About the Job Do you want to write fantastic fiction of the highest quality for Games Workshop products to tight deadlines?
Are you excited by describing the unique worlds of Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000 through gripping stories with evocative battle scenes that are full of character, whilst adhering strictly to Games Workshop’s intellectual property?
You will be able to provide written fiction that will be used in Games Workshop products. This will be on a freelance basis, to agreed deadlines. You will need basic knowledge of Games Workshop’s intellectual property and a desire to learn more.
Other Essential Information Closing date: We are always looking for new people who can do this job. Because of this, there is no closing date for this advert.
How to Apply If you wish to apply you must send us an email telling us what you want to write about the worlds Games Workshop has created and why (no more than 250 words please). This is a great opportunity for you to let us know that you understand what we are looking for.
We don’t need to know how long you have been in the hobby (if you are enthusiastic about writing fiction we’ll take that as a given) or your writing credentials (complete novices or Pulitzer prize winners are equally welcome). We want to know which part of the IP you are going to explore and why.
We will then ask you to complete two tests for us and, if successful, you will join our freelance author pool. All our correspondence will be via email. Because of the potential volume of responses, we cannot guarantee to respond to every application. However, we will endeavour to respond to successful applicants within 30 days of your application.
Please send your application letter to [EMAIL="freelanceauthorsubmissions@gwplc.com"]freelanceauthorsubmissions@gwplc.com[/EMAIL].
Kind of wish they were more specific on what they want you to write for but i guess nothing to lose by applying. I'm almost scared to give them one of my ideas in case they steal it and sue me if i try to use it elsewhere XD.
SpookyBoogie wrote: Kind of wish they were more specific on what they want you to write for but i guess nothing to lose by applying. I'm almost scared to give them one of my ideas in case they steal it and sue me if i try to use it elsewhere XD.
They'll give you more information when/if they reply to you.
Put an application in anyway i probably rambled on about things they don't care about a bit much i wasn't sure if i should just pitch an idea, write a paragraph of story or just tell them how awesome writing about an endless huge universe would be.
SpookyBoogie wrote: Put an application in anyway i probably rambled on about things they don't care about a bit much i wasn't sure if i should just pitch an idea, write a paragraph of story or just tell them how awesome writing about an endless huge universe would be.
I went with telling them what I wanted to write about (Tyranids and IG) and why (kept it simple), while sprinkling my knowledge of the universe wherever I could. I kept it pretty short (Only ~150 words) which is making me nervous (even though there's nothing at stake, really).
I don't think they're going to be too rigorous. I wouldn't be surprised if they were pulling names out of a hat for the applications.
SpookyBoogie wrote: Put an application in anyway i probably rambled on about things they don't care about a bit much i wasn't sure if i should just pitch an idea, write a paragraph of story or just tell them how awesome writing about an endless huge universe would be.
I went with telling them what I wanted to write about (Tyranids and IG) and why (kept it simple), while sprinkling my knowledge of the universe wherever I could. I kept it pretty short (Only ~150 words) which is making me nervous (even though there's nothing at stake, really).
I don't think they're going to be too rigorous. I wouldn't be surprised if they were pulling names out of a hat for the applications.
That's pretty much i did with some more rambling on about exploring the idea of desperate allies and the respect of fellow female warriors in a universe at war. Really i feel like i should have added more strong muscled men with their muscles flexing as they shoot giant guns at each other the smell of oil and sweat filling the air with the stench of masculinity or something.
I just took an idea i pulled out my ass 5 minutes before i wrote the email and tied it to the desperate allies thing but yeah i think they are not being too strict yet they'll probably test a whole chunk of people with whatever that is and pick the 1%.
Dentry wrote: Finally. My years of experience writing erotic fiction can pay off; this seems like the next logical step.
I just got inprised to try and write a gakky space marine romance story as a joke. Realy this was probly only funny to me since I know i'm not a writer and no one on hand to proof read it for me.
Spoiler:
Verusius looked down to his brother Gabriel, for so long they shared a bound together that so few Dark Angels could of ever known. Bounds that tied them in ways that not even a Chaplin Interrogator could ever uncover the promises and pacts between these two battle brothers. But now Verusius was watching in horror as Gabriel's life blood was flowing out of his chest. Verusius kneels down to his brother, removeing Gabriel's ruined chest piece. The tratior's bolt round had exploded inside and racked Gabriel's chest with shrapnel. Despertally Verusius was trying to put pressure on the largest wounds. But Atleast it was new use. The Hard flesh that was once Gabriel's hard and sculpted abs that Verusius knew well have been reduced to little more then shredded meat and bone.
Gabriel reached up, and held Verusius's write. The grip was weak, and snapped Verusius out of his shock. "Bru-Brother... We both know.... It's to late....." Gabriel gargled inside his helmet. "Please..." he motioned weakly to his helmet. Verusius quickly pulled the helmet off his brother. Even well into the age of proper Battle-Brother, Gabriel never lost the soft features and his silky hair that earned him the nick name "Pretty Boy" from the other initiates. The Thrill of Youth and adventure never diminished from thows days so long ago. From scouts, to battle brothers theirs unbreakable bounds earned themselfes honours and promotions, till they were inducted into the numbers of the veterans.
Seeing the youthfull face, framed but the carnage and war, Verusius began to sob for his dieing brother. Unable to move as others fought on in the chaos of the battle field lost in the members as his life with Gabriel flashing by the daze was once more when Gabriel reached up to Verusius and touched his helmet. "Verusius..." he groaned. "No! You musting more Gabriel!" Verusius gasped "You hurt, you need to stay still to the apothecary-" With a coughing hack Gabriel interrupted him "Verusius you fool, you know full well they aren't comeing in time for me. We're stranded behind enemy lines, and out positions are being over ran... I'm dieing Verusius."
"No! You can't! This can't be happening! We've had close calls before, you just need to hold in and-" Gabriel shouted this time, blood spittled as he riases his void over his more gruff brother. "Verusius stop! I have little time. But please. I need to see your face before I die. I need a promise."
Removing his helmet, Gabriel smiles as the hard chizzled brow and features that showed his hard life that aged him byound his years quickly even for a space marine looked down. Tears welled in his eyes, and dry heaves of sorrow playing across his face.
"Brother......" Gabriel says with tears in his eyes. "Promise me. Promise me that you will live. I am dieing soon, I must take by place by the emperor's throne. But I know it's not your time yet, and you need to leave. I.. I can see the great things your destined to do. The emperor is shoe me oh how much more you will become."
"But- Gabriel. How can I? How can I with out you?"
"You can Verusius... I know you can. I love you Verusius, and don't forget the bound we shared. But you need to live for your self. These people around us. They are counting on you to save them.
With the two mariens in a blood embraced this kissed, two brothers of battle with bounds as true as their durty embraced for one last time. But emerged Verusius stronger. His fatih is the emperor and love for Gabriel tempered by the hate that now fills his soul for the ones who commited this hanis act. Now was not a time for respite, Now was the death of mercy and innocents, now the flood of war came rushing back to Verusius mind. Braced his body for it's true purpose. The Weapon that emperor had forged him into. Now was a time for only war.
Blood for the Blood God: a beginners guide to BDSM in the 40k universe.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Well, I've tossed my hat in the ring for it. Best case I get a job involved in something I enjoy immensely (namely the 40k universe). Worst case, they tell me to never email them again.
This wouldn't be a bad gig at all, really. I've never written professionally but wouldn't mind doing short fluff blurbs in periodicals, maybe short stories, too.
Might send them something wrought with horrible grammatical errors.
Lockark wrote: I just got inprised to try and write a gakky space marine romance story as a joke. Realy this was probly only funny to me since I know i'm not a writer and no one on hand to proof read it for me.
Wow, competition seems to be heating up.
it's a shame that they're only replying to those who get through.
I'd like to at least know if they looked at it and said no.
Squidmanlolz wrote: Wow, competition seems to be heating up.
it's a shame that they're only replying to those who get through.
How do you know?
"-we will endeavour to respond to successful applicants within 30 days of your application."
I'm assuming this means that unsuccessful applicants will hear nothing.
Squidmanlolz wrote: "-we will endeavour to respond to successful applicants within 30 days of your application."
I'm assuming this means that unsuccessful applicants will hear nothing.
Squidmanlolz wrote: Wow, competition seems to be heating up.
it's a shame that they're only replying to those who get through.
How do you know?
"-we will endeavour to respond to successful applicants within 30 days of your application."
I'm assuming this means that unsuccessful applicants will hear nothing.
Or they'll get a phone call from GW where they are put on speaker phone and laughed at.
Squidmanlolz wrote: Wow, competition seems to be heating up.
it's a shame that they're only replying to those who get through.
How do you know?
"-we will endeavour to respond to successful applicants within 30 days of your application."
I'm assuming this means that unsuccessful applicants will hear nothing.
Or they'll get a phone call from GW where they are put on speaker phone and laughed at.
