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 || Crowdfunded Projects || General || Animation || Comics, Illustration, and More || Conventions and Events || Designers || Fan Zines || Games || Mentorships & Fellowships || Residencies, Retreats, and Workshops || Scholarships, Sponsorships, and Grants || Teaching || Voice Acting || Writing and Editing || Youth and Internships || Resources || Deals || Giveaways
Black Lives Matter. Paper Cat Press supports police abolition and accountability for police brutality. Check this page for a list of actions you can take.
- This zine, 12 Things to Do Instead of Calling the Cops, is available for free.
- The Sherwood Forest Zine Library shared a free collection of zines regarding Black history/struggle, privilege, allyship, policing, legal rights, activism, and protest tactics.
News
- Paper Cat Press now has an official mailing list! Sign up here and get notified whenever a new Weekly Roundup goes live.
- In response to COVID–19 and the hardships many creators are facing as a result, WEBTOON is extending the current 100% net ad revenue support for CANVAS creators through the end of 2020, with the final 100% net ad revenue payout happening January 2021 for December revenue.
Social Resources
- Need information on elections, candidates, and public policy in the US? Check out Ballotpedia.
- Need to contact your government officials? Let Resist Bot and 5calls help you out.
- The Crash Override Network has resources on what to do if you’re a victim of online harassment and/or doxxing and how to protect yourself.
- 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.
Awards and Prizes
- Nilah Magruder shared this Illustration Awards Masterlist. Scroll down to the Resources section to see even more that Nilah has contributed to the community for free. Thank you so much, Nilah!
- The Penguin Random House Library Award for Innovation Through Adversity is accepting applications from US libraries and staff who overcome adversity and create lasting innovative community service programs that successfully inspire and connect with new readers. A $10,000 cash award will be given to a US library, and four runners-up will receive $1,000 in Penguin Random House books.
WEBTOON will host the 2020 WEBTOON CANVAS Awards, an end-of-year awards celebration featuring six categories. All CANVAS readers who read 50 series, with a minimum of 5 episodes per series, before October 18th at 6PM PDT will be selected to participate in the first ever CANVAS Awards nomination process. The winners in each of the 6 categories will be greenlit to become WEBTOON ORIGINALS.- We Need Diverse Books is accepting submissions to the 2021 Walter Awards for Outstanding Children’s Literature until November 16. Submissions must be diverse works created my diverse authors, and fit into the category of either “Teen” or “Younger Readers.”
Crowdfunded Projects
Arledge Comics is currently raising funds to publish No Going Back, a 201-page graphic novel written by Mike Furth, illustrated by Anna Wieszczyk, and edited by Natalie Cooper. Rebecca is raised in a world surrounded by a wall, but what happens when she gets the courage to go beyond it? Reward options include digital or physical copies of the graphic novel, an acrylic pin, and a sticker pack. The campaign ends on October 12.
Michelle Czajkowski is currently raising funds to publish Ava’s Demon: Book One: Reborn. The ongoing sci-fi/fantasy multimedia webcomic features a girl named Ava and the demon haunting her. Reward options include digital and physical copies of Ava’s Demon: Book One, a pack of digital wallpapers, a book of Michelle’s art, a trading card 4-pack, a signed bookplate, and archival prints. The campaign ends on October 14.
To Love You is currently raising funds to publish and produce its collaborate art anthology. The book features over 50 pages of full-color illustrations of sapphics through the ages. Reward options include digital or physical copies of the book, art prints, stickers, an acrylic charm, and a wooden pin. The campaign ends on October 15.
Full-time webcomic artist Lucid is currently raising funds to publish the print editions of Avialae issues 1-6. Now complete, the 18+ 748-page story of Avialae features Gannet, who suddenly grows wings during his last year of high school, and his neighbor, Bailey, who helps him uncover the mystery of the wings. Reward options include digital or printed copies of Avialae issue 6, printed copies of other issues, a slipcase, an 18″ x 24″ print, an acrylic standee, an acrylic keychain, wedding rings, and even more. The campaign ends on October 17.
A Touch of Color Zine is currently raising funds to publish its art anthology. Featuring over 48 illustrations of fairies in a full kaleidoscope of colors, the project features over 50 artists. Reward options include digital and physical copies of the anthology, stickers, charms, mini-prints, acrylic pins, and washi tape. The campaign ends on October 19.
The Boston Comics Roundtable is currently raising funds to publish Starbound: A Space Sci-Fi Comic Anthology. The 120-page anthology features a series of grayscale comics, many from contributors never before published. Reward options include digital and physical copies of Starbound, a sticker, a bookmark, a print, a full-page ad, and a commission. The campaign ends on October 22.
