Rules, 2014 Round
General Rules
Where do I post my fic/art?
All fic and art will be posted on AO3 as a part of a Collection. You are certainly welcome to post your fic/art elsewhere, such as your Tumblr or Livejournal, so long as you don’t do so before your assigned posting date.
You will submit your finished work to a specific AO3 subcollection (don’t worry, it’s quite simple!). Do not publish your fic on AO3 without adding it to the subcollection! The mods will not have access to the formatting of your fic, nor can we manually add it. Only the author of a work can submit it to a collection/subcollection.
There will be a parent collection for the Sabriel Big Bang, and a subcollection for the 2014 challenge. Be certain you add it to the subcollection, not the parent collection! We will post links, a detailed guide, and more general information when it is closer to the posting date.
Once you’ve submitted your fic, send an email to sabrielbigbang(at)gmail(.)com with your AO3 username, fic title, and summary so we can ensure it has been submitted!
How do I submit something to an AO3 collection?
Here’s a general guide to collections on AO3. Also, check this guide on posting to a collection. We’ll be posting our own customized guide with images soon.
How do I format my work for AO3?
Check this handy guide for quick formatting.
But I’m not a member of AO3!
Don’t panic! There are several ways you can get an invite for AO3. You can go here and request one directly from Archive of Our Own, inquire over at AO3-Invitecodes, or go to this post to request one from your fellow participants.
Do I have to join the Livejournal community/follow the Tumblr?
It’s a very good idea. Joining the Livejournal community is highly recommended no matter what role you're pursuing. Art claims lists will be posted here on LiveJournal, while check-in and sign-up comments will be screened. You can comment anonymously, of course, but anon commenting has its limits. Following the Tumblr account is a very good idea as well, as in future years we may move the challenge off of Livejournal completely. You can use an Open ID account if you don’t have/want an LJ account. Here is a guide to Open ID.
For Writers
What are the requirements for my fic?
Your fic must be one that has never been posted online before, meets the required length for the challenge you’re attempting, and has been beta read. Most importantly, it must revolve around some combination of Gabriel, Sam Winchester, Richard Speight Jr., and Jared Padalecki.
Want to write Jared/Richard? Awesome! Itching to write Gabriel/Sam? Rock on, my friend. Sam/Richard or Jared/Gabriel? We can’t wait to read it!
What about Jared/Sam or Richard/Gabriel? Sorry friend, but that defeats the point of it being a Sabriel challenge. While we’re sure it’d be a great story, neither Jared/Sam nor Richard/Gabriel has a place in this particular challenge. If either is featured as a secondary pair, that’s fine! But neither can be the primary focus.
Does it have to focus on a romantic pairing?
Nope! If you want to write a story focusing on an epic friendship, go for it! Just keep in mind that you must focus on a relationship between Sam and Gabriel.
Does my fic really have to be beta read?
Yes. This is non-negotiable. We have a beta reader sign up page to help you! You can also check spn_betas for other betas unaffiliated with the Sabriel Big Bang.
My friend and I want to write a fic together! Is that all right?
Go for it! Co-written fics are perfectly acceptable! Keep in mind, though, that you won’t receive more art just because there are more authors.
I want to write a sequel to another fic I’ve already posted. Is that okay?
Absolutely! As long as your sequel fic has never been posted online, its fair game! The only constraint is that your story must stand alone. A sequel/prequel in which a reader would benefit from reading a prior work is fine. If a reader would be utterly lost if they haven’t read the 450,000 word series that precedes it, you’ll need to do something different for this challenge.
Can I have secondary pairings in my fic?
Sure thing! A relationship between Sam/Gabriel should be the main focus of your work, but secondary pairings are fine! If you want to write Sam/Gabriel with background Destiel, wonderful! If your secondary pairing involves either Sam or Gabriel, you must still feature Sam/Gabriel as your main pairing. An example of this would be a fic that starts out as Sam/Dean but ends up Sam/Gabriel.
Threesomes/Foursomes/Moresomes?
Go for it! Just make sure Sam/Gabriel or Jared/Richard is part of the main focus!
What can’t I write?
Just about everything is up for grabs here, so long as you are careful to label any triggers. There are two grand exceptions: work depicting underage children in violent/sexual situations, and real life children. For example, a high school Sabriel AU where they’re both 17 is fine. A fic where Gabriel gets it on with a 10 year-old Sam is not.
We also disallow RPF that features any actor’s real life children. Yes, we’re aware they feature in other RPF fics across the internet, but they are not allowed here.
Can I write RPF?
Want to write Jared/Richard, Jared/Gabriel, or Sam/Richard? We want to read it! You can absolutely choose to write RPF for your big bang piece.
What about AU’s? Crossovers?
Go for it! Just remember that Sam/Gabriel must be the focus of your work.
I don’t know what to write!
We have a plot bunny donation page to address just this problem! If you have a plot bunny you’d like to see written, but either can’t or don’t want to write it yourself, you can post it to help out our participants! Writers, if you see something you like, let the author of the plot bunny know! You can change your idea at any time.
I’ve been working on this one fic, but I’ve never posted it. Can I use it?