That would require GW to interact with its fanbase, which is a laughable concept
I could go all tinfoil hat and suggest they are hoping to get lots of IP infringing fan fiction based on GW stuff sent to them by prospective writers...
who they can then C&D giving management a warm and cosy feeling....
Very interesting. I've been having a play with writing in-universe character diaries this month, and hadn't realised how much fun the setting could be. If I can dislodge my brain from the top of my mouth, I might put an email in.
I suspect the initial emails will be pulled purely at random/when someone at the other end has time, but as it says there's no deadline, it can't hurt.
Hah, I've tried submitting to Black Library a few times in the past. Might as well give this a shot. I'll have to dust off the old books. Thanks for the link.
...sort of. I saw this thread a couple of nights ago, and I said "why not?" and sent in a response. Early this morning came the response, which was a kind-of rejection. See an excerpt below:
"...we were delighted by your enthusiasm, however, we felt that the subject matter you want to cover is not appropriate for Games Workshop at this time. As a result, sending you the test may be redundant. What we would advise is that you explore our current, existing fiction and think about the style and subject matter we cover. If you would still like to complete the test, please reply to this email..."
So, this means they're not looking for any writers regarding developing the 40k Tzeentch fluff (which is either really good, or really bad). But getting a response is a good sign, right? Any idea what they might be looking for specifically?
...sort of. I saw this thread a couple of nights ago, and I said "why not?" and sent in a response. Early this morning came the response, which was a kind-of rejection. See an excerpt below:
"...we were delighted by your enthusiasm, however, we felt that the subject matter you want to cover is not appropriate for Games Workshop at this time. As a result, sending you the test may be redundant. What we would advise is that you explore our current, existing fiction and think about the style and subject matter we cover. If you would still like to complete the test, please reply to this email..."
So, this means they're not looking for any writers regarding developing the 40k Tzeentch fluff (which is either really good, or really bad). But getting a response is a good sign, right? Any idea what they might be looking for specifically?
...sort of. I saw this thread a couple of nights ago, and I said "why not?" and sent in a response. Early this morning came the response, which was a kind-of rejection. See an excerpt below:
"...we were delighted by your enthusiasm, however, we felt that the subject matter you want to cover is not appropriate for Games Workshop at this time. As a result, sending you the test may be redundant. What we would advise is that you explore our current, existing fiction and think about the style and subject matter we cover. If you would still like to complete the test, please reply to this email..."
So, this means they're not looking for any writers regarding developing the 40k Tzeentch fluff (which is either really good, or really bad). But getting a response is a good sign, right? Any idea what they might be looking for specifically?
Lots of muscle men wearing tanktops sweating in the hot jungle hunting the enemy with only the smell of oil and fumes from the Tanks plus the smell of manhood to accompany them. If we go by the reputation they seem to have for being misogynist then lots of stuff about men doing manly things lol.
But in reality not sure they left things pretty vague on what they want except talking about atmospheric battlefields.
To keep it brief, this is the heart of what I sent in:
"I feel as though there is so much potential in exploring the Cult of Tzeentch: the Faustian bargains for power and glory that will always end in ruin, the modern incarnation of the resentful djinn who twist the wishes of mortals, and perhaps most of all the damning crusade of questing to possess all knowledge in an endless Sisyphean cycle."
The cynic in me says that turned it down due to lack of BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD!!! But hey, I guess my flowery language impressed them enough to shoot me a reply.
I figure I'll keep browsing through their library and such and see if I can come up with any ideas. Regardless of what I come up with, I figure I'll reply and ask to take their test anyway. For all I know, I can steal... er... borrow SpookyBoogie's suggestion (love it!) and work my way in, then slowly, over time, start submitting the writing I actually enjoy and wish to explore. Just as planned...
ClockworkZion wrote: Huh. I haven't gotten a response yet at all and it's been a couple days. I don't know if that's a good sign or a bad one.
You still have 27 days before you can call it a definite "no" so i guess keep the faith until the deadline for a reply passes.
All my faith was used up waiting for a Sisters release though! :(
Seriously though, I guess I passed the initial rejection pile but I'm keeping my hopes low just in case.
That is an awful lot of faith used up already. I guess there are two ways of looking at it.
1. The nice way. If they really felt you were not suitable and balked at what they saw they would have probably wrote back just to say "thanks but no thanks" so you made it to the "maybe" pile or they put you on the list for the first test phase.
2. The horrible way. They thought your pitch was so bad it's not even worth replying to and they instantly deleted the email as spam.
Or you can take the third.
3. They got a lot of submissions and they are getting through them in batches. They just didn't get to reading yours yet.
I think the majority of rejections will come from people who didn't follow the brief given on the website and just went full "OMG I want to write about all my awesome fan fiction LOL!" at them.
I too got the reply regarding satisfaction with enthusiasm but a request for a topic change. I personally wanted to focus on a rag-tag Imperial militia of normal residents and adeptus arbites fighting a guerilla war against a chaos incursion, with lots of twists and turns and a really dark undertone to the whole thing. However I suspect like many others that we would be more than happy to change our topic to address the brief; it's the principle of adding to the universe of 40k in our own way that wets our appetite.
I've got few couple suspicions. We have to take the two tests anyway, and a stock letter is appropriate for any reasonable submission. I suspect this is the best version of the letter and merely prepares us for rejection during the tests. They gave the replies in waves, so they'll probably give the tests in waves, and this letter gives them an intermediate period to prepare.
If there is a better version of the letter, I imagine it went to people who didn't want to push the boundaries and just gushed about Space Marines. Then again, I could see that getting the 'different topic' letter too.
DarkHound wrote: I've got few couple suspicions. We have to take the two tests anyway, and a stock letter is appropriate for any reasonable submission. I suspect this is the best version of the letter and merely prepares us for rejection during the tests. They gave the replies in waves, so they'll probably give the tests in waves, and this letter gives them an intermediate period to prepare.
If there is a better version of the letter, I imagine it went to people who didn't want to push the boundaries and just gushed about Space Marines. Then again, I could see that getting the 'different topic' letter too.
This doesn't sound unreasonable. I am curious as to what the testing process will be.
Dentry wrote: This wouldn't be a bad gig at all, really. I've never written professionally but wouldn't mind doing short fluff blurbs in periodicals, maybe short stories, too.
Might send them something wrought with horrible grammatical errors.
Lockark wrote: I just got inprised to try and write a gakky space marine romance story as a joke. Realy this was probly only funny to me since I know i'm not a writer and no one on hand to proof read it for me.
Hah! Kudos.
As a "working" writer, let me just say that it is a harder life than you could ever imagine. It is also a profession which shocking numbers of people go, "well I could do that," without realizing what doing so entails.
Worst of all is being a family man on a writer and amateur game-designer's income. I've had years where I made six figures and paid off my morgage to years where I am functionally unemployed and make virtually nothing (and resort to copy-editing to scrape by).
If it wasn't a passion and true calling, no one sane would do this. :-p
DarkHound wrote: I've got few couple suspicions. We have to take the two tests anyway, and a stock letter is appropriate for any reasonable submission. I suspect this is the best version of the letter and merely prepares us for rejection during the tests. They gave the replies in waves, so they'll probably give the tests in waves, and this letter gives them an intermediate period to prepare.
If there is a better version of the letter, I imagine it went to people who didn't want to push the boundaries and just gushed about Space Marines. Then again, I could see that getting the 'different topic' letter too.
Nope, when you don't receive an email basically telling you to change your topic of interest it looks like this:
Thank you for your interest in writing for Games Workshop.
Here is your test brief. You will have 7 days from today to complete both parts and submit them by replying to this email. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.
I didn't gush about how uber cool spess mehreens were either though that probably would have saved me the half hour I spent writing the damned email of interest for the job IDK if it would help, but if anyone wants I can PM them what I wrote.
Dentry wrote: This wouldn't be a bad gig at all, really. I've never written professionally but wouldn't mind doing short fluff blurbs in periodicals, maybe short stories, too.
Might send them something wrought with horrible grammatical errors.
Lockark wrote: I just got inprised to try and write a gakky space marine romance story as a joke. Realy this was probly only funny to me since I know i'm not a writer and no one on hand to proof read it for me.
Hah! Kudos.
As a "working" writer, let me just say that it is a harder life than you could ever imagine. It is also a profession which shocking numbers of people go, "well I could do that," without realizing what doing so entails.
Worst of all is being a family man on a writer and amateur game-designer's income. I've had years where I made six figures and paid off my morgage to years where I am functionally unemployed and make virtually nothing (and resort to copy-editing to scrape by).
If it wasn't a passion and true calling, no one sane would do this. :-p
I completely agree with the underlined, but I haven't found it to be nearly as unstable or difficult as you describe. Maybe it's the type of writing.
I'm an advertising copywriter, and I've had steady employment for many years. Of course, I've been working in internal agencies on the client side, and haven't been trying to make it on my own freelancing. The agency side can be more unstable, but my friends who do that seem to land on their feet. *shrug* I'd say that it's hard to break in and get taken seriously, but once you are, things change for you. The money can even be pretty good if you get experience in a specialized field like finance or pharma.
