Fairy Stories Zine

Focused on magick, mysticism, folklore, and fairy tales, this zine brings together everything magical from across the Pokémon games into one giant fic anthology! This zine will flesh out the lore of each Pokémon region, with pieces ranging from fic of characters interacting with mystical Pokémon, to fairy tales from across the Pokémon world, to meta commentaries on magical settings like Ballonlea and the Sinjoh Ruins, and beyond!

Creation Period

Contributors have been brought into our Discord server and are hard at work on their pieces! We're so excited to get to work on all these amazing stories and to create a gorgeous, dreamy storybook!

Applications

Applications are open July 15 – August 15, 2024! Check this page to see what we are looking for & to help craft your portfolio. Each contributor will be expected to create an all-new piece for this zine, and your portfolio will show us what kind of work you plan on contributing to the project!Accepted contributors agree to keep their works for this zine undisclosed to their social medias, websites, and other methods of online sharing until after the zine has completed production and has entered leftover sales.See below for specific guidelines for: Writer Apps | Spot Artist Apps | Merch Artist Apps

No prior zine experience is needed to be accepted to this zine; we will only be looking at your samples and portfolio, not your social media following or zine history.Applicants must be 18 or older at the time that contributor apps close to be considered.All communication will be done through a Discord server; as such, accepted contributors must have a Discord account or make one for this project.Please do not include NSFW material (e.g. sexual content, graphics violence, gore) in your application samples or portfolio. Any application containing NSFW material will not be considered.Generative AI/NFTs/crypto/etc. are not allowed in this project. Any artist or writer found to be using or selling generative AI/NFTs/crypto/etc. will have their application disqualified. If this is discovered after the artist or writer has been accepted to the zine, that creator will be removed from the zine and a pinch hitter will be contacted to replace them.

We are looking for writers to create fic, essays, and other prose works. Each piece will be centered on the folklore, mythology, magick, and mysticism of the Pokémon universe. Written works will have a maximum word count of 2,500 words. Writers will also be paired with a spot artist who will create illustrations for their piece; it is expected that artists and writers are in communication in their shared Discord channel for the duration of the project's creation period.Applications will be graded on a variety of elements, including (but not limited to):
◦ execution of style (e.g. a full narrative is told within word count; writing style holds reader's attention)
◦ characterization (e.g. are the characters recognizably those characters?)
◦ world-building (e.g. settings are described; canon lore is not simply rehashed but explored or expanded)
◦ technical skill (e.g. spelling & grammar)What we want to see in your application:
◦ 3 samples of your best writing in the style you want to write for the zine. Samples should be no more than 3,000 words. At least two samples must be complete one-shots.
◦ A portfolio containing 3–6 written pieces of no more than 3,000 words each. These pieces may be complete one-shots or excerpts from longer pieces, though complete works are preferred.
◦ Space will be provided in the application for content warnings for each sample and for your portfolio; please use this space to warn the moderators of any heavier topics, spoilers, etc.

We are looking for spot artists to work with writers and provide black & white or greyscale spot illustrations of their written pieces. Each spot artist will be assigned two writers to work with, and will be asked to create 1–3 art pieces per writer, for a total of 2–6 spot illustrations. It is expected that artists and writers are in communication in their shared Discord channels for the duration of the project's creation period.Applications will be graded on a variety of elements, including (but not limited to):
◦ use of color (remember, we're printing in black/white!)
◦ values & lighting
◦ Pokémon or animal stylization
◦ composition & perspective
◦ use of negative space & silhouettesWhat we want to see in your application:
◦ 3 samples of your best work in the style you want to draw for the zine. Samples should be completed pieces only. Keep in mind this zine will be printed in black & white/greyscale, so choose your colorful samples accordingly!
◦ At least two of your samples must feature Pokémon, realistic animal art, stylized animal art, or furry art.
◦ A portfolio containing 3–6 pieces of your best works.
◦ Because the zine will be printed in black & white/greyscale only, pieces that are monochomatic color palettes or that showcase strong values will be good examples to use.
◦ Space will be provided in the application for content warnings for each sample and for your portfolio; please use this space to warn the moderators of any heavier topics, spoilers, etc.