Destinie Carbone is raising funds to publish Girls Who Love Monsters, a collaborative book featuring stories and art. Comic artists, illustrators, and authors contributed works dedicated to their love of monsters and how it has influenced their work. Reward options include digital or physical copies of the book, digital wallpapers, stickers, a pin button, and prints. The campaign ends October 31.
Mad Sparrow is raising funds to publish Interpret This Dream, a comics anthology exploring each creator’s most effecting dreams. The full-color comics anthology features over 100 pages and 15 stories from artists whose perspectives shifted following an earth-shaking dream. Reward options include digital and physical copies of the book and phone wallpapers. the campaign ends on October 31.
Please check the Comics section on Kickstarter to find even more creative crowdfunding campaigns to support.
General/Misc.
- Abelle, the creator of the #DrawingWhileBlack hashtag, has moved the directory to AirTable. Please add your name if you are a Black artist!
- If you’re a Filipino artist, add your name to the Filipino American Artist Directory!
- The Latinx Collective shared a directory of Latina and Latinx small business owners and collectives. Check it out!
- The Free Books Campaign is seeking a freelance web designer to help them create an official website. Apply by October 18 for consideration.
- ReedPop is seeking a Marketing Campaign Manager.
Animation
- Elvie Mae Parian shared a Google Sheet with a Directory of Remote Animation Workplaces. Check it out!
- Bento Box is seeking a Design Production Coordinator, a Post/Retake Coordinator, a Post Production Supervisor, and a Storyboard Artist in Burbank, CA. In North Hollywood, CA, they’re seeking an Animation Producer, an Assistant Animation Editor, an Associate Producer, a Background Design and Paint Lead, a Post Coordinator, a Retake Coordinator, and a Storyboard Artist. In Atlanta, GA, they’re seeking a 2D Animator, a 2D Character Rig Artist, a Character Designer, and a Storyboard Artist.
- (London, UK) Blue-Zoo Animation is seeking a 3D Lead Animator, a Creative Producer (Commercials), a Junior 3D Layout Artist, a Pipeline TD (2D), a Production Manager, a Quill Artist, a Storyboard Artist, a Surfacing Artist, ToonBoom Harmony Animators (entry-level), and a ToonBoom Rigger. They’re also accepting speculative applications.
- (Burbank, CA) Cartoon Network is seeking an Art Director and a Storyboard Supervisor.
- (Kilkenny, Ireland) Cartoon Saloon is hiring an Animator, a Build & Rig Supervisor, and a Light & Shadow Supervisor.
- (Burbank, CA) Disney TV Animation is seeking an Animation Checker, an Art Director, two Background Painters (one short-term), a short-term Character Designer, two Color Designers, three Location Designers (one short-term), a Production Department Secretary (OPEIU), a Production Supervisor, two Prop Designers (one short-term), three Storyboard Artists, and a Storyboard Revisionist.
- (Glendale, CA) DreamWorks Animation is hiring an Animatic Editor (TV), a Character Effects Artist (Feature), a Character Rigger, a Department TD, a Lighter (Feature), a Matte Painter, a Modeler, a Production Coordinator, a Script Coordinator, a Storyboard Artist (2D Board-Driven Comedy), a Storyboard Revisionist (2D Board-Driven Comedy), and a Visual Development Artist.
- Industrial Light and Magic is hiring a Hard Surface Modeler and a Lead Facial Capture Artist in London, England. In Vancouver, BC, they’re hiring a CG Supervisor (TV), a Creature Modeler, a Generalist Supervisor (TV), a Junior Animator, a Junior Previs Animator, a Junior Creature Technical Director, and a Lead Creature Technical Director. In San Francisco, CA, they’re hiring a Junior Generalist.
- (Madrid, Spain) Lightbox Animation Studios is seeking an Animation Lead, an FX Artist, a Matte Painter, and a Senior Animator.
- (San Francisco, CA) Lucasfilm is hiring a Junior Digimatte Artist (Project Hire), a Junior Technical Director (Project Hire) and a Senior Pipeline Technical Director (Project Hire).
- (Ottawa, Canada) Mercury Filmworks is hiring a Harmony Compositor, a Senior Character Designer, a Senior Location Designer, an Assistant Editor, a Production Manager, an Animation Producer, a Storyboard Revisionist, a Storyboard Artist, a Crew Planning Manager, and much more.