Anyway, I'll have to give this a look. Fiction writing isn't my regular thing, but working to a brief, to a specific word count, etc. is definitely in my wheelhouse.
Yes you are
Your flesh is insignificant...
Still you drag yourself here on bloody stumps I recreate you amputate you
You defile my womb hahahahahaha
However weak it still appealing
Sights to send senses reeling
To see your nipples stripped from you
Tossed into my human stew
[Chorus:]
That's why you came to me...
You were begging for love surgery
It's the way - the way its got to be
It's called love surgery
Punks and priest, yeah they're all in there
A beggars bludgeoned with their shinwear
Bubbling cauldron choked with ichor
Well I must think of something sicker
[Chorus]
Anticipate the nipple rape
Dish is almost done
The child has died, he must be fried
You humans are the same inside
Now the cauldron starts to boil I can feel my anus heave
The undergarment start to soil
And now I know its time to leave
When a demi-God blows bloody sperm
It does not stop, it starts to worm
And you shall achieve a maggot spunge-hole effect
Ohhh Scary
Sexcuse me, but what-a good is all the violence in the world unless
it is toppled with limitless sex?
Bring out the limitless sex-object and allow me,
Sexecutioner to sexplain the seriousness of this subject,
now if you all will attend to my words you will see....
I'm a naughty fellow
In fact I'm certainly not too very mellow I came to this place
to rearrange you face
[Chorus:]
La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
Sexcellent!
la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
Sexcuse me!
la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
Ho-ho-ho-ha
So you think you are all very smart
That you know many words
All you need to know
For the rest of your life
Sexecutioner
Sexecutioner
I'm Sexecuting ya Sexecutioner
[Chorus]
I am from France
([Slymenstra]-He is from France)
And when you are in France,
You pull down you pants
([Slymenstra]-You pull down your pants)
And when you on your knees
([Slymenstra]-When your on your knees)
You will do as I please
([Slymenstra]-You'll do as he pleases)
Red Rover - bend over
And let Sexy take over
How about a story about a popular show on digi tv in 40K 12 people in the house and they have to find out who is the cultist, every week one gets voted off and executed
if the survivor is not the cultist, he/her may thank the emperor for his leniency, if the survivor is the cultist he will be send
to "the island" a luscious low security prison planet where he may reflect for the rest of his life. (off course when the camera goes off
the chaos cultist will be immolated in holy fire as thanks for his/her participation)
gorgon wrote: I completely agree with the underlined, but I haven't found it to be nearly as unstable or difficult as you describe. Maybe it's the type of writing.
It's the type of writing.
I've been working with FFG for the better part of 4 years now, but it's not something I can make a living off of. I still have a day job.
Wouldn't give it up for the world though. All the deadlines and word limits can't dull my interest.
gorgon wrote: I completely agree with the underlined, but I haven't found it to be nearly as unstable or difficult as you describe. Maybe it's the type of writing.
It's the type of writing.
I've been working with FFG for the better part of 4 years now, but it's not something I can make a living off of. I still have a day job.
Wouldn't give it up for the world though. All the deadlines and word limits can't dull my interest.
That's it really if you really want to do it then you will regardless of if you are making a real living off of it. Most people just won't make anything at all and still need to keep a steady job. I've hardly had any writing jobs that paid. A lot of what i did was just helping friends out with their projects for the fun of it. If you want to write to make a ton of money you're going to be in for a shock.
NewTruthNeomaxim wrote: As a "working" writer, let me just say that it is a harder life than you could ever imagine. It is also a profession which shocking numbers of people go, "well I could do that," without realizing what doing so entails.
Worst of all is being a family man on a writer and amateur game-designer's income. I've had years where I made six figures and paid off my morgage to years where I am functionally unemployed and make virtually nothing (and resort to copy-editing to scrape by).
If it wasn't a passion and true calling, no one sane would do this. :-p
I wouldn't write to win any awards.
You make a wonderful point and I appreciate the reminder that what I might consider leisurely on-the-side writing is actually more demanding and involved than I'd like it to be. It sounds like you hit the jackpot with your love and game design and writing, nothing more stable than that, am I right?
I'd like to speculate about two things at this point: what our writing (assuming any of us make it) will be used for, and consequently what our prompts would be like. Those with freelance writing experience likely have a clearer picture than the rest of us.
DarkHound wrote: I'd like to speculate about two things at this point: what our writing (assuming any of us make it) will be used for, and consequently what our prompts would be like. Those with freelance writing experience likely have a clearer picture than the rest of us.
Unit entry anecdotes in future Codexes? "Write me something about a Howling Banshee unit doing something awesome."
H.B.M.C. wrote: That's the way I read it - the little bits between bigger bits of fluff, out boxes, call-outs, little blurbs, that kinda thing.
Same here. Black Library does their own calls for submissions so I'd see this as being more about finding people to do the little bits of flavour text that go along with articles and codex entries and such.
DarkHound wrote: I'd like to speculate about two things at this point: what our writing (assuming any of us make it) will be used for, and consequently what our prompts would be like. Those with freelance writing experience likely have a clearer picture than the rest of us.
Unit entry anecdotes in future Codexes? "Write me something about a Howling Banshee unit doing something awesome."
Good chance it'd be something along those lines. Codices.Rulebooks,boxed set campaign books and those kind of things. They use short stories and timelines etc in those things. The brief will be something like explaining an event that happened in the history of the race and you need to flesh it out and turn it into a story that grips the reader and gives them a taste of the army.
They do just say that you will be added to a pool of writers though so really it could be anything that you can be called up for. Short stories in a Codex or Anthology to a full on Novel. Just best to be ready for anything they could throw at you and be able to turn that into something good quickly.
Not had an email yet I'd take a "thanks but you are not what we are looking for" the silence just makes it more depressing like they thought I was so bad it's not even worth replying to me
Has anyone sent in the joke about the Black and White Space Marine on the Black and White Bike yet? I wouldn't mind seeing it in print--or rather, black and white.
SpookyBoogie wrote:Not had an email yet I'd take a "thanks but you are not what we are looking for" the silence just makes it more depressing like they thought I was so bad it's not even worth replying to me
Squidmanlolz wrote:Well, I haven't gotten a rejection email yet, so I'm holding on to hope.
I've been waiting for a second email from them for a few days. They seem to be pretty busy, so I wouldn't worry about it.
Morathi let her metal bikini slip to the floor with a clang as Malekith entered the room. He was her son, but she didn't let that deter her carnal needs.
...wait, that's not the kind of writing they want, is it?
I might submit something. I've been thinking about exploring the Mortifactors and Carcharodons in little short stories just for myself, BUT if GW wants to actually look at me.
Slayer-Fan123 wrote: I might submit something. I've been thinking about exploring the Mortifactors and Carcharodons in little short stories just for myself, BUT if GW wants to actually look at me.
I'd avoid suggesting that you write on such a specific subject as two space marine chapters. This is probably not what GW is looking for. They'd probably be more pleased with an application that said you were looking to write about Space Marines in general than if you told them that you wanted to explore two chapters that aren't very well known.
About the Job Do you want to write fantastic fiction of the highest quality for Games Workshop products to tight deadlines?
Are you excited by describing the unique worlds of Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000 through gripping stories with evocative battle scenes that are full of character, whilst adhering strictly to Games Workshop’s intellectual property?
You will be able to provide written fiction that will be used in Games Workshop products. This will be on a freelance basis, to agreed deadlines. You will need basic knowledge of Games Workshop’s intellectual property and a desire to learn more.
Other Essential Information Closing date: We are always looking for new people who can do this job. Because of this, there is no closing date for this advert.
How to Apply If you wish to apply you must send us an email telling us what you want to write about the worlds Games Workshop has created and why (no more than 250 words please). This is a great opportunity for you to let us know that you understand what we are looking for.
We don’t need to know how long you have been in the hobby (if you are enthusiastic about writing fiction we’ll take that as a given) or your writing credentials (complete novices or Pulitzer prize winners are equally welcome). We want to know which part of the IP you are going to explore and why.
We will then ask you to complete two tests for us and, if successful, you will join our freelance author pool. All our correspondence will be via email. Because of the potential volume of responses, we cannot guarantee to respond to every application. However, we will endeavour to respond to successful applicants within 30 days of your application.
Please send your application letter to [EMAIL="freelanceauthorsubmissions@gwplc.com"]freelanceauthorsubmissions@gwplc.com[/EMAIL].
Is another prerequisite includes that an applicant is able to visit GWHQ in a regular basis? and is this the job position for WD magazine?
And what should I put into a resume' ?
Lone Cat wrote: Is another prerequisite includes that an applicant is able to visit GWHQ in a regular basis? and is this the job position for WD magazine?
And what should I put into a resume' ?
Read the post you quoted. Literally every question you have is answered.
