and activities around podcasting, travel to New York City, six nights of hotel stays, and breakfast and lunch each day.

(Brooklyn, NY) Kickstarter HQ is seeking Artists-in-Residence and is accepting applications through April 16.

Check out the Alliance of Art Communities, Arts for LA, College Art Opportunities for exhibition, residency, and grant opportunities.

Scholarships, Sponsorships, and Grants

  • The Witness is offering $3000-$20,000 grants to 3-6 people from underrepresented backgrounds who are developing a puzzle game. Apply by April 23 for consideration.
  • The Still I Rise Grant for Black American women writers is accepting applications through April 30. Recipients will receive $100 and publication opportunities from Alternating Current Press.
  • The Noemi Press Book Awards for poetry and prose are accepting submissions through May 1. Two prizes of $1000 each will be given to award recipients.
  • The Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award is accepting applications through June 15. The recipient will receive $1500 to assist them in career and writing development.
  • The John Locher Memorial Award is accepting applications from political cartoonists aged 18-25 through June 15. The recipient will receive $1000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to the annual Association of American Editorial Cartoonists.
  • The NATTO (National Art & Trade Tuition Opportunity) Scholarship is accepting applications through June 30. Three recipients will receive prizes of $1000, $500, and $250 respectively to be used towards art education.
  • Western Washington primary and secondary school educators and librarians are invited to apply for the C4C3 Grant to bring more graphic novels and comics into the educational process.

Check out Arts for LA, College Art Opportunities, this list by Donathin Frye, or this list by ProFellow for grant opportunities.

 Teaching

(Columbus, OH) The Columbus College of Art & Design is seeking a Chair for their Illustration and Comics & Narrative Practice department.

Sign up to teach at Skillshare to earn royalties based on the premium member students in your class. See here for additional information.

 Voice Acting

Check the Casting Call Club and Voice Acting Space for more voice acting and audio opportunities.

Writing and Editing

  • EFNIKS is seeking pitches for their May Cover Story “REMODEL” from the API / AAPI / AANHPI communities in the LGBTQ+ family through April 8. They are seeking two pieces of 1200-2000 words and will pay $150 each.
  • Cicada is seeking comics, essays, fiction, and poetry on the theme of family. Submit by April 13 for consideration.
  • Fiyah Lit Mag is accepting submissions of stories by and about people of the African Diaspora for their seventh issue on music through April 30.
  • NineStar Press is accepting submissions of romantic fiction with the theme “LOST.” Submissions are due April 30.
  • Parvus Press is seeking submissions of science fiction and fantasy from writers of color through April 30.
  • Stim is seeking pitches from autistic writers and artists through April 30. Short fiction, creative nonfiction, essays, illustrations, and comics are welcome. Contributors will be paid £150.
  • Lethe Press is seeking submissions of short stories featuring gay men in the 18th and 19th centuries for The Decadents until May.
  • Chronicle Books is hiring four editorial interns (paid with benefits, vacations, and sick leave) and applications are due May 14.
  • Strange Horizons is accepting submissions of short fiction from writers who are black, indigenous, and/or people of color and living in the Southeastern USA through May 31. Selected writers will be paid $0.08 per word.
  • Iridium Magazine‘s reading period is now open through June 15. They accept genre and speculative fiction featuring a QUILTBAG+ cast at $0.03/word.
  • Black from the Future: A Black Speculative Fiction Anthology is accepting submissions through June 30.
  • (NSFW!) Cleis Press is accepting submissions for their first volume of Best Bondage Volume of the Year through July 1. Selected authors will receive $75 and two copies of the published book. Cleis Press is also accepting submissions for the Best Women’s Erotica of the Year Volume 5 through August 1. Selected submissions will be published and their writers will receive $200 and 2 copies of the published book.
  • (Brooklyn, NY) Atlas Obscura is looking for two paid Editorial Fellows. Apply by July 2 for consideration. They’re also seeking fellows for Gastro Obscura, with one focusing on Food & Drink.
  • Lee & Low books are accepting submissions for their New Voices Award and New Visions Award through August 31. For the New Voices Award, cash prizes and a standard publication contract will be given for a children’s picture book manuscript by a writer of color or Native/Indigenous writer. For the New Visions Award, cash prizes and a standard publication contract will be given for a middle grade or young adult novel (including graphic novels) by a writer of color or Native/Indigenous writer.

Check out writingcareer.com for a list of calls for submission!

Youth

(Burbank, CA) DC Comics is hiring an Editorial Administrative Intern for Summer 2018.

(San Diego, CA) IDW is seeking interns in Marketing and Editorial through April 15.

Tor Teen’s Anger Is A Gift essay contest is accepting written submissions from people aged 13 and older through April 30. Winners will receive $5000, have their essay published in Teen Ink, and receive a signed copy of Anger Is A Gift.

Miss Anthology is accepting submissions of up to 10 pages from female and/or LGBTQIA+ comic creators age 9-18 living in the Pacific Northwest through May 1.

The New York Times is accepting submissions to their 9th annual Found Poem Student Contest through May 4. Students age 13-19 may enter.

Comics Club highlights and connects comic clubs and shares advice and resources to help youth comic creators.

(New York, NY) First Second is hiring full-time paid interns in their editorial and marketing departments for work in May through August.

Natalie “Tally” Nourigat offers advice & resources for young cartoonists ages 14-18 (although this is good advice for creators at any age)!

The NewPages Young Writers Guide for artists and writers shares publications seeking applications from youth contributors.

Resources

Deals

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

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 Paypal or Ko-Fi. Thank you to Chassie, Alakotila, Emm, and DM Brigman for your tips! And thank you to Patrons A.D. Birch, Abdiwak, Alakotila, Amber, Ash, Becca, Candace, David, Elaine, Emm, Heidi, J. Flores, Jasmine, KaiJu, Kiwi, Kristina, Nika, Sam, and the.evergreen.burrow for your support on Patreon!

Link to the previous Roundup: Weekly Roundup – March 30, 2018

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