Welcome to the first Merlin Canon Fest!
Sadly, the rules aren't like guidelines--they're rules. We ask that you respect them. ♔
Frequently Asked Questions: (What you need to know!)
What is the Merlin Canon Fest?
It is an anonymous fic and art fest. You can claim a prompt or write your own.
What do you mean by "anonymous fest"?
First of all, please don't tell anyone other than your beta(s) what you're working on. We want the submissions to be kept as secret as possible. Due to that, please only mention your beta(s) by initials. Once the fest is over, there will be a big reveal and authors/artists will be able to respond to all your lovely comments! ♥
Who are the Mods?
Your mods are
winterstorrm pessen03 and
savagesnakes are your Mods for this fest!
I have a question that's not answered here. Where do I ask it?
You may ask any questions here in the comments. Additionally, you may PM or email the Mods directly.
What is the Mods' email address?
You can email the Mods at: merlin.mod@gmail.com.
What is the minimum length requirement for fic?
All entries must be at least 1,000 words in length. There is no maximum.
Does my entry need to be beta read?
Absolutely! If you don't already have a beta reader, please check
merlin_betas for someone willing to assist you. We will return your fic/art to you if it's a total mess and clearly hasn't been looked over.
Is there a rating limit?
All ratings are welcome. G to NC-17.
Are threesome/moresome stories allowed?
Hell, yes! ♥
Are all genres welcome?
Yes, all genres are welcome in this fest! Dark!fic, flangst, fluff, hurt/comfort, family, romance, drama, humor, etc. If you can write/draw it, we want it! we only ask that you fit this within canon as much as possible; i.e. if you want Leon/Geoffrey and Uther getting it, make us believe it could happen in canon!
Do I need to include html tags?
*Nods* Yes, yes, yes! Please make sure to include all appropriate html tags in the body of your story. Don't know what html tags are? Go check out
phoenixacid's
HTML Guide.
Can I write a story that's part of an existing 'verse or that's a sequel, or could I submit a WIP?
First off, all stories submitted must be unique to this fest. We prefer that they not be part of an existing 'verse or a sequel to another story. You may only submit complete stories; WIPs will not be accepted. Additionally, you may not submit a story that you have previously posted. We want shiny, new, surprise fic and art that will blow our readers away!
I like more than one prompt! May I submit multiple stories/pieces of art?
Absolutely! In fact, we would smother you with love and kisses if you wrote/drew more than one entry for the fest. However, you may not make a second, third, fourth, etc., claim until you have submitted your first one to the Mods.
How many people can claim the same prompt?
Each prompt may be claimed once for art and once for fic.
How many prompts can I submit?
As many as you want!
I want to write for the fest but I don't see a prompt I like, can I use my own?
Please do - prompts are not everybody's cup of tea! We welcome all entries.
Can I submit prompts even if I'm not going to write/draw for the fest?
Yes, please do! Our artists/authors will adore the variety. :D
I'm done with my entry. Can I submit early?
A million times "YES!" As soon as your entry is how you want it, feel free to email it to us. Once we've confirmed receipt, you can ask for an additional prompt. ♥
How do I submit my entry to the fest?
Email your entry to the Mods’ email account: merlin.mod@gmail.com. Fic should be sent in .docx, .doc, or .rtf format. Art should be jpeg, gif, or png, please. The subject of your email should read: YOUR USERNAME -- SUBMISSION -- Prompt # (e.g., Pessen03 -- Submission -- Prompt 34). Files should be titled: YOUR USERNAME_ART/FIC_TITLE (e.g., Pessen03_FIC_Seducing Merlin).
The deadline for sign-ups has passed, but I still want to play in the Merlin Canon love box! What do I do?
Sometimes claiming deadlines slip by without us noticing, sometimes we hear about a fest two blasted days after claiming ends, and sometimes Mods (like us) are awesome enough to be lenient. If you can guarantee that you will get your fic/art in when it's due, we'll let you make a claim even after official claiming ends. The more the merrier! Authors/artists who've already made a claim may continue to make additional claims even after official claiming closes.
Will you offer extensions?
Extensions will be judged on an individual basis. I'll be honest: if you ask for one, we'll want to see your progress. If your entry is due the next day and you haven't even bothered to start work...
Real life has kicked my arse and I need to drop out. What are the consequences?
Hey, we understand that sometimes real life gets in the way of true love. As long as you just send us an email saying you need to drop out--before the deadline for submissions--there will be no consequences. If you vanish off the face of the Earth, you will not be allowed to participate in future rounds of the Merlin Canon Fest. We really only ask that you be considerate and let us know when things go wrong.
If you intend to participate as an author/artist/reader, please join/watch
merlin_canon fest!
Rules blatantly stolen from
hpsmfest.