They have plenty of people who want to write about 40K. No, if you really want to write for GW then you should come up with a story that details how the Warhammer Fantasy world can still exist after the Chaos Gods broke it down on a molecular level and undid space and time.
Smellingsalts wrote: They have plenty of people who want to write about 40K. No, if you really want to write for GW then you should come up with a story that details how the Warhammer Fantasy world can still exist after the Chaos Gods broke it down on a molecular level and undid space and time.
They already have that hook and likely the story too.
Or something to that sort.
Fantasy would be a hard one to jump in on right now, be better to apply after 9th drops if you want to write about WFB.
Actually, the sarcasm of my first post aside, I think if you told them that you enjoy writing about swords and sorcery as opposed to bolt guns, you might have a better chance at getting hired. They are going to need story tellers to create and populate a whole new world. If they were to hire writers, I am sure that they would give them an outline of the new Warhammer, as well as ironclad nondisclosure forms.
This is actually pretty exciting, I think I'll throw my name in the bin and see what happens. Hell even if I get to write a few of the "Thought for the day, Imperial mind control verses" they have at the bottom of almost ever BRB page I'd be pretty stoked.
Smellingsalts wrote: Actually, the sarcasm of my first post aside, I think if you told them that you enjoy writing about swords and sorcery as opposed to bolt guns, you might have a better chance at getting hired. They are going to need story tellers to create and populate a whole new world. If they were to hire writers, I am sure that they would give them an outline of the new Warhammer, as well as ironclad nondisclosure forms.
That's a good point, in my opinion. Everyone's talking about writing 40k fiction but I think maybe the reason GW is doing this is because they need help rebuilding WHF.
Well my application was rejected (guess I aimed too broad). I'm going to take a week or so to mull over it and work out a better application and reapply.
ClockworkZion wrote: Well my application was rejected (guess I aimed too broad). I'm going to take a week or so to mull over it and work out a better application and reapply.
What did you submit though? It's a shame GW isn't really mentioning what is it they're looking for. Do they want writers who are specialized in only a single race/faction, or a certain aspect? Or whatever?
ClockworkZion wrote: Well my application was rejected (guess I aimed too broad). I'm going to take a week or so to mull over it and work out a better application and reapply.
Too broad? What did you write them?
I'm not going to copy and paste it here, but basically I wrote about writing about 40k in general, and gave some examples of some groups that could use more time in the spotlight. The whole application process they have going on is a bit wishy-washy in my opinion. Yes the 250 words thing is a simple way to screen, but it's ineffective due to the vagueness of the rules. When they said IP I assumed they meant writing about 40k or Fantasy, but it seems they meant more specific than that based on the people who've been getting tests and what they wrote in about.
I got through to the test part, seven days to get it done. I completely threw out a dissertation length story to start a whole new idea at 2AM the day it was due, so I should be able to at least hit deadline!
Got the "Nice enthusiasm but what you want to cover isn't what we want at this time but you can take the test if you want even if we feel it'd be pointless" reply. Probably should have pitched a better idea overall.
SpookyBoogie wrote: Got the "Nice enthusiasm but what you want to cover isn't what we want at this time but you can take the test if you want even if we feel it'd be pointless" reply. Probably should have pitched a better idea overall.
I look at it this way: there is no rul that says one application per person so why not try again? Take a little time to touch up your proposal and give it another go if you really want to do it.
Malika2 wrote: What did you submit though? It's a shame GW isn't really mentioning what is it they're looking for. Do they want writers who are specialized in only a single race/faction, or a certain aspect? Or whatever?
Short version, I told them I wanted to write about the Tau Empire, how they fit into the galaxy, them learning the truths of the 40k universe, the current relations between the Empire and the Farsight Enclaves, etc. So, based on that it seems they want writers who want to focus on one faction, but in a broad sense and cover pretty much anything about that faction.
Well, five days after getting the "nice work and ideas, but it's not what we want, take the test anyway if you like" email, they did send me the two testing prompts. So, anyone else who received that form letter, do not despair as there is hope!
Now to craft both 250 word responses and hope I give them the kind of Space Marine love they're looking for.
Am, am I the only one who got accepted into the test brief stage?
In there with you
I'm curious as to why they chose the test topics as they did - either they're just flexing their IP or they have a particular plan for the next year
The test subjects were probably chosen the way they were because they feature the most recognizable characters of the setting. The first prompt is meant to see how good you can write action, while the second is meant to test your ability to write dialogue. It's very generic really.
The test subjects were probably chosen the way they were because they feature the most recognizable characters of the setting. The first prompt is meant to see how good you can write action, while the second is meant to test your ability to write dialogue. It's very generic really.
You're likely right - this is the first time I've ever done anything like this. Makes a change from writing papers about bacteria and genes
Scourged wrote: Well, five days after getting the "nice work and ideas, but it's not what we want, take the test anyway if you like" email, they did send me the two testing prompts. So, anyone else who received that form letter, do not despair as there is hope!
Now to craft both 250 word responses and hope I give them the kind of Space Marine love they're looking for.
Cheers, and good luck all.
I've always been much better at dialog then action, with 250 words... that was so hard, and I don't like much anything I wrote, the current one is... the best I think I can do with such limitations, though I will have to change the Space Marine's name (named him Lisianthus, which is a character from Shuffle! a Hentai game and not hentai anime)...
I found the dialogue prompt to be far easier, as you can use the speaker as a vessel for exposition, whereas it was more difficult to mix scene setting/storytelling into the action prompt.
Well done folks. I'm curious, are you guys allowed to confer privately and see if you got sent the same tests?
I've been dragging my heels on sending an application because I'm pretty sure philosophy and history in Imperial culture is not something that's going to get me the job.
"I shoot, but why?"
Perhaps I should expand that to a general interest in why things explode.
SpookyBoogie wrote: Got the "Nice enthusiasm but what you want to cover isn't what we want at this time but you can take the test if you want even if we feel it'd be pointless" reply. Probably should have pitched a better idea overall.
I look at it this way: there is no rul that says one application per person so why not try again? Take a little time to touch up your proposal and give it another go if you really want to do it.
It's possible but i don't think i really want it bad enough . If i did i would have probably spent more time thinking it over it was just fun to apply and see what they say. Definitely don't feel it's worth pushing for the test for the hell of it even though they offer to let me take it anyway if i can't pass anything with full marks it's just not worth doing and if they don't like my ideas now then it wouldn't bode well for a potential job with them XD.
Good luck to the people taking the test though if people get through who can bring something cool to the table that would be awesome.
Squidmanlolz wrote: ^Philosophy is already well explored within many of the 40k novels, especially the Horus Heresy series.
Philosophy/social science is a broad term for what I mean... Perhaps poorly chosen. Consider me the five year old sat in the back seat of the car saying, "But why? How?" to every given sentence.
Ha ha, got the "intriguing but not exactly what they are looking for" response a few days ago, and thought that was it. Only after reading the posts here did I think to read the whole email and saw the part about 'taking the test if you have nothing better to do'.
Buttery Commissar wrote: I've been dragging my heels on sending an application because I'm pretty sure philosophy and history in Imperial culture is not something that's going to get me the job.
"I shoot, but why?"
Perhaps I should expand that to a general interest in why things explode.
I'm in the same position. I'd love an excuse to round out one of my stories, about a civilian whose sanity is being slowly ground to dust along with the rest of the city after a governor's failed attempt to secede from the Imperium, but it's hard to imagine it gaining any traction with GW.
There he was standing on a pile of corpses awash in blood and gore, every one was dead, no more blood for the blood god, Kharn dropped the severed head he was holding and watched it roll down the hill of his creation. A thought crossed his mind and he shouted out in rage;
SpookyBoogie wrote: Got the "Nice enthusiasm but what you want to cover isn't what we want at this time but you can take the test if you want even if we feel it'd be pointless" reply. Probably should have pitched a better idea overall.
I got this email earlier today.
I sat back and thought for all of a minute (probably less) and decided I was going to go for the test anyway.
Until they reject me outright, I'm going to keep on going.
SpookyBoogie wrote: Got the "Nice enthusiasm but what you want to cover isn't what we want at this time but you can take the test if you want even if we feel it'd be pointless" reply. Probably should have pitched a better idea overall.
I got this email earlier today.
I sat back and thought for all of a minute (probably less) and decided I was going to go for the test anyway.
Until they reject me outright, I'm going to keep on going.
I am applying the same attitude
'You will entertain my notion of introducing the Demiurg Codex or I will die trying!'
Rainbow Dash wrote: I am rewatching the Dawn of War trailers to get the proper feel and so it doesn't go all cooky or Lamb Lies Down on Broadway-y
I don't think they are that strict on dialogue. I'm reading "Path of the Dark Eldar" currently by Andy Chambers and he wrote every Dark Eldar with the voice of a Bond villain and that passed so y'know. Ham it up if you want to.
I sent my initial mail in full Ork-speak. Got the same rejection e-mail as most stating I could still do the tests if I wanted, which I accepted. Haven't heard anything about my send-in yet, though.