- (Los Angeles, CA) Netflix Animation is hiring an Animatic Editor, an Art Trainee, a Color Designer, a Post Production Supervisor, a Producer’s Assistant, a Prop Designer, a Storyboard Coordinator, a Storyboard Revisionist, a Technical Director, and a Visual Development Artist.
- (Burbank, CA) Nickelodeon is seeking an Animatic Editor, an Assistant Animatic Editor, an Animation Recruitment Manager, an Art Director, an Animatic Editor, a Background Designer, a CG Animation Director, a Character Designer, a Colorist Designer (Style), a Head of Layout, a Storyboard Director, a Line Producer, a Production Manager, and a Storyboard Artist.
- (Emeryville, CA) Pixar Animation Studios is hiring a Technical Director, Character Shading, a Technical Director, Lighting, a Technical Director, Rendering, a Technical Director, Set Shading, and a Technical Director, Global Technology.
- (Vancouver, BC) Sony Imageworks is hiring Animators, Character FX Technical Directors, Compositors, FX Artists, Layout Artists, Lighters, Matte Painters, Modelers, and more.
- (Burbank, CA) Walt Disney Animation Studios is hiring a Character Modeler, an Environment Designer, a General Technical Director, a Software Engineer (Hair/Cloth Toolset), and a Senior Software Engineer (Pipeline). They’re also seeking the following trainees for their 2021 Talent Development Apprenticeship Program: Character Design, Effects, Look Development, and Technical Director.
- XP-Pen is hosting a free 6-Week Animator Incubation program. Week 1’s classes are now available, and Week 3’s program goes live on October 5.
Comics, Illustration, and More
- DisabledCartoonists.com has launched! Submissions at CartoonistsofColor.com and QueerCartoonists.com have reopened. Thank you Mari Naomi and Cameron for all of your work in creating and maintaining these priceless resources!
- The results of the Comics Workforce Study 2019 is now available. Thank you Sasha Bassett for all of your work in collecting and parsing this data!
- Threadless is currently running the following design challenges: Earth, due October 9; Retro Ringer, due October 16; and Hygge, due October 23.
Clip Studio Paint is now accepting submissions for its 2020 International Illustration Contest until October 7. To celebrate the launch of Clip Studio Paint for Galaxy, the theme is “the cutest character in the Galaxy.” The grand prize winner will receive $10,000 USD, a Wacom Cintiq 22, Samsung Galaxy Buds, a CSP EX 3-year activation code, and a plaque. Additional runners-up will also receive award items.- Anime Expo is hosting a fanart contest to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Use any medium to create an original fanart featuring any of the AX mascots—Ai, Xeno, Mahoko, Kisegi, and Max—inspired by the theme “30th Anniversary.” Entries are due by October 12.
- Rock Me Now: An OC Zine is accepting applications until October 15. OCs should be in a modern DIY band/musician aesthetic. Proceeds will be donated to a charity that either focuses on supporting Black & POC musicians, or COVID19 relief for musicians.
- POMEpress is accepting applications for its comic and art anthology COMRADE HIMBO, about big-hearted, socially conscious hunks of all genders railing against the violence of capitalism, until October 26. Selected contributors will be paid $50 USD/page per creative team for each selected black and white comic, and $100 USD per each selected one-page color illustration.
- Skulls & Spells, a Queer Horror Anthology, is accepting submissions from LGBTQIA+ creators only through October 31. Submissions should reflect your interpretation of queer horror magic. Contributors receive 30£ for each submission and three free creator copies of the book. They’re currently seeking a paid LGBTQIA+ BIPOC project manager who has an affinity for the horror genre and is enthusiastic about the project.
- Tab Kimpton and Harry-Anne Bentley are seeking submissions from artists, writers, and teams for Nectar, a comic anthology of erotic comics focused on trans femme and non binary characters. They’d like 7-15 page long erotic comics ready for Spring/Summer 2021, and are accepting applications until November 1.
- ARTStreet is accepting submissions with the theme “furry” for their monthly illustration contest until November 4. Up to three winners will receive 50,000 yen, and up to five winners will receive 10,000 yen.
- Artist Filipa Estrella is accepting pitches for original comics work in any genre that are made using unconventional materials such as embroidery, clay, cut paper, etc. for upcoming release Meandering Realms: An Unconventional Materials Comic Anthology. Thanks to a generous sponsor, accepted submissions will be paid a starting rate of $15 a page and receive 5 print copies of the book. Submit pitches by November 9 for consideration.