We are looking for merch artists to design merchandise to accompany our anthology. Each merch artist will design 1–2 pieces of merch, which will be produced for the zine's sales by the moderator team. Prior experience in making merch is not required to apply as a merch artist.Applications will be graded on a variety of elements, including (but not limited to):
◦ use of color
◦ values & lighting
◦ Pokémon or animal stylization
◦ composition & perspective
◦ use of negative space & silhouettesWhat we want to see in your application:
◦ 3 samples of your best work in the style you want to draw for the zine. Samples should be completed pieces only.
◦ At least two of your samples must feature Pokémon, realistic animal art, stylized animal art, or furry art.
◦ Merch will be printed in color (in contrast to the zine book, which will be printed in black & white), so please ensure your merch application showcases that!
◦ A portfolio containing 3–6 pieces of your best works.
◦ Space will be provided in the application for content warnings for each sample and for your portfolio; please use this space to warn the moderators of any heavier topics, spoilers, etc.
• Merch applications will include a space for you to indicate your top 3 choices for merch items you would like to create; please choose your samples accordingly! e.g. if you would prefer to make a print, your samples should include full backgrounds; if you would prefer to make an acrylic charm, your samples should showcase simpler designs featuring characters or Pokémon.Finalized Merch Menu
After reviewing our interest check results and researching manufacturers, we have determined that we will be producing the following merch items for the zine (final quantities of each to be determined):
• Prints
• Die-cut Stickers
• Acrylic Charms
• Washi Tape
• Enamel Pin
• Book Tote

FAQ

What is a zine?
The term "zine" "has been used for several types of amateur periodical from different communities" (Source: Fanlore). In this context, Fairy Stories is a fanzine, a collection of fanfiction and fanart gathered into a book format. Fanzines are often printed and sold for charity or profit, and are often sold with fanmade merchandise such as acrylic charms and prints.What is this zine about?
As described on our carrd's homepage, this zine focuses on magick, mysticism, folklore, and fairy tales in the Pokémon universe. This zine is a fanfiction anthology, highlighting written works and featuring spot art and a small amount of merch.Is this zine for charity or profit?
This zine will be for charity! We will be donating all profits after production costs to a charity focusing on literacy, banned books, and/or reading (TBD at a future date).What is the rating for this project?
This project is rated PG-13. All subject matter should be appropriate for a "G" or a "T" rating on Archive of Our Own.

How old do you have to be to apply?
Applicants must be 18 years or older by the time contributor applications close to be considered.Do I have to have prior zine experience to be considered for this zine?
Nope! This zine is open to applicants regardless of zine experience. If you have any questions on the process, check out resources like ZineBaby and feel free to DM or email us with questions!What are you looking for in an application?
We will have a page set up detailing what we are looking for in applications closer to the contributor application period!How many contributors will you be accepting?
Depending on the results of our interest check, we hope to accept 30 writers, 15 spot artists, 1 cover artist, and 4–7 merch artists.What will be expected of each contributor?
- Writers will be expected to create one written work within the zine's theme, with a maximum of 2,500 words.
- Spot Artists will be expected to create spot art (1–3 smaller pieces illustrating a written work) for 2 written pieces (total of 2–6 spot illustrations). Spot art may be printed only in black/white depending on our final zine spec decisions.
- Merch Artists will be expected to design 1–2 pieces of merch. A finalized merch menu will be posted when we post our application guidelines.
- The Cover Artist will be expected to design the front + back cover of the zine, the spine, and may work closely with the formatting mod to design the inner cover depending on discussion between the two.Can I submit an older piece to this zine?
No. All pieces compiled in this zine must be newly created for this project.Can I include ships in my piece?
Ships will not be allowed in this zine. As it is the theme of this zine, we prefer to keep the focus of each piece on the magick, mysticism, folklore, and fairy tales of the Pokemon universe.How will contributors be compensated?
Each contributor is guaranteed a digital bundle. If finances allow for it, contributors may also receive a free physical copy of the zine and the merch bundle. Contributors will also have the opportunity to purchase additional copies of the zine + merch at production cost.

How do sales work for this?
This zine will operate on a preorder model. Supporters will purchase the bundle they wish to order during our preorder period in early 2025. After preorders close, the moderator team will enter production period, during which we will order product based on the number of sales during the preorder period.
Once books & merch are produced, they will be shipped out, then contributor compensation bundles will be shipped (as applicable), and then any remaining books and merch will be sold during a leftover sales period. Grade B merch (produced with flaws such as minor printing errors and small scratches) may be available for a slightly lower price during the leftover sales period.
As stated in our schedule, we aim to have our preorders in early 2025, and to be shipping by Summer 2025.Will you be able to ship to my country?
While we hope to offer sales to as many countries as possible, some countries may not be accepting packages from the United States due to postal restrictions & world events. You can see an up-to-date list of those countries here.