I thought I'd give this a shot and see where it got me, sitting down and writing my application after work. Finished it at early sent it in, and long while later got a ding of an incoming e-mail as I got out of the shower after stewing in angst of, 'when will I hear back?!?'.
Huh. I sent in a more complete version of that Malekith/Morathi love piece. What do you all think a facepalm picture of Kirby is worth, along with the cease and desist letter that was paperclipped to it?
Rainbow Dash wrote: I am rewatching the Dawn of War trailers to get the proper feel and so it doesn't go all cooky or Lamb Lies Down on Broadway-y
I don't think they are that strict on dialogue. I'm reading "Path of the Dark Eldar" currently by Andy Chambers and he wrote every Dark Eldar with the voice of a Bond villain and that passed so y'know. Ham it up if you want to.
I wanted the first one to reflect more on the heroic last stand of Captain Lisianthus (I gotta think up a new name) and his squad of Ultramarines then just... a mindless battle scene.
Like how is afraid and accepts it, feeling only a madman or heretic wouldn't feel fear, that sort of jargon.
timetowaste85 wrote: Huh. I sent in a more complete version of that Malekith/Morathi love piece. What do you all think a facepalm picture of Kirby is worth, along with the cease and desist letter that was paperclipped to it?
So apparently, they're not too keen on the idea of a Brettonian peasant who finds out she's the daughter of the Changeling (A bit like what happened to Orghott's Daemonspew) and is torn between learning more about her chaotic heritage or seek help from the Lady.
Granted, probably not a good idea to put that idea forth now that End Times has come. But hey, more 40k writing apparently. *writes test briefs*
Buttery Commissar wrote: I've been dragging my heels on sending an application because I'm pretty sure philosophy and history in Imperial culture is not something that's going to get me the job.
"I shoot, but why?"
Perhaps I should expand that to a general interest in why things explode.
I'm in the same position. I'd love an excuse to round out one of my stories, about a civilian whose sanity is being slowly ground to dust along with the rest of the city after a governor's failed attempt to secede from the Imperium, but it's hard to imagine it gaining any traction with GW.
Lou_Cypher wrote: So apparently, they're not too keen on the idea of a Brettonian peasant who finds out she's the daughter of the Changeling (A bit like what happened to Orghott's Daemonspew) and is torn between learning more about her chaotic heritage or seek help from the Lady.
Granted, probably not a good idea to put that idea forth now that End Times has come. But hey, more 40k writing apparently. *writes test briefs*
It seems like you and some other people seem to be missing what GW is looking for. They're not asking for a realized story concept, and the fact that it's coming from GW and not BL makes it seem much more likely that whatever the projects turn out to be, they will cover a wide range of subjects. Short bits of fiction, fluff that could go into White Dwarf or on the internet. That'd be the kind of thing you'd want to present broader ideas and capabilities than something so intensely focused.
It seems like you and some other people seem to be missing what GW is looking for. They're not asking for a realized story concept, and the fact that it's coming from GW and not BL makes it seem much more likely that whatever the projects turn out to be, they will cover a wide range of subjects. Short bits of fiction, fluff that could go into White Dwarf or on the internet. That'd be the kind of thing you'd want to present broader ideas and capabilities than something so intensely focused.
I'm going to have to agree with you here because I also sent in a pitch for novel/series. And that's quite likely the reason I got the response that I got.
I really should keep time zones in mind. If I've done my math right, I got sent the test briefs within a couple of hours when I sent my reply saying I'd still like to try the test. I could have spent last night working on it. Well, that's time gone. Now to write like a madman and revise like crazy for the next several days.
So, did anyone else get two prompts that had nothing to do with the writing interests they mentioned in their application?
If that's intentional, it seems pretty smart to ask people to do a test brief on subjects they aren't interested in. If it's accidental, then I guess the joke's on me.
Jimsolo wrote: So, did anyone else get two prompts that had nothing to do with the writing interests they mentioned in their application?
If that's intentional, it seems pretty smart to ask people to do a test brief on subjects they aren't interested in. If it's accidental, then I guess the joke's on me.
Are the prompts about Space Marines?
If it's deliberate, it's not smart. It's not like they're only hiring one freelance writer - it would make a hell of a lot more sense to see if they have a place where your interests and style fit than to try to treat artists like interchangeable cogs that have to be capable of writing anything you shovel their way.
AlexHolker wrote: If it's deliberate, it's not smart. It's not like they're only hiring one freelance writer - it would make a hell of a lot more sense to see if they have a place where your interests and style fit than to try to treat artists like interchangeable cogs that have to be capable of writing anything you shovel their way.
Umm... welcome to freelancing?
"Here are the topics. Which of the three do you like? That one? Ok, 4000 words. You have 'til the 1st of next month. Go."
Yargh, if you want to write about your own stuff, Black Library has open submissions. Used to be they'd let you send in a 20 page novel submission, but that's very obviously a bad idea. Now they require a short story or something.
DarkHound wrote: Yargh, if you want to write about your own stuff, Black Library has open submissions. Used to be they'd let you send in a 20 page novel submission, but that's very obviously a bad idea. Now they require a short story or something.
Now they do submission windows/contests, and they only look for short stories. Last one was Dec-Jan, and they usually only do it once a year.
... and after thousands submit their own 'test' pieces, GW selects the best and a new codex is released, full of fluff without taking on a single person
Nah just kidding
I wonder when we'll get feedback, took 4 days between submission and reply last time.
Short bits of fiction, fluff that could go into White Dwarf or on the internet. That'd be the kind of thing you'd want to present broader ideas and capabilities than something so intensely focused.
That's what I think this is probably for..the weekly white dwarf and other things.
I plan on applying in the future, but I still haven't gotten around to reading any BL fiction (I will never finish my to read list) and I'd like to get a better handle on writing styles and what's out there before i apply
Akragth wrote: Hmm. Could be that they temporarily took it down to stop any more applications whilst they sort through the ones they already have.
I think you're right, they haven't sent out rejection emails yet for the second round. It's likely they have a good selection to trawl through and don't need more hopefuls sending in applications
I would expect that they have recieved so many applications, and based off of the number of step 2 responses they've sent out, they're already going to get way more people who meet their needs than they have spots for.
If they're like any other normal company employing freelancers, they'll have a tiered list of people that passed the initial test to dispense between projects. I very much doubt they're "filling spots".
Malika2 wrote: Hmm, guess the rest of us will need to find some other freelance gigs. Any idea where to find any?
Maybe try Mantic.
They're in the middle of a Kickstarter for their expansion/update to Not Necromunda (Deadzone).
One of the stretch goals is apparently fiction collection in their Not 40k universe.
His Master's Voice wrote: If they're like any other normal company employing freelancers, they'll have a tiered list of people that passed the initial test to dispense between projects. I very much doubt they're "filling spots".
I meant that they probably had an idea of how many they're looking for, and they're more than sure than have more than enough at this point, which is why the posting came down.
Well, I just sent my test briefs in. I still have about 12 hours to go, but I don't trust myself to not blow the deadline with my usual routine of sleeping in and a leisurely breakfast. Now it's just a matter of hurry up and wait.
Today is the fourth working day in a row since I submitted. It took four days for them to reply to the first submission. I'm wondering if they'll only respond once the deadline for ALL test submissions are in?
Especially if they have a lot of entries to go through
I wonder how much weight they will put onto how close to the deadline one sends in their entries. All things being equal, I'd feel more favor towards someone who go their short piece done and in with plenty of time to spare, over one of equal quality that was pushing the deadline.
I wonder how much weight they will put onto how close to the deadline one sends in their entries. All things being equal, I'd feel more favor towards someone who go their short piece done and in with plenty of time to spare, over one of equal quality that was pushing the deadline.
That's a matter of taste/preference and shouldn't play a role.
My father is a professional writer (scripts) and he alsways claimed that if you didn't work on something till the last minute, you didn't deliver the best you could.
I always disagreed, but like I said, that's a matter of preference.
Mutter wrote: My father is a professional writer (scripts) and he alsways claimed that if you didn't work on something till the last minute, you didn't deliver the best you could.
Or you could be like me and don't do anything until the last minute!
Mutter wrote: My father is a professional writer (scripts) and he alsways claimed that if you didn't work on something till the last minute, you didn't deliver the best you could.
Or you could be like me and don't do anything until the last minute!
My approach to any kind of creative endeavor is very inspired by H.R. Giger, in that you must work as quickly as possible to get the ideas out of your head and into a physical form, before your mind corrodes and taints the idea. Artistic ideas are best served fresh, and are not to be lingered on for too long. YMMV.
Portugal Jones wrote: I wonder how much weight they will put onto how close to the deadline one sends in their entries. All things being equal, I'd feel more favor towards someone who go their short piece done and in with plenty of time to spare, over one of equal quality that was pushing the deadline.
I imagine they probably put more emphasis on how close to the 250 word limit you got - don't want enthusiastic young Hemmingway wannabes going overboard (or indeed falling short) and messing up those meticulously set out standard codex layouts...