- Illustrators and literary agents: With the help of
Cameron Decker and Houndstooth Designs, the Agents for Illustrators list is now a searchable directory. Search agent listings by genre, location, and agency. Agents can now sign up and log in to control their own listings. Thank you, Nilah Magruder!
- Anathema accepts fiction and nonfiction submissions year-round from queer and nonwhite writers. They are open to portfolio submissions from illustrators for new/original and/or reprint cover art.
- Arledge Comics is accepting submissions of all-ages comics on a rolling basis.
- Arsenika is accepting portfolio submissions and pays $100 for reprint artwork.
- AZE Journal is accepting general submissions from marginalized voices in the queer community.
- Channing Ellison is seeking a main illustrator for the anime musical concept album “Reprise!: Life in the Background of Another World”. The work entails doing character designs, a few illustrations for the Kickstarter Campaign to be announced early Next Year, and at least one illustration per song to go along with the concept album once the album is funded (the musical currently has 40 planned songs).
- The Comicadia Herald is accepting submissions of news from webcomic creators, including convention appearances, publishing deals, relaunches and hiatus returns, contests, and more.
- Creator Advisor helps creators connect with other creators on paid comic book projects.
- GenderTerror is accepting submissions of LGBTQ+ horror from artists and writers.
- Jerry’s Art-A-Rama hosts a number of art contests, some ongoing and some requiring specific materials.
- Do you have a webcomic with LGBTQ characters and themes? LGBTQ Webcomics is looking to add more queer webcomics to their database on Tagpacker!
- Marvel Studios is seeking a Senior Illustrator to create highly detailed character design images and keyframes that help define the look of each film.
- Moonmaker Inc., an artist collective aimed towards networking and building a creative environment for artists who identify as Asian or part of the Asian diaspora, is now open! Check out their website, Discord, and community events to get involved.
- The New Southern Fugitives is seeking submissions of fiction, book reviews, essays, poetry, photography, and visual art from creators in the South.
- POMEgranate Magazine is accepting pitches from artists and writers.
- QueerWebcomics.com has two mailing lists available for sign-up – one for professionals, and a general list for customers.
- Scholastic Canada invites professional illustrators to email sample art and links to an online portfolio to Andrea Casault, Art Director at acasault@scholastic.ca.
- SOLRAD is now accepting pitches for comics criticism, essays, and interviews. They are especially interested in cartoonists of color interviewing other cartoonists of color.
- The Washington Center for the Book invites Washingtonians of all ages to send 1- to 3-page COVID-19 stories to be collected into an anthology zine.
- Submit your webcomic to The Webcomic Library by using this form.
Check out Arts for LA, Call for Entry, College Art Opportunities, or Graphic Competitions for more exhibition, residency, and grant opportunities. Check Chris Arrant’s #ComicJobs hashtag on Twitter.
Conventions and Events
Many conventions and major events have been cancelled due to travel restrictions, guest cancellations, and preventative responses to the spread of coronavirus. Here is a list of cancelled and postponed conventions. Please check in frequently with any event you have planned through 2021. And, as always, wash your hands.- The Chicago Alternative Comics Expo (CAKE) has been postponed until 2021.
- DVcon, a product of #DVpit, is a free, two-day virtual writers conference for self-identifying marginalized book creators. It will take place January 30-31, 2021.
- FIYAHCON (October 17-18) is offering Ticket Scholarships, with 25 tickets earmarked specifically for disabled BIPOC.
- GeekGirlConline’s Virtual Expo Hall is now open.
- MICE, the Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo, will take place online during October 2020. MICE will host multiple live online programs with panels, special guest interviews, drawing games, and cartooning workshops.
- Short Run Comix and Arts Festival has been postponed. The Short Run Dash Grant is now on hold.
- Thought Bubble UK will take place as a digital comic con from November 14-15.
Designers
- (Chicago, IL – REMOTE OKAY) Kidsbooks, LLC is seeking a Children’s Book Designer.
- (New York, NY) Random House Children’s Books (RHCB) is seeking a Marketing Senior Designer to join their Trade Marketing team.
Fan Zines
Looking for fan zines to submit to? Check out Apps4Zines on Twitter.
Games
- Rachel Richmond shared a list of Game and Animation job opportunities. Be sure to check it out! There’s definitely more than what I list here on the Roundup.
- (Warszawa, Poland) 11 Bit Studios is seeking an Expert Technical Animator, Senior Gameplay Animator, Lead Artist, and more.
- (Salt Lake City, UT) Avalanche is seeking an Associate Cinematic Designer (temporary) and a temporary Character Art intern.