Yes! So long as it's never been published online, you can use it!
What’s the deal with the author check-in?
Don’t fret! It’s just a headcount of all the writers still with us, and a reminder that your draft due date is approaching. Keep in mind that the check-in is mandatory. If you don’t check in, you’ll be disqualified from participating in the challenge. If for some reason you can't access the internet on that particular date, just let a mod know.
All we need to know is how it’s going! Is your fic complete? Have you even started? Do you need some kind words from a cheerleader? There are no wrong answers! We just want to hear from you.
What if I can’t make the deadline?
Let a mod know as soon as possible. If you back out once posting has begun, you will be banned from participation in next year’s Sabriel Big Bang (but you will be eligible for participation the year after next).
Keep in mind as soon as your completed drafts are in, artist claims for big bang pieces will begin. Backing out after this point is unfair to the artist who may have already started work on your piece.
For Artists
What kind of art can I make?
You can make any type of art! Drawings, paintings, digital art, photomanips, or fanvids are all acceptable. All we ask is that you put some effort into it. Your author has worked very hard on their story, so please do your best on your piece!
Things such as icons or spacers do not count towards your requirement. You are certainly welcome to do these things in addition to your art piece (your author will undoubtedly be excited!), but they cannot be submitted as a primary artwork.
What about a fanmix?
We love fanmixes! At the bare minimum, you'll need a cover image, a second image with a tracklist, and a minimum of eight songs. The images should be no smaller than 400px by 400px, and should be tailored to the fic you've claimed (ideally including the fic title and author's name).
All we ask is that you put serious effort into it. Remember the writers are working hard, too!
How much art do I have to create?
You’re required to make one piece of art, but if inspiration strikes, you can certainly make more! (Mini bang pieces do not receive art.)
What are the requirements for my art?
Minimum Sizes:
Art/Paintings/Drawings/Manips: 500px by 500px; Fanvids: A minimum duration of two minutes; Wallpaper: 800px by 600px; Fanmixes: A minimum of two custom images and eight songs.
How does claiming work?
A claims post will go up on the Livejournal community, listing the one-paragraph summaries of submitted drafts. You will comment with the fic you’d like to claim and an alternate choice (all comments will be screened for privacy). The claims are first-come, first-serve, so if someone has already claimed your first choice, and your alternate is no longer available, a mod will reply and ask you to claim another.
If the number of completed drafts exceeds the number of artists, we will conduct multiple rounds of claiming to ensure all big bang fics receive an artist.
Do I need to join the Livejournal Community?
You'll have a hard time with art claims if you don't. Since comments will be screened on the art claims post, you’ll need to be a member in order to see your original comments and the mods' replies to it. Otherwise, we won't be able to effectively communicate and you may not get to claim the fic you want to create art for while we're busy trying to figure out who to contact.
So yes, you should join.
What’s the deal with the artist check-in?
Don’t fret! It’s just a headcount of all the artists still with us, and a reminder that your due date is approaching. Keep in mind that the check-in is mandatory. If you don’t check in, we’ll assume you’re no longer participating, and will seek a pinch hitter for the fic you’ve claimed.
All we need to know is how it’s going! Is your art complete? Have you even started? Do you need some kind words from a cheerleader? We just want to hear from you. Your mods are here for you and want to help.
What if I can’t make the deadline?
Please take this into consideration before putting a claim on a fic! Someone has worked very hard to write their fic, and backing out at the last minute is not only unfair to the author, but to the mods who will then need to scramble for a pinch hitter.
If you’ve already claimed a fic, but cannot make the corresponding art, contact a mod as soon as possible. Finding artists at the last minute is a near-impossible task, so the sooner you can tell us, the better.
If you back out within ten days of your posting date, you will be banned from participating in next year’s Sabriel Big Bang (but you’ll be eligible for the year after next). So please don’t procrastinate on creating your art!
Where do I post my fic/art?
All fic and art will be posted on AO3 as a part of a Collection. You are certainly welcome to post your fic/art elsewhere, such as your Tumblr or Livejournal, so long as you don’t do so before your assigned posting date.
You will submit your finished work to a specific AO3 subcollection (don’t worry, it’s quite simple!). Do not publish your fic on AO3 without adding it to the subcollection! The mods will not have access to the formatting of your fic, nor can we manually add it. Only the author of a work can submit it to a collection/subcollection.
There will be a parent collection for the Sabriel Big Bang, and a subcollection for the 2014 challenge. Be certain you add it to the subcollection, not the parent collection! We will post links, a detailed guide, and more general information when it is closer to the posting date.
Once you’ve submitted your fic, send an email to sabrielbigbang(at)gmail(.)com with your AO3 username, fic title, and summary so we can ensure it has been submitted!
How do I submit something to an AO3 collection?
Here’s a general guide to collections on AO3. Also, check this guide on posting to a collection. We’ll be posting our own customized guide with images soon.
How do I format my work for AO3?
Check this handy guide for quick formatting.
But I’m not a member of AO3!
Don’t panic! There are several ways you can get an invite for AO3. You can go here and request one directly from Archive of Our Own, inquire over at AO3-Invitecodes, or go to this post to request one from your fellow participants.