Moderators

they/them

Twitter | Tumblr | Ao3

Shrapnel

Host + Writing Lead

Hiya! I’m Shrapnel, fic writer and ever-tired grad student. I write stories about jocks in love 🌸 I've been playing Pokémon for as long as I can remember, but SwSh captured my heart in 2020. I’m so excited to bring this zine to life and feature Pokémon fandom’s amazing writers!Experience
- Host + Writing Mod for Death Is Only The Beginning
- Writing + Social Media Mod for Fulminate & Homemade in Hyrule
- Guest Writer for Of Fantasy & Monster, Sky is the Limit, & You're Not Alone
- and more! Check out their carrd here

they/them

Twitter | Instagram | Website

Nisnow

Finance + Shipping Mod

Heyo! I'm Nisnow, a software engineer by day and an illustrator + writer by night. I'm a small business owner who tables at conventions promoting my illustrated steampunk-fantasy novel, The Clockmaker's Daughter, and selling my art and merch of my brand Steamworks Family. I've been doing zines for nearly half a decade and am super excited to bring this zine to life as the finance and production mod!Experience
- Small business owner of Nisnow Studios
- Host, design, finance, production & fulfillment mod for Beyond the Sky: a Xenoblade Chronicles zine and Full Steam Ahead!
- Graphics and finance mod for Winds of Hoenn
- Promo artist and illustrator for Nomtendo

she/her

Twitter | Tumblr

Charley

Writing Mod

Hey! I'm Charley, an irish writer and musician and lover of books and swords. Pokémon is my favourite thing of all time and I'm excited to be able to help bring more fun fanworks to life!Experience
- Writing Mod for Pokémon Zine Hub
- Writing Mod for Champion Time
- Writing Mod for Winds of Hoenn

she/he/they

Instagram | Tumblr | Ao3

Tayber

Writing Mod

Yo! I’m Tay, freelance editor and writer of fanfic & original fiction. I love making stories shine and helping writers grow. I’ve played Pokémon since the first game release, and been in fandom since 2005 on Livejournal, fanfiction.net, and the RP circles at Insanejournal. I’m excited to be working on this amazing project as my first zine!Experience
- Editor for Toyon Literary Magazine Vol. 67, De Dos Lados
- Editor for ShrapnelChan’s fics
- RPG Moderator, Player & Iconmaker at Insanejournal

she/her

Twitter

Miniyuna

Art Mod

Hey im miniyuna!!! I adore pokémon and even more, FAIRY pokémon! The type made for me!!! This idea was so cute i couldnt resist! ❤️Experience
- Head Mod & Art Mod for You're Not Alone
- Head Mod & Art Mod for Turtles Together
- Head Mod for Fairy Dust & Iron Rust

she/her

Twitter | Tumblr | Carrd

Quo

Formatting Mod

Graphic designer by trade and a pixel, illustration, and zine enthusiast.Experience
- Head, Graphics, & Formatting Mod for Dungeon Meshi Cookbook Zine
- Graphics & Formatting Mod for Ipse Facto: A Phoenix Wright Zine
- Graphics & Formatting Mod for Eternal Ephemera: A Witch Hat Atelier Fine Art Zine
- and more!

she/her

Twitter

Chi

Graphics Mod

Hi hi! I'm Chi, graphic designer by day, fanfic writer by night. I like my pokémon cute and fluffy, just like my dogs! It's an honor to be a part of this zine and work with this incredible team of moderators. I hope you're as excited for this zine just as much as I am!Experience
- Graphics + Layout Mod for Fairy Dust & Iron Rust & Lover's Encounter
- Graphics Mod for With the Stars & Us
- 2020-2024 Graphics Mod for ShuAnn Week

she/her

Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr

Jimmy

Social Media Mod

Hiya! My name is Jimmy and I’ve been a fan of Pokémon since I was around 8 years old! My first game was HeartGold and my fave generations are II, V, and VII! I really enjoy the world of Pokémon, and I am excited to delve back into the Pokémon fandom!Experience- Co-Head and Social Media for Hyrule Fashion Anthology
- Design Intern for Blood Moon Rising
- Social Media and Design Assistant for Near Dawn

she/her

Instagram | Twitter

Copicdragon

Organization Mod

Hi, I'm copicdragon! I've been a pokémon fan as long as I can remember (X is my favorite!) and I'm really excited for this zine. Like many of us, much of my free time is dedicated to zines these days- whether as a mod, page artist, or crocheter, I am usually working on some sort of contribution!Experience
- Organization & Shipping Mod for Homemade in Hyrule
- Organization and Co-Head Mod for Blood Moon Rising
- Organization Mod for Near Dawn and Hyrule Fashion Anthology

Schedule

Schedule is currently anticipated and is subject to change.

Newsletter

Stay up-to-date with our project by signing up for our email newsletter! We'll let you know how creation period is going, when preorders open, and about any production updates, with info going straight to your email inbox.