- CAPY is pairing aspiring or junior game developers with creators for 6-month mentoring programs.
- itch.io has launched a job board so that studios can post paid positions to the itch.io development team.
- (Irvine, CA) Nexon is seeking a Character Artist, a Lead Combat Designer, Lead Gameplay Engineer, a Senior/Principal VFX Artist, and a Technical Artist.
- (Wilmslow, UK) Playdemic is seeking a 3D Artist.
- (Manchester, UK) TT Games is seeking a Gameplay Programmer.
- WB Games is seeking a Design Director, a Principal Game Designer, and a Senior Software Engineer – Mobile Games in San Francisco, CA; a Senior Level Designer and a Technical Animator in Montreal, Quebec.
Check this list of animation and gaming jobs worldwide. Mitch Dyer shared a doc full of Game Dev jobs. Work With Indies lists game dev jobs with independent studios.
Mentorships & Fellowships
- Comic artist Grey is accepting applications for 10 Black students to participate in a mentorship teaching gesture and figure drawing. Apply by October 9 for consideration.
- Verso Books is accepting applications for its year-long Verso Fellowship. The 2021 Fellowship program will run from January to December, and will be paid $37,500 per year with full benefits: twenty-five days of paid vacation, health, dental and vision insurance, and commuter benefits. Apply by October 15 for consideration.
- VS Books is accepting applications from unpublished writers who are Indigenous, Black or a person of color and who are 50 or older living in Canada until January 4, 2021.
Residencies, Retreats, and Workshops
- ViciousMinutesHour is accepting applications from Black Trans folk for two Artist-in-Residence positions. The artist-in-residence opportunity pays $225 CDN per week and serves as a space/time grant, providing an additional source of income for the general work applicants do as an artist.
Check out the Alliance of Art Communities, Arts for LA, College Art Opportunities for exhibition, residency, and grant opportunities.
Scholarships, Sponsorships, and Grants
- The Arts and Culture Leaders of Color Emergency Fund is sending US-based BIPOC artists and art administrators whose income has been directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic payments of $200. Click the link to apply or to donate.
- The Awesome Foundation offers $1000 grants on a rolling basis.
- Black Rainbow offers microgrants of $300 to LGBQTI people of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community that includes $200 to assist with hosting Indigenous LGBTQI community events. (CURRENTLY ON PAUSE)
- (New York City, NY) Café Royal Cultural Foundation NYC will award a publishing grant to authors of fiction or creative non-fiction, poetry, and playwriting. Applicants must be a current resident of New York City and have lived there for a minimum of one year prior to applying. Apply before November 16 at 9am ET for consideration.
- The Covid-19 Aid Funds website lists funding opportunities.
- The Eyebeam Center for the Future of Journalism is accepting applications from artists on a rolling basis. Artists covering data privacy, the 2018/2020 elections, the role of technology in society, political influence campaigns, harmful technologies, countering disinformation, and artificial intelligence may receive $500 to $5,000 in grants.
- Gumroad’s Creators Fund is accepting applications on a rolling basis. Gumroad will be allocating $50,000 in creative grants of $500 to $5,000 throughout the year.
- 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 (excluding COVID-19).
- My Documented Life maintains a list of scholarships for undocumented students.
- 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.
- Point of Pride has established the COVID-19 Emergency Fund to connect trans people to small grants for short-term expenses.
- Springboard for the Arts offers an Emergency Relief Fund for personal and community disasters that affect artists in Minnesota. (CURRENTLY ON PAUSE)
- The $50,000 Super Patron grant is accepting applications from Black creators through October 16. Submit a video that is three minutes or less with something you’ve made (song, podcast, piece of writing, comic, etc.) that shows who you are and what you do.
- Tulsa Remote is accepting applications from remote workers who are willing to relocate to Tulsa, OK in exchange for reduced rent and a total of $10,000 over the course of a year.
- We Need Diverse Books is offering small grants for diverse creatives in children’s publishing who have lost income due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Check out Arts for LA, College Art Opportunities, 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.
Voice Acting
Check the Casting Call Club for more voice acting and audio opportunities.
Writing and Editing
- Neon Hemlock Press is open to submissions of speculative novellas from Black writers until October 5.
- A KidLit Graphic Novel Twitter Pitch Event, #KidLitGN, will take place on October 7 from 8AM to 8PM Eastern time. Unagented graphic novel creators agents, and publishers are welcome to participate. Follow the Twitter account here.
- Latinx in Publishing is seeking volunteer mentors for their annual mentorship program. Mentee hopefuls can apply until October 15.