BTW, did anyone receive a confirmation of receipt email for their submission?
Iapedus wrote: emphasis on how close to the 250 word limit you got - don't want enthusiastic young Hemmingway wannabes going overboard (or indeed falling short) and messing up those meticulously set out standard codex layouts...
Assuming you're being as sarcastic as I'm reading it, being too short on word count actually is a problem when doing page layouts. It's not a matter of "fill this space." It really is "we need this many words of text to fill this space." Now, the quality of the layout...that's an entirely different matter.
hungryp wrote: Assuming you're being as sarcastic as I'm reading it, being too short on word count actually is a problem when doing page layouts. It's not a matter of "fill this space." It really is "we need this many words of text to fill this space." Now, the quality of the layout...that's an entirely different matter.
No no, I was being completely serious If they ask for 250, they want 250 as being over / under by one word can mean a extra / missing sentence screwing up the no doubt standardized Codex Layouts. I've edited enough student newspapers to know ho much of a pain this is
I thought I would just share my experience. All told, it has been an interesting experience and I'm not bummed at all about not being accepted.
Timeline:
18 Mar - Sent my proposal
19 Mar- GW replies with the response I've seen posted here, "we were delighted by your enthusiam, however...." I decide to write the tests anyway.
23 Mar- Submit my two test briefs.
27 Mar- Received a reply stating that my submissions don't meet the standard they require.
Here are my test briefs as I submitted them. Of course, I found a lot mistakes after the fact. I think GW likes to use simple past (or past perfect) tense. My test briefs are all simple present tense.
Please forgive the wall of text.
The Test Brief Part 1
Rodrigo wants to put a bolt round in the ork’s head and it could be an easy kill. But, close combat it is. The Imperial Fist calmly attaches the bolter to his bike, lifts his chainsword and directs his hatred into a leaping overhead attack off the seat of his broken bike. The ork halts his charge and laughs as it receives the Astartes with sweeping deflection of his ax. Rodrigo lands in a roll. Already, the ork is on him to deal a killing stab with its power sword. Rodrigo jabs his chainsword hand guard into knee of the beast, eliciting an ear-splitting growl. The ork responds with a powerful kick into the Space Marine’s side. A crack announces a breach in his chest plate. Rodrigo rolls back on his feet and readies his guard. Frustrated, the beast bellows another challenge and scrapes the charged power sword off the edge of the choppa resulting in a high-pitched keen. A furious exchange of blows follows as the ork presses its attack. The beast manages to get inside the Space Marine’s guard and executes a deft sword slice through the elbow. Rodrigo gasps. His right arm nearly severed at the elbow, Rodrigo locks the ork’s sword arm with his left arm and jams the roaring chainsword into the neck of the ork. Cries become gurgles and the monster drops to its knees. Rodrigo curses himself for not shooting the ork with his bolter.
The Test Brief Part 2
“Let’s go over it again,” Sergeant Cerros casually waves. He sits on a stone slab behind the gathering of the Scouts.
Nesmith, a team leader, enthusiastically reiterates the plan by rote.
“Well briefed, Nesmith,” Cerros walks around the circle and points to a Scout holding a sniper rifle. “Mattias dies during insertion. Who is now your sharpshooter to cover the advance of ‘B’ team?”
“I’m the next best shot, sergeant,” Julian announces, “I can cover.”
“Of course you can, Julian. But, what is your designated role in the plan?” Cerros feigns concern.
“Sergeant, I am signaler to ’B’ team. When the enemy is at the target point, I am to flash my laser designator three times,” the scout says.
Nesmith interjects, “I will take over the signaler role.”
Cerros looks disappointed, “Nes, you’re team leader. You cannot have too many duties.” The Scout looks down in shame. The sergeant takes Nesmith’s reaction to deliver the final lesson.
“You all know the plan. This one has holes. It requires every scout to have a particular duty. I have, perhaps, designed it to have such flaws.”
The Scout squad looks puzzled. The sergeant continues, “The final lesson should be clear. You will execute this according to your own abilities and gifts. I guarantee this mission’s execution will not follow my plan.”
The sergeant made eye contact with every scout and smiled wryly, “you are Ultramarines and you will find a way to succeed. Now, mount up.”
Like some of the others, my briefs were 250 words exactly. My reasoning is that if that's what they giving me, that's what I'm using. I'm not leaving anything on the table so to speak. Having said that, my first draft for the first test brief was 279 words. Editing it down took quite a few tries, which were not helped by my adding in more and more detail. Same thing happened with the second one. Though thankfully, I only maxed out at 259, so just had to figure out where I could cut 9 words.
Huh, so four days. I guess if I don't hear from them in four days, I could take that to mean it's a good sign and that I may still be in contention? (Though in hindsight, I probably should have done a confirmation of receipt.)
Thanks for sharing, themonk! Rejection's a bummer, but at least it's better than not hearing any response. I'm sure there are a lot of people here who are glad to have some frame of reference for how soon they can expect to hear back.
Yeah, at least you got a letter of rejection, I sent mine in 12 days ago and haven't heard anything at all, yet. Hopefully no news is good news, but it's still making me anxious... the other option is that mine wasn't even good enough to warrant a response.
I'm entirely surprised to hear they're sending rejection letters. This is being handled much differently than I'm used to, at least with Games Workshop. I think I'll post my stuff as well if I'm rejected.
Mutter wrote: My father is a professional writer (scripts) and he alsways claimed that if you didn't work on something till the last minute, you didn't deliver the best you could.
Or you could be like me and don't do anything until the last minute!
My approach to any kind of creative endeavor is very inspired by H.R. Giger, in that you must work as quickly as possible to get the ideas out of your head and into a physical form, before your mind corrodes and taints the idea. Artistic ideas are best served fresh, and are not to be lingered on for too long. YMMV.
You're familiar with his work, are you surprised he wanted that gak out of his head ASAP?
themonk wrote: I thought I would just share my experience...
Thanks for sharing Monk!
Sorry to hear that you didn't make it - I think you hit the nail on the head though, despite the guidance saying they were looking for 'something new' I don't think they would be so bold as to go for a present tense story. Great effort though
For those that are interested in sharing their stories (if / when rejected, or you just missed the submission deadline) I have started a collective thread for them over in Fiction
Mutter wrote: My father is a professional writer (scripts) and he alsways claimed that if you didn't work on something till the last minute, you didn't deliver the best you could.
Or you could be like me and don't do anything until the last minute!
My approach to any kind of creative endeavor is very inspired by H.R. Giger, in that you must work as quickly as possible to get the ideas out of your head and into a physical form, before your mind corrodes and taints the idea. Artistic ideas are best served fresh, and are not to be lingered on for too long. YMMV.
You're familiar with his work, are you surprised he wanted that gak out of his head ASAP?
This reminds me of a conversation between Giger and Ridley Scott. At one of Giger's art exhibitions, he offered Scott a hit of ecstasy, Scott replied by asking why Giger would take it. Giger said that the drugs helped keep the demons in his head at bay. Scott asked, "Why are you afraid? they're just in your head." To which Giger answered, "Exactly." After this encounter, Giger was signed up to design Big Chap in Alien.
Giger was such an intellectual artist that he would even inspire Ray Harryhausen.
Seems like people on other sites such as Warseer have been receiving rejection emails.
Well, I'm still waiting for a reply here so fingers crossed.
On a related note, every time I get an e-mail notification I get excited, only to find out it's from the Loch Fyne restaurant with a new menu, or something work related.
I checked out the thread on Warseer earlier. Not even a handful seemed to have submitted anything. One interesting point that one poster made was that he might have been rejected because his writing did not meet every single writing principle that had been outlined in the briefs. He complained that there was not enough words for him to do so. A few replied that that was probably the reason he was rejected, that those that had found a way to meet every single writing principle in the words allotted were probably the ones not rejected.
I confess that when I saw the principles, I did not think them optional. I considered them guidelines for my writing the briefs.
It definitely wasn't easy getting all the principles in there, but it is what was asked for - they obviously know that it is a short amount of writing, and if you can't be brief, well there's your problem.
I have had a few dudes pm me their stories, and they are good enough to wonder where my rejection email is
I felt that the guidelines where essentially "givens". They all seemed like very obvious things, when writing in the 40k universe. To be honest, I didn't even read them through until after my two drafts were done. No rejection letter yet, and I'm very happy with the drafts I submitted.
Squidmanlolz wrote: I felt that the guidelines where essentially "givens". They all seemed like very obvious things, when writing in the 40k universe. To be honest, I didn't even read them through until after my two drafts were done. No rejection letter yet, and I'm very happy with the drafts I submitted.
I paid extra attention to including the names of building kits in my story after reading those guidelines (for example the "Manufactorum").
I also smiled at the line "characters must be flawed, but awesome!"
