Thinking about joining BBB25 as a creator? Already signed up but have questions about what the role entails? We’ve put together some creator-specific FAQs! Creator signups close on April 30. Sign up here!
How long do I have to work on my creation?
You have from the end of claims (May 7) to the end of the posting window (July 31) to finish and post your creation! That way you’re guaranteed a full month to work after your writer’s fic has been finished, but you can get started early if you want!
What is the difference between a primary and secondary creation?
Primary creations are intended to be large, fairly intensive companion works— traditional/digital art pieces, podfics, or oneshots! Secondary creations tend to be less time consuming— playlists, edits, collages, moodboards, etc.
What is the minimum requirement for a creation?
For primary creations - one art piece, one podfic or a 1k fic. For secondary creations, there’s no minimum. If you have questions about whether a particular idea meets the requirements, reach out to a mod!
Is traditional/physical art allowed?
Of course! You just need to be able to upload it to AO3. We recommend scanning your finished work if possible, but if it’s something 3D or you don’t have access to a scanner, taking a photo in good lighting is fine.
What if I want to record a podfic?
We know podfics require a fully completed fic, meaning creators can’t start early, so we are extending the podfic posting deadline! You must have at least half of the podfic posted by July 31, and have it fully posted by August 14.
What are the guidelines for writing a oneshot?
A oneshot (if used as a primary creation) has to be 1k minimum. It can be a spin-off, a prequel, an epilogue, etc.— as long as it’s related directly to the fic you’re creating for, and follows our content guidelines!
Can I use art I’ve already been working on?
Your creation needs to be based on the fic you’re working on, and not just the band(s) starring in it, so all work must be created specifically for this challenge.
If I make a playlist, is there a way to avoid linking it to my personal Spotify account?
Yes, we’ve made a BBB Spotify account just for that! We’ll send out a form for submissions closer to the deadline if you wish to post your playlist there vs. your own account. You can also make a throwaway account or list the songs as text on AO3 without a direct playlist link!
I want to make something in a medium that isn’t covered in these examples, is that allowed?
Almost definitely yes! If you want to create something outside of the box and want a second opinion on whether it fits BBB, or if it’s more of a primary or secondary creation, reach out to a mod!
Can I create for more than one fic?
Yes, you’ll get the chance to claim two fics during the claims process. You may be allowed to work on more with mod approval, or you can sign up as a pinch hitter for the chance to do an extra creation if needed.
Can I create multiple art pieces for the same fic?
You’re only required to create one, but if inspiration strikes, awesome! Just remember, you have to have one piece uploaded to the AO3 collection by July 31. Don’t put so much on your plate that you can’t follow through, especially if you’re creating for more than one fic.
Does my writer have a say in what I create?
What you make is up to you! However, if you’re thinking of creating something that adds new characters –or especially new content warnings– to the original work, we recommend talking this over with your author to make sure they’re fine with the direction you’re taking. If your writer has a very specific vision for a creation they’d want, we recommend that they commission this from someone after the challenge is over.
When do I get access to my writer’s fic?
Writers can send you their fic as soon as you’re connected! If your writer doesn’t send their doc within a week of you being connected please let us know.
How much of my progress am I expected to share with my writer? Am I required to show my writer all of my progress in advance/let them into my doc, or can I let the final piece be a surprise?
We encourage open discussion and collaboration, especially if your work expands on the writer’s canon. However, if you know your writer well enough and think they’d enjoy it, ask them if they’d like a surprise! Just keep communicating throughout, even if you’re not showing them everything.
How often should I be checking in with my writer?
You and your writer can hash this out, but a good rule of thumb is maybe check in weekly/every other week! If you haven’t heard from your writer in a few weeks, you can reach out to the mod team for help.
I usually post art on Tumblr, Twitter or Instagram - am I allowed to crosspost my BBB work there?
Yes! Just make sure you also have it uploaded in the AO3 collection. If you’re posting your work elsewhere, and especially on Instagram, please remember the rule about not sharing BBB works with the people they’re about - do not tag bands in your post, and try not to use any hashtags the band members follow.
What if my writer drops out, or they stop replying to me?
This shouldn’t happen at this point in the challenge, but if it does, we’ll happily help assign you to another writer. Please let a member of the mod team know if you haven’t heard from your writer in more than two weeks!
If something comes up and I can’t commit enough time to my role, am I allowed to drop out?
Please look carefully at all your upcoming time commitments before you sign up to create, but we understand that sometimes unexpected things can happen. If you need to drop out, reach out to the mods as soon as possible! We may need to assign a pinch hitter to your writer so that they aren’t left without a creator.
Am I allowed to back out from a claim if the fic contents end up being too explicit for me?
During claims you’ll be able to see a plot, synopsis and all content warnings. This will help you choose a fic that matches your comfort level! If content changes dramatically enough that you no longer feel comfortable working on it (which should be unlikely), please let us know and we’ll do our best to reassign you to another fic.
It’s my first time participating in/creating for BBB, can I reach out to a mod if I need help figuring it out?
Always. That’s what we’re here for! Our contact info is included in the masterdoc and you can email us, DM the BBB account, or ask in the questions channel of the Discord server.
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