- Non.Plus Lit is seeking previously unpublished personal essays on any topic of the writer’s choosing for Black Reflections: a collection of essays by Black writers until the end of October. Contributors will be paid $50 for each accepted essay.
- Kwame Mbalia is seeking short story submissions from Black men and Black nonbinary writers. Submissions should be appropriate for middle grade readers and focus on Black joy in boyhood. Submit your work by November 1; 2 pieces will be selected, receive $2,000, and may be published.
- Scholastic’s Intro to Publishing Seminar is accepting applications from BIPOC aspiring to enter the children’s publishing industry until November 2 at 11:59PM ET.
- Alan Pelaez Lopez is soliciting contributions from contemporary queer and trans Afro-Latinx writers for a multi-genre anthology about memory, care, and futurity until December 1.
- FIYAH Lit Mag is open to unthemed prose and poetry submissions until December 31.
- Neon Hemlock Press is accepting submissions of queer speculative short fiction for upcoming anthology We’re Here: The Best Queer Speculative Fiction 2020 until December 31.
- NineStar Press is accepting pitch submissions of LGBTQIA+ romance and/or literary fiction stories from writers of color for upcoming YA anthology: ReImagined: Twist It. Submit by February 1, 2021 for consideration.
- Nerve Endings: Smut and Nerve Endings: Romance are accepting submissions of short fiction addressing trans and non-binary experiences of sex, sexuality, and relationships. Submissions for Smut are due by October 4 (extended), and submissions for Romance are due by October 4, 2021 (extended).
- AbleGamers is looking for pitches about disability in video games to be featured in their newsletter and on the AbleGamers website. Financial compensation available for accepted pieces.
- Anathema accepts fiction and nonfiction submissions year-round from queer and nonwhite writers only. They are open to portfolio submissions from illustrators for new/original and/or reprint cover art. They are currently seeking poetry submissions for their upcoming release.
- Anime Feminist is looking for contributors. Read here for more information. Article writers will be paid $50 per article.
- Anime News Network is seeking Freelance Editorial Contributors.
- Autostraddle is seeking personal essays, feature stories, and article submissions on fashion and beauty, sex and relationships, humor, and investigative journalism, particularly from butch/masculine-of-center women, people of color, people over age 45, and trans women.
- beestung is accepting submissions from non-binary and two-spirit writers. Poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, hybrids, and art with intracommunity sensibilities are welcome. Contributors will be paid a $20 honorarium.
- (REMOTE) BenBella Books is seeking a Senior Editor and a Production Editor.
- (Colorado Springs, CO) The Bindery is seeking a literary agent.
- Black Rainbow accepts pitches from LGBQTI people of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and pays $150 for selected articles.
- The BookEnds Literary Agency is hiring remote literary agents and contract consultants.
- Carnation Press is seeking submissions of short stories from fanfiction writers seeking to transition into publishing their original writing content.
- CBR is seeking experienced writers to write on comic book news, analyses, and movie and tv show casting news.
- Chronicle Books is seeking an Associate Managing Editor.
- Clarksworld Magazine is looking for fiction and nonfiction contributors and pays up to $0.10 per word.
- 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 $0.06/word for up to 6000 words. Republishing payment is $0.01/word.
- The Drinking Gourd is accepting pitches from Black Muslims. They accept work across all genres with a particular fondness for Afrofuturism and speculative fiction. All contributors are paid a $50 flat rate.
- Fadwa is accepting applications from Black or Indigenous authors and authors of color who have a book coming out in 2021 for #ColortheShelves, a weekly series on her blog uplifting BIPOC authors.
- (Solon, OH) Findaway is seeking an Acquisitions Specialist to identify, pursue, and acquire audio rights for books and/or other media across Findaway’s publishing imprints.
- GenderTerror is accepting submissions of LGBTQ+ horror from artists and writers.
- (New York, NY) Hachette Book Group is seeking an Editorial Director for imprint Grand Central Publishing and a Senior Editor for the Basic Books imprint.
- Interlude Press has reopened to submissions.
- Interstellar Flight Magazine is accepting submissions of essays, reviews, and creative nonfiction featuring queer and marginalized perspectives in science fiction and fantasy. Contributors are paid a $15 appreciation for publication.
- (New York, NY) Kevin Anderson & Associates is seeking a Senior Editor.
- (Brooklyn, NY) Kickstarter is seeking a Director of Publishing Outreach to connect with and inspire the community of publishing, comics, and journalism creators across the world.