In my first brief, I made sure to identify the assault marines with their jump packs. The main character was a veteran sergeant and I did give him his gear: chainsword, plasma pistol, and melta bombs. And I mentioned parts of his power armor, specifically a greave and a pauldron. The orks were in their trukks and had choppa and slugga at hand, but then since this was from a SM POV, I had to change that to trucks, cleaver, and pistol. I was not happy that I had to change "nob" to "ork mob leader." Those were two more words I could have used elsewhere. The only location I mentioned was a spaceport.
In my second brief, I didn't have as much. I mentioned the scouts wore camo-cloaks. The sergeant gave the briefing using a strategium table, so there was a hololith and that the was data provided by long-range augur probes. I did mention a Thunderhawk (for exfil) and that some of the natural defenses of the location were reinforced by ferrocrete. I wanted to use the phrases "hive city" and "planetary governor" but I couldn't find the words to cut.
Tomorrow will make a week. I'm kind of on the cusp of "well, I haven't been rejected yet" and "are they even going to reply?"
It's been 12 days since I sent in my briefs. I'm really hoping that tomorrow's the day they start sending out acceptance replies. It took GW 8 days to reply to my initial application. After this week, I'll probably give up hope of hearing back from GW. Ho Hum
hungryp wrote: Bear in mind it's Easter weekend, so their office has probably been empty for the last few days.
Yeah, one, it's a holiday weekend, and two,since they pulled down the ad despite initially stating it had an indefinite duration, I imagine that they recieved a lot more good submissions then they were expecting.
Dicrel Seijin wrote: One interesting point that one poster made was that he might have been rejected because his writing did not meet every single writing principle that had been outlined in the briefs.
If he didn't follow the brief there will be no 'might' about it.
Dicrel Seijin wrote: One interesting point that one poster made was that he might have been rejected because his writing did not meet every single writing principle that had been outlined in the briefs.
If he didn't follow the brief there will be no 'might' about it.
Like I said, I didn't think them optional. It never occurred to me that they were. I'm just paraphrase what he said. I agree with you that that was the reason why.
One of the best pieces of advice I'd ever been given was: "Follow all the directions given." And this was from a magazine editor. The magazine she worked for received thousands of submissions monthly, and the staff looked for any reason to not to have to read a submission. She said that not following every single direction in regards to a cover letter and formatting was an easy disqualification.
Well, I had a dream last night in which I received an acceptance email that involved me writing pieces for an Eldar and Dark Eldar Codex.
Sadly, still no replies from GW...
Whoops, I was counting from my first email, not from when I sent in the briefs. Still two weeks for me too. Man, we all sent our stuff in within about a week of each other otherwise I'd ask if an earlier submission had reached one month without a rejection letter.
The listing stated that they would respond to successful applicants. I assume that means that if you don't receive a reply, you aren't getting hired. That being said, I have no idea how long the process will take.
Millicant wrote: The listing stated that they would respond to successful applicants. I assume that means that if you don't receive a reply, you aren't getting hired. That being said, I have no idea how long the process will take.
Except that there was a wave of rejection letters. Why reject an initial batch, then ignore the others?
I will find it endlessly amusing if no one from any of the forums makes it.
I couldn't find anything at BoLS. I'm not registered, so I just trawled through the forums.
B&C had quite a few rejections during the application round (4 or 5) and quite a few are now waiting, 3 are at the 30-day mark. If anyone's going to get a rejection or acceptance, they'll probably get one in the next week or so.
Heresy have a few also waiting after the test brief round, but nowhere near the 30-day mark like those in B&C.
Warseer does seem to hold the distinction of having the only rejection after the test briefs round.
While staring forlornly at my email inbox I looked once more over the writing principles that came with the briefs and got stuck on this bit...
Write about the miniatures...Everything should be seen through the eyes of the characters, all of whom should be easily identifiable as models.
Now if the 250 world limit is an import criteria for helping them decide who gets the nod, another import criteria (beyond the quality of writing, which may be something like number 32 in the criteria list) might be the level of market transference between your story and the GW 'product'?
So, while we wait for the stream of rejection emails to start flowing, lets play a game - how many GW 'products' did you mange to place in you tales? Here is my effort:
Part 1: Space Marine, Raven Guard, the Emperor, power sword, kommando.
Part 2: carapace armor, camo cloaks, long rifles, triglyceride gel, Ultramarines, Macragge, Behemoth, Battle for Macragge, Ultramar, Tyranids.
I regret not mentioning power armor specifically in part 1, but I couldn't find the room. It's also funny that we can piece together the story from these buzzwords.
The ones in brackets are ones I'm not sure count, but are GW IP.
My second one is pretty light, but it was a discussion of tactics, so I could only place a few things here and there. In hindsight, I probably should have simplified the scenario.
Anyone else getting that sinking feeling yet? Like they aren't going to bother responding to the second round entrants? I would have thought they might have whittled the numbers down by now...
Also - 3/4 Thunderhawks in the second brief , nice
EDIT: Also, Dicrel Seijin - nice placement of pauldron in there, subtle nod to the understanding of recent GW IP history. You will be a shoe in if Kirby is involved in the process
So here's what I think: normal human beings don't frequent GW's hiring page. Even if I'm wrong, I still think we forum goers will make up a reasonable portion of the applicants. Somebody from some forum should get in, but nobody's said anything yet. I imagine GW is going to spend take as long as they can (30 days) before committing to anyone.
That being said, the variety of GW's responses is odd. Two people got responses after 4 days detailing the reason for their rejection. However, at this point some people are past the 30 day mark without response.
In writing this I went and checked the other forums, and it makes me think we shouldn't expect responses. Still, I won't let myself be bothered by it until the end of this month.
Brief 2: Citadel cutting mat, Citadel realm of battle gameboard expansion, plastic glue (thin), Goblin Town, Boltgun Metal (got a bit Old Skool at the end there! ).
Brief 2: Citadel cutting mat, Citadel realm of battle gameboard expansion, plastic glue (thin), Goblin Town, Boltgun Metal (got a bit Old Skool at the end there! ).
I reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaally want to read your entry now.
Brief 2: Citadel cutting mat, Citadel realm of battle gameboard expansion, plastic glue (thin), Goblin Town, Boltgun Metal (got a bit Old Skool at the end there! ).
Iapedus wrote: Anyone else getting that sinking feeling yet? Like they aren't going to bother responding to the second round entrants? I would have thought they might have whittled the numbers down by now...
Also - 3/4 Thunderhawks in the second brief , nice
EDIT: Also, Dicrel Seijin - nice placement of pauldron in there, subtle nod to the understanding of recent GW IP history. You will be a shoe in if Kirby is involved in the process
I'm at 21 days, I've had that sinking feeling for a week now. I don't want to be left hanging.
And thanks. That was more from thinking about how an assault marine would move across the battlefield. I figured if he had to slam into anyone Hammer-of-Wrath-style, then boots or pauldron would be the best options, other body parts seem too unnatural or dangerous to try.
Dicrel Seijin wrote: That was more from thinking about how an assault marine would move across the battlefield. I figured if he had to slam into anyone Hammer-of-Wrath-style, then boots or pauldron would be the best options, other body parts seem too unnatural or dangerous to try.
Squidmanlolz wrote: I'm on 28, almost 29 days now.
I'm gonna bite the bullet on May first, and ask when we can expect a reply.
Speaking for those about to be rejected, we salute you.
And a little non-update, the guys over at B&C went silent going into last weekend. No one's posted rejections yet and some are coming up on 40 days. If they're a representative sample, it doesn't look good.
You'll recall they said you could ask for clarification on their intellectual property policies, so I figure I'd use that as an excuse to kick the nest. That was a week ago. I think they've stopped answering the mail. Party's over folks, and why I am still surprised nobody got the job?
I hate to say this but I am not sure I would hire anyone from this board... I barely even come on here anymore. All I see day after day click on news oh a new model click and poof 12 pages of hate ok moving on. Click on painting oh look 90 people asking for advise and getting mad at advice moving on. Look at fluff/general discus on wfb 5 new topics about people hating warhammer and how gamesworkshop fails. Oh and look all the hate is from the same 16 people....like every other day this month -_-.
Then I see a topic gamesworkshop looking for writers ironically 12 of the same 16 people who complain about ANYTHING and EVERYTHING GW does wants the job and gets annoyed they didn't get it. Face it boys GW checks these boards and they hate you
OgreChubbs wrote: ...Then I see a topic gamesworkshop looking for writers ironically 12 of the same 16 people who complain about ANYTHING and EVERYTHING GW does wants the job and gets annoyed they didn't get it. Face it boys GW checks these boards and they hate you
You're the only one annoyed here from what I can see!
Brief 2: Citadel cutting mat, Citadel realm of battle gameboard expansion, plastic glue (thin), Goblin Town, Boltgun Metal (got a bit Old Skool at the end there! ).
OgreChubbs wrote: I hate to say this but I am not sure I would hire anyone from this board... I barely even come on here anymore. All I see day after day click on news oh a new model click and poof 12 pages of hate ok moving on. Click on painting oh look 90 people asking for advise and getting mad at advice moving on. Look at fluff/general discus on wfb 5 new topics about people hating warhammer and how gamesworkshop fails. Oh and look all the hate is from the same 16 people....like every other day this month -_-.