Do I have to join the Livejournal community/follow the Tumblr?
It’s a very good idea. Joining the Livejournal community is highly recommended no matter what role you're pursuing. Art claims lists will be posted here on LiveJournal, while check-in and sign-up comments will be screened. You can comment anonymously, of course, but anon commenting has its limits. Following the Tumblr account is a very good idea as well, as in future years we may move the challenge off of Livejournal completely. You can use an Open ID account if you don’t have/want an LJ account. Here is a guide to Open ID.
For Writers
What are the requirements for my fic?
Your fic must be one that has never been posted online before, meets the required length for the challenge you’re attempting, and has been beta read. Most importantly, it must revolve around some combination of Gabriel, Sam Winchester, Richard Speight Jr., and Jared Padalecki.
Want to write Jared/Richard? Awesome! Itching to write Gabriel/Sam? Rock on, my friend. Sam/Richard or Jared/Gabriel? We can’t wait to read it!
What about Jared/Sam or Richard/Gabriel? Sorry friend, but that defeats the point of it being a Sabriel challenge. While we’re sure it’d be a great story, neither Jared/Sam nor Richard/Gabriel has a place in this particular challenge. If either is featured as a secondary pair, that’s fine! But neither can be the primary focus.
Does it have to focus on a romantic pairing?
Nope! If you want to write a story focusing on an epic friendship, go for it! Just keep in mind that you must focus on a relationship between Sam and Gabriel.
Does my fic really have to be beta read?
Yes. This is non-negotiable. We have a beta reader sign up page to help you! You can also check spn_betas for other betas unaffiliated with the Sabriel Big Bang.
My friend and I want to write a fic together! Is that all right?
Go for it! Co-written fics are perfectly acceptable! Keep in mind, though, that you won’t receive more art just because there are more authors.
I want to write a sequel to another fic I’ve already posted. Is that okay?
Absolutely! As long as your sequel fic has never been posted online, its fair game! The only constraint is that your story must stand alone. A sequel/prequel in which a reader would benefit from reading a prior work is fine. If a reader would be utterly lost if they haven’t read the 450,000 word series that precedes it, you’ll need to do something different for this challenge.
Can I have secondary pairings in my fic?
Sure thing! A relationship between Sam/Gabriel should be the main focus of your work, but secondary pairings are fine! If you want to write Sam/Gabriel with background Destiel, wonderful! If your secondary pairing involves either Sam or Gabriel, you must still feature Sam/Gabriel as your main pairing. An example of this would be a fic that starts out as Sam/Dean but ends up Sam/Gabriel.
Threesomes/Foursomes/Moresomes?
Go for it! Just make sure Sam/Gabriel or Jared/Richard is part of the main focus!
What can’t I write?
Just about everything is up for grabs here, so long as you are careful to label any triggers. There are two grand exceptions: work depicting underage children in violent/sexual situations, and real life children. For example, a high school Sabriel AU where they’re both 17 is fine. A fic where Gabriel gets it on with a 10 year-old Sam is not.
We also disallow RPF that features any actor’s real life children. Yes, we’re aware they feature in other RPF fics across the internet, but they are not allowed here.
Can I write RPF?
Want to write Jared/Richard, Jared/Gabriel, or Sam/Richard? We want to read it! You can absolutely choose to write RPF for your big bang piece.
What about AU’s? Crossovers?
Go for it! Just remember that Sam/Gabriel must be the focus of your work.
I don’t know what to write!
We have a plot bunny donation page to address just this problem! If you have a plot bunny you’d like to see written, but either can’t or don’t want to write it yourself, you can post it to help out our participants! Writers, if you see something you like, let the author of the plot bunny know! You can change your idea at any time.
I’ve been working on this one fic, but I’ve never posted it. Can I use it?
Yes! So long as it's never been published online, you can use it!
What’s the deal with the author check-in?
Don’t fret! It’s just a headcount of all the writers still with us, and a reminder that your draft due date is approaching. Keep in mind that the check-in is mandatory. If you don’t check in, you’ll be disqualified from participating in the challenge. If for some reason you can't access the internet on that particular date, just let a mod know.
All we need to know is how it’s going! Is your fic complete? Have you even started? Do you need some kind words from a cheerleader? There are no wrong answers! We just want to hear from you.
What if I can’t make the deadline?
Let a mod know as soon as possible. If you back out once posting has begun, you will be banned from participation in next year’s Sabriel Big Bang (but you will be eligible for participation the year after next).
Keep in mind as soon as your completed drafts are in, artist claims for big bang pieces will begin. Backing out after this point is unfair to the artist who may have already started work on your piece.
For Artists
What kind of art can I make?
You can make any type of art! Drawings, paintings, digital art, photomanips, or fanvids are all acceptable. All we ask is that you put some effort into it. Your author has worked very hard on their story, so please do your best on your piece!
Things such as icons or spacers do not count towards your requirement. You are certainly welcome to do these things in addition to your art piece (your author will undoubtedly be excited!), but they cannot be submitted as a primary artwork.
What about a fanmix?
We love fanmixes! At the bare minimum, you'll need a cover image, a second image with a tracklist, and a minimum