Hello! This guide was made for people who are new to the online zine or collaborative project community. This is good for people looking to be apart of projects, want to buy a zine, or simply want to learn more. This guide was made with physical, for-profit zines in mind but has tips that also apply to charity, digital-only, and free zines.Please remember that every project is different and it's important to use your best judgment on the risks you are willing to take. All physical projects have risks. This is a reality of these projects, some may not be fulfilled due to a lack of sales.What is a "Zine"?
There are some variations of zines. In this context, a zine is a physical or digital self-published book that is available for a limited amount of time. Physical zines may vary in binding (saddle-stitch, perfect-bound, spiral-bound) or material (paperback vs hardcover).Most zines have a small window of when it will be available, you will not be able to get the zine after the window is closed. Although zines can be produced, and shipped by one person—this guide is made with application-based collaborative projects that feature a group of moderators and contributors in mind.What does "joining a zine mean"?
It means contributing to the project, hence being called a "contributor". As a contributor, the expectations are that you
1. communicate with your moderators about any delays or problems you may face
2. adhere to the schedule by meeting deadlines
3. assist in marketing the project so it's successful
4. in return a contributor is typically rewarded with any digital products and (if sales are successful) a physical copy of the project.Derivatives and Deviations
Not all projects are explicitly marketed as "zines". Although some may vary in end product, the process and target audience is typically the same

What would you like to learn about?

• 1. Zine Basics
• 2. Applications
• 3. The Checklist

Disclaimer: Every zine is different. These are just tips and some general information about zines. They aren't guaranteed to help you find successful zines or get accepted into zines.

So... you found a cool zine. Now what?

Research. Research. Research. Any zine shared by a zine retweet/reblog account does not have an automatic green check of approval for being credible. Take your time to research the zines you choose to dedicate time to and support. Do not blindly invest yourself in something you know nothing about.So where should you start? When it comes to researching zines, the most important things to consider is "What do I know about the zine?" and "Who are the mods?". The goal is not to encounter a displeasing surprise.1. The Basics
This is the bare minimum of what you should know about the zine. Zine concept, content restrictions — or lack of them —, timeline, compensation.2. Mod Credibility
The people are the face of the zine they control the project. They're responsible for sharing news about the zine, looking over contributor applications, and make decisions for the zine. You want someone you can trust in this role.3. Mod Roles
What exactly are the mods doing? What do these roles entail?;tldr
Just need a refresher? Here's a summary

The Basics

Types of ProjectsThere are three categories that zines fit into: Free, Digital-only, and Physical. Each category has a different level of commitment and responsibility. This resource was made primarily with Digital-Only and Physical zines in mind due to the higher stakes and responsibility that come with it.

Zine Timelines
Typically a zine will run from about 6 to 9 months depending on the size of the project. It's broken up into a few parts:

Zine Announcements
This is information typically shared as content throughout the zine period. It is in good practice that these things are shared for transparency for the project

Information you should pay attention to:Mod Information Availability
Oftentimes moderators will wait for a full team before announcing who is on their team but this is a red flag. Mod information should be available if the project is public. Mod applicants should know who they could be working for.
TIP: Do not apply to a zine if there is NO mod information available. You have the right to know who you will be working with. Do not go in blind.Tone
There should be some professionalism from the zine. How do they reply to questions, are they courteous or rude?Some zines have a "voice" like how Wendy's is sarcastic. This is fine, as long as they still reply to important things with actual information.Check out the FAQ
Oftentimes it has answers to most of the information you need. Usually, it should be in an easy-to-find space — usually, the zine Tumblr or carrd will have a link easily accessible.
TIP Do NOT go straight to the ask box or Curiouscat with your questions. Check out the FAQ and social media pages to see what information they are providing to the public without needing to be prompted. It's important to know what they are sharing and what they are overlooking.Deadlines
Keep track of deadlines if you wish to apply or preorder!
TIP for Mods: Make the deadline easy to see if you're advertising something! Type it out in text area as well as having it in the image, especially if you have it in a gif and it is not always present!Accessibility
How easily accessible information is? Can you easily find the information or do you have to dig for it? If the information is easily available, the mods are showing themselves as communicative and organized. Two traits that you want from a Moderator, especially as a contributor.What to look for in the FAQ:

Mod Credibility

Here are some things you should look for when looking up moderators. If you were thinking of becoming a moderator it helps to build up your credibility as well.Red Flag If a mod refuses to give information about themselves "before a full mod team is assembled" do not pass go, do not collect $200, and do not apply to the zine. You deserve to know who you will be working with.Social Media
A social media link is like putting a name to a face. So many people share the same name, it's important to know who they are.Red Flag Refusing to share profiles, newly made, or empty profiles.
This can indicate hiding a past wrongdoing.Age
Not required on the zine page, but should not be hard to find if looking into the mod team. Age is extremely important if the zine has NSFW content even as a side zine — all mods should be over 18.Red Flag: A finance mod should be over the age of 18. Most zines use Paypal and the qualification for making an account is to be over 18.Experience
Often times online experience is the best form of experience as it can be looked up. Past zine mod experience is what most zines look for but overall, something that shows the ability to commit to a long-term project is a good experience. For example, experience moderating events like big bangs or fan weeks/months. Contributor experience in zines as well as bigbang participation are also applicable.Note Sometimes...experience is not a reflection of ability.Past Projects
Have they completed projects already and how did they turn out? Look up the zines to check them out. If you know people from their past projects, don't be afraid to ask about how they were on the project.Red Flag: Being in too many ongoing zines at once. Consider the schedule of each zine as well as their job.