- (San Diego, CA) Literary Agent Kelly Sonnack of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency is seeking an Assistant “interested in the world of children’s book publishing and the publishing industry.”
- “Love Like Mine,” an ongoing column in Xtra, is seeking essays about queer love in all its forms – romantic, familial, platonic, and more.
- Panel Patter is looking for contributors, particularly from writers interested in manga and webcomics. They do not offer payment.
- (New York, NY) Penguin Random House is seeking an Editor for their wellness imprint Zeitgeist. Penguin Young Readers is seeking an Editorial Assistant.
- POC in Publishing is looking for POC to volunteer as mentors for the next iteration of their mentorship program for 2021, particularly in the following fields in the industry: editorial, agenting/scouting, marketing, publicity, and art/design. All queries from people interested in mentoring can be directed to Mentorship & Retention Committee Director Saba Sulaiman at ssulaiman [at] talcottnotch.net.
- POMEgranate Magazine is accepting pitches from artists and writers.
- (New York, NY) The Quarto Group is seeking a Project Editor.
- Rogue’s Portal is seeking contributors and columnists. They do not offer payment.
- Scholastic Canada is currently interested in reviewing Indigenous material in all genres and at all levels. No other unsolicited submissions are being accepted at this time.
- The SFWA blog is open to nonfiction submissions that might be of interest to new and/or established writers of science fiction and fantasy.
- (New York, NY) Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers is seeking an Editorial Assistant.
- SOLRAD is now accepting pitches for comics criticism, essays, and interviews. They are especially interested in cartoonists of color interviewing other cartoonists of color.
- The Temper is seeking written works, particularly from marginalized writers, that relate to sobriety, addiction, or recovery.
- Three-Lobed Burning Eye is seeking original speculative short stories and flash fiction. Accepted authors of short stories will receive $100 and for flash fiction authors will receive $30.
- Variable West, a new platform for West Coast art, is accepting pitches for their column Love Letters: micro essays on artists we can’t stop thinking about.
- We Need Diverse Books is seeking pitches for its blog for Native American Heritage Month / Indigenous Heritage Month. Native/Indigenous/First Nations writers, email Alaina pitches at alainalavoie@diversebooks.org. Payment starts at $150.
Check out writingcareer.com for a list of calls for submission!
Youth & Internships
- Comics Club highlights and connects comic clubs and shares advice and resources to help youth comic creators.
- 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.
- Serial Box is offering a paid, part time (10-30 hours/week) remote internship in the production department for Fall 2020.
- (Burbank, CA) Walt Disney Animation Studios is seeking the following trainees for their 2021 Talent Development Apprenticeship Program: Character Design, Effects, Look Development, and Technical Director.
- Well+Good is looking for a remote Editorial Intern to work about 10 hours/week. There is no payment information available on the job page.
Resources
- This zine, 12 Things to Do Instead of Calling the Cops, is available for free.
- Interested in studying design for TV animation on a budget? Abby put together a Google Doc compilation of resources on topics like Background Paint, Color Design, Character Design, and more.
- Abelle, with help from Annie’s Google doc, created a calendar of the various scheduled hashtag events on Twitter.
- Andrea of White Squirrel Co. shared a series of threads on how to set up an online store.
- Ashe shared a list of discounted and free art courses.
- Ashley shared a spreadsheet of resources and job boards. Thanks, Ashley!
- Aud Koch shared a PDF with stretches and exercises for wrists and hands.
- Check Becca Hillburn’s Youtube channel for new video interviews with independent artists, walkthroughs with dip pen nibs, tutorials, and more.
- Celestial shared a guide on how to paint gemstones.
- Cheyenne shared a free reference pack of feet wearing shoes at different angles.
- Did you know that Clip Studio Paint has a freeform gradient tool? Find out more here!
- COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources is an aggregated list of free resources, opportunities, and financial relief options for all kinds of artists.
- Creative Capital shared a list of Arts Resources, mostly of funding information and a list of arts events moving online.
- Have you checked out the Creator Advisor? Initialized and run by Stephanie Cooke, the project aims to connect anyone involved in making comics together for paid projects, with a goal to prioritize marginalized creators.
- David made a general tutorial/comic talking about time management, learning, and self care when it comes to art. I found it really helpful. Thanks, David!
- Elissa shared a thread on reaching out to your local bookstores as an author!
- The Etherington Brothers share all kinds of drawing advice on their Instagram. They also just shared a 50-page free downloadable e-book for young artists.
- Eve G. shared a PDF with Comic Lettering Basics.