Then I see a topic gamesworkshop looking for writers ironically 12 of the same 16 people who complain about ANYTHING and EVERYTHING GW does wants the job and gets annoyed they didn't get it. Face it boys GW checks these boards and they hate you
Good contribution to the discussion mate, thank you.
1) The email you post from is not relatable to who you are on the forum.
2) Random, aggressive post on a thread where people are being supportive and showing a community spirit.
Please, if you can't be constructive, keep your bile for another place. You have just done exactly in this thread what you accuse others of doing elsewhere.
In other news: Update:
Submission: 25/03/2015
Update: 25/04/2015 Still no news.
I'm on 31 days now without contact. I'll give it another 9 or so days and then I'll post my extracts in full to see what you guys think of my writing style.
Wulfmar wrote: Not exactly sure what OgreChuubs' point is.
I am kind of worried my sarcasm wasn't obvious.
Indeed, DONT FEED THE TROLL!
In other news, I have sent my chaser today (thinly disguised as a query about copyright). Not holding my breath, and if I don't hear anything by the end of the week I will post my briefs up in Fiction
I think the time has come to declare this a bust. Whoever did get accepted was probably forced to sign an aggressive non-disclosure that doesn't allow him/her to even admit that they are aware of such terms as "space" or "marine" much less that he/she plays with little plastic versions of such foreign and original source material that such a merchandising genius would be who could tap into that financial market. Possibly even forcing them to retreat to a third world country where they are required to stay within their 10x10 shack whose only amenity is a 1990 laptop with a secure internet connection that only allows them to view the GW webstore. </end bitter rant>
Automatically Appended Next Post: In other words, I'm also suggesting that we form a new thread where everyone can post their own rejected pieces of... work... for the scrutiny of all.
Gromgor wrote: In other words, I'm also suggesting that we form a new thread where everyone can post their own rejected pieces of... work... for the scrutiny of all.
I checked around. The threads in B&C, Heresy, and Warseer are all dead, no new posts in weeks. If anyone has been accepted, I agree that it's an insane NDA if you can't even state you're working for GW.
And I'm at 31 days with no word. I'm still trying to decide how much longer to wait before calling it. It's too bad that GW was so specific about what to write as unlike other poetry and fiction I send out, I can't just revise and resubmit elsewhere. Still, I don't regret trying--you can't win if you don't even enter the race.
They cited the original brief and said I didn't meet the criteria of points 1,5,6,7,8,9,10. Some of which I would argue, others I wonder how 250 words could convey everything they demanded.
They cited the original brief and said I didn't meet the criteria of points 1,5,6,7,8,9,10. Some of which I would argue, others I wonder how 250 words could convey everything they demanded.
I just got my rejection letter. Apparently, I wasn't even good enough for a chance to resubmit. I am actually a lot more down about this than I thought I would be. Good Luck to anyone still with a chance
I got my writing prompts today. Same as everyone else's earlier posted material. For timing context, I sent my inquiry after GW removed the job advert.
Gallus wrote: I just got my rejection letter. Apparently, I wasn't even good enough for a chance to resubmit. I am actually a lot more down about this than I thought I would be. Good Luck to anyone still with a chance
Post your story somewhere so we can read it and either lift your spirits or utterly crush you
I still don't have a letter - no news is good news, I guess
Gallus wrote: I just got my rejection letter. Apparently, I wasn't even good enough for a chance to resubmit. I am actually a lot more down about this than I thought I would be. Good Luck to anyone still with a chance
Post your story somewhere so we can read it and either lift your spirits or utterly crush you
I still don't have a letter - no news is good news, I guess
I posted mine in the thread mentioned up-page. Crush away. Fingers crossed for you.
Gallus wrote: I just got my rejection letter. Apparently, I wasn't even good enough for a chance to resubmit. I am actually a lot more down about this than I thought I would be. Good Luck to anyone still with a chance
Post your story somewhere so we can read it and either lift your spirits or utterly crush you
I still don't have a letter - no news is good news, I guess
I posted mine in the thread mentioned up-page. Crush away. Fingers crossed for you.
I think you did well, very similar to what I wrote. You did seem to have issues in the combat story with length though, but the 250 word limit was tricky as hell.
You have convinced me that I will be rejected as well though, so that should cheer you up
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Thunderfrog wrote: I literally started my first email with " I would like to write about Naestra and Arahan because..."
And they rejected me saying I didn't tell them what I wanted to write about and why.
Sledgio wrote: At this stage, would you say a 'no news is good news' approach is realistic, as some rejections have been sent out?
I wish I could think that!
Sadly I think it's more likely that they are over-worked and under-manned on this task. Leading to them having a slow turn-around in replying to people.
Submitted around March 20th, just got a rejection back today.
Both briefs failed on identical points:
Make it epic (Failed)
Battles (Failed)
Grab Attention (Failed)
Plot and Pacing (Met)
Characters (Failed)
Write about the miniatures (Failed)
...and the world they inhabit (Failed)
Be Original (Failed)
Leave the Door Open (Failed)
Make it Fantastical (Failed)
Not sure I really believe that it was read. I think it's weird that they failed it on what they did and passed it on plot and pacing. The rejection email said that I would be welcome to retry, and that the briefs (marine fighting ork, scout sergeant giving briefing) would be the same - but that they must be new \ original pieces.
Test briefs that I wrote were as follows for anyone interested:
Test Brief Part 1
There is nothing but the sacred roar of the bolter. Nothing but memory etched in muscle by a hundred years of discipline and rote repetition. The steps of the grand presidium and the streets before it were awash with the blood of filthy xenos. Their corpses were piled three high in places, a tide of orks halted by the withering fire of Septimus and his brothers of the Ultramarines 10th company.
Static on vox: Report.
“Objective sec—”
At the far end of the street greenskins regrouped beneath the yellow and black banner of the Bad Moons. From their midst emerged a massive ork wielding a force stave and wrapped in animal skins. A coppery stench filled the air. Auto-senses rebelled at the intrusion of the warp.
“PSYKER!” Brother Malicus bellowed.
Arcs of crackling white-green warp energy erupted in the air around them. Hot as plasma and twice as volatile. It ripped through power armour and found its way to flesh and bone. Malicus did not scream as his organs boiled and his armour became a molten tomb.
The blast threw Septimus forward, down the stairs and into the street. He lost his bolter, but was already in motion as he landed, bounding down the avenue with combat knife drawn. He crashed against the massed xeno mob. Bones snapped and broke at the impact. Orks moved to protect the psyker, but the Ultramarine pushed through, toward the true threat. Knife found skull and was rewarded.
The Emperor would be pleased.
Test Brief Part 2
Aboard the strike ship Sinum Victorum, Brother-Sergeant Juris Vex addressed the neophytes of the Ultramarines 10th company. His face was a crucible of nightmares, a conflagration of scars earned on alien planets across a lifetime of war. The neophytes revered him as sacred. One day they hoped to call him brother. For now, he was as a father.
A holo of the mission site crackled to life. Byzantine geometry. An industrial hive, home to thirty million human souls.
“We have intel that orks are using the sewers beneath Itraxa to outmaneuver the local militia. Due to their failure to adapt, much of the hive has fallen. This problem is ours to solve.”
“Our forces have collapsed the tunnels here,” he referenced the holo, “and here. Neophyte Trevian, tell me why.”
Trevian did not hesitate, “A bottleneck, Sir.”
“Correct. We will deploy behind enemy lines and infiltrate that bottleneck. Once we secure the objective, we will plant charges and hold. When the orks have massed in strength to dislodge us, we will detonate our explosives, ensuring grievous casualties. Mission complete, we will rendezvous with Squad Fortus in the plaza above to assist with evacuation of refugees sheltered there.”
Juris paused.
“Today, you will prove yourself worthy of the investment our glorious chapter makes in you. Today, you will prove yourself worthy of the gene-seed you carry inside you. You are trained. You are prepared. Today, your glories are the Emperor’s glories. Today, His eyes are upon you. You will not fail.”
Aali, I've read three sets of stories turned in. Yours was the only one that wasn't terrible: it was right there at GW standard. Don't be discouraged. I won't say who else had a submission that I read, because I don't want to cause hurt feelings. But you're definitely on a decent path. Keep it up!
Welp, today I joined the rejection club. For reference, I submitted on March 24th.
I don't really mind the rejection, but some of the criteria I supposedly failed to show were clearly displayed in the writing, so it was a little annoying on that front. It left me wondering if they'd properly read it, really, lol.
Akragth wrote: I don't really mind the rejection, but some of the criteria I supposedly failed to show were clearly displayed in the writing, so it was a little annoying on that front. It left me wondering if they'd properly read it, really, lol.
Maybe they should have put out a call for freelance readers first.
I was meaning to check my spelling and send it off.