Mod Roles

A mod team is very important, some roles maybe more important to you. Here's some more information about teamsMod Size
Most mod teams average around 5 people to help balance the responsibilities and roles that are needed to make the project run smoothly.
Red Flag: Watch out for bigger zine teams, oftentimes it allows the opportunity for people to just "hang out" without any tasks or responsibilities.Tip: Watch out for zines that have multiple people with the same role or "empty titles". Oftentimes it is just a glorified title for "didn't really do anything".Mod Intern
Interning is a way to get some experience as a mod. Typically Interns help with organization and communication.

;tldr

Overall, here are the basics you should know about a zine before applying for it. Although some this information is not important when buying zines, look for this information anyway. If this information is not available by preorders it reflects badly on the mods.Mod Information
Social Media links - Do not apply to anything without this information
Roles
Past ExperienceThings to know before applying as a contributor
General zine information: Theme, Schedule, Number of Contributors, Zine Rating, Compensation
Application RequirementsThings to know before preordering
Where are the proceeds going? - If its a charity zine, what is the charity?
Contributor list

• Continue to Part 2: Applying to Zines

Getting Ready to Apply

This section is going to revolve around applying as a contributor.This can be broken up into two parts 1. What do I need to know before applying and 2. How to make a portfolio.

What to know before applying?

Read the FAQ. Every zine is not the same, often time contributors are disappointed because of this expectation.What is a guest contributor?
A guest is someone who was invited into the zine, thus skipping the application process.What is a pinch contributor?
A pinch is someone who can come into the zine in the middle of the creation period and cover for a contributor who had to drop out.Compensation - what you get for the time you put into the zine.
Some zines promise a free printed version of the zine, while some only promise a digital copy and a physical copy ONLY if the preorder sales permit.Deliverables what you're submitting to the zine.
Often times it's one illustration or a fic.
Tip if you are an artist applying to a print zine, make sure you have the resources to create art at 300 DPI in CMYK. Not all art programs support CMYK.Schedule
Check the schedule and make sure it works for you. Contributors are expected to follow the schedule and meet all the check-ins. It is good contributor etiquette to communicate with the mods if you need an extension.
Note while check-ins can be flexible, you do not want to be asking for an extension on the final due date.Portfolio Expectations (Check the FAQ)
Most zines will list their expectations in the FAQ. How many pieces of work, a word count, etc. Not following these expectations usually reflects poorly on applicants since it shows an inability to follow directions.
See: Tips on making your portfolio for more Be vigilant until the end
DO NOT check out of a zine after submitting your final piece. Stay up to date with the zine until the project has concluded completely. There are zine previews to look at, and often times a compensation form. Zines may also offer the opportunity to buy extra items at a production price.Typical Contributor Expectations Zine Etiquette

Tips on making your portfolio

Your portfolio is important as this might be the first look at your workKeep your portfolio SFW
Unless the zine you're applying to is explicitly NSFW, it is in good practice to keep your portfolio SFW. Check the FAQ and application guidelines to see if the zine will allow NSFW content. If they do not specify, and you wish to share NSFW content, send them an ask.
Some moderators may not be comfortable with NSFW content and not all of them may be of age to view explicit content.Curate your portfolio - only showcase what you believe is your best work to make the best impression. You do not want to be remembered by your weakest piece.
Tip Try to include at least one piece from the fandom the zine is in. Especially if you're a writer, it's hard to read about characters you do not know.What should go into your portfolio?
Look at the application requirements and expectations. A lot of zines have them. But here are some general tips:
Artists: Most zines look for 6-10 examples of completed work that showcase an understanding of anatomy, composition, lighting, color, perspective. Include pieces with backgrounds that set a scene!
Writers: Most zines look for 3 examples of work between 2-4k. Unlike art, reading a fic is more time-intensive so try to keep within their word count.
TIP "One shots" are better than excerpts, as you will need to write a short fic for the zine.What platform to use:
Artists:
The goal is to easily show the bulk of your work in 2 seconds. You do not want them to dig for your art.
Portfolio websites Carrd, Behance, Wix, Squarespace, ArtStation.
File Sharing Websites Google Drive, Dropbox, sta.sh
Tip Try not to use websites like Twitter/Tumblr which can mix your art with other content, or require viewers to scroll a lot.
Tip Try not to hide your work within multiple folders that require viewers to search for your work.Writers
Pay attention to your formatting as well. If your fic is terribly formatted, it is distracting. Pay attention to your margins, the space between your paragraphs, and your font size.
File Sharing Websites Google Drive, Dropbox, sta.sh
Writing Websites Archive of our own.
Tip Try staying away from writing websites like Wattpad which is littered with ads or fanfiction.net which is banned in some countries.
Tip Try not to submit fanfiction from genres outside of the fandom to the zine you're applying to. Often time fanfiction relies on the reader already knowing the characters—and the moderators may not be familiar with the fandom you chose.Remember to check your Google Links
Check the settings on your google links to "anyone with the link can view". Some mods will skip your application if they can not view your portfolio.

The Zine Research Checklist
Everyone considers different pros and cons before committing to a project. To get yourself started, here's a small list of important things you may want to know before applying.