- Everest shared a HUGE list of artist opportunities (mostly residencies, grants, and galleries) with over 375 links!
- The 2019/2020 Illustrators’ Survey results are now available.
- Gale Gilligan shared a graphic with questions to consider when doing the work to dismantle racism in publishing.
- G. E. Gallas shared a list of twelve ways to support your favorite comics.
- Danielle and Jes & Cin have released The Comic Creator’s Guide to Literary Agents as a pay-what-you-want downloadable PDF. All proceeds are donated to the Marsha P. Johnson Institute.
- Kiriska is accepting responses to their 2020 COVID-19 vs Convention Artists Survey until October 30, or until 350 responses have been collected, whichever is later. All submissions are anonymous. If you are a convention artist impacted by COVID-19, fill out the survey so that a broad scope of data can be analyzed.
- Litebox has launched its website which shares wages earned by illustrators from a variety of clients. They also shared an illustrated thread explaining the importance of sharing rates. Most recently, they shared a thread with some of the advance rates and pay rates they’ve received from submissions. Submit your rates.
- Literary Agents of Color is a directory that aims to support literary agents of color in the publishing industry.
- Mads shared information on archery anatomy for the artist.
- Mirre shared how you can use a limited color palette by mixing colors and adjusting values
- Nilah Magruder updated the list of literary agents who represent illustrators and added a new page with Steps to Querying. Niki Smith also has a list of agents who represent creators of graphic novels. Maria Vicente shared a guide on querying your graphic novel, from the perspective of a literary agent.
- Paul Duffield shared some great tips for engaging with Twitter in a productive, professional, and positive way.
- Ruby created a tumblr account with fat photo references. For an access password or to submit photos, send a direct message.
- Sarah Stern shared tips on optimizing your artwork for working with a colorist.
- Shannon Wright shared the “Super Condensed Zine” PDF – a FREE collection of tips on portfolios, websites, agents, and pitching.
- The Sherwood Forest Zine Library shared a free collection of zines regarding Black history/struggle, privilege, allyship, policing, legal rights, activism, and protest tactics.
- Shelly Romero created a document of Publishing Industry Resources.
- Smithsonian Open Access allows you to download, share, and reuse millions of the Smithsonian’s images. Nearly 3 million 2D and 3D digital items are available for free use.
- Steve Lieber shared insight on the specifics that should be mentioned when negotiating contracts with commercial clients. He also provided general notes on what to improve in your comics portfolio.
- TO Comix Press has shared a sample contract for comic anthology projects, the start-to-finish process of producing an anthology, and articles on marketing and getting indie books into stores. Recently, they shared the questions they ask in an anonymous survey given out at the end of anthology projects, which help contributors air grievances and help the publisher gain insight and grow to be better. Amazing! Thanks for always being so helpful.
- Tori shared a set of Procreate brushes that feature braids, twists, and more.
- The UK Comics Creator Survey is available to view.
- Weird Enough Productions is offering 400 pages of comics and educational resources for free!
- Wendy Xu shared a primer on getting an agent as a comic artist.
- Zack has shared a lot of tips and guides for using Clip Studio Paint. Find them all here! He also posted a guide comparing some popular iPad drawing apps rating each on ease of use, cost versus value, and his overall feelings about them.
Deals
- Céli shared 5 free coloring pages.
- Chrissie shared a free Animal Crossing-themed coloring page.
- Crisalys has shared 6 free coloring pages.
- iasmin omar ata has put everything on their itch.io up for free/pay what you want.
- James Jean has put up some coloring sheets for free digital download.
- JSTOR has expanded its free online reading program until the end of 2020. You can read 100 articles for free online every month, without institutional affiliation.
- Katie Longua shared a digital coloring book for free.
- Kelsi Jo shared a pack of coloring pages.
- kiDChan shared her digital symmetry coloring zine for free.
- Lauren Walsh has made her digital coloring pages available for free.
- Pam has shared the digital edition of their coloring zine Folklórico for free.
- The Public Domain Review Coloring Book is available for free.
- Silver Sprocket is posting hundreds of their comics online for free.
- TKO Studios is sending 50% of the purchase price of their comics to the store of your choice when you checkout at TKOpresents.com.
- For the month of October, TO Comix Press is offering $5 off softcovers & PDFs on Wayward Kindred, Wayward Sisters, Shout Out, and more.
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
- Goodreads offers giveaways for a variety of titles in all genres. Check out these giveaways for comics and graphic novels.
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!
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Link to the previous Roundup: Weekly Roundup: September 26, 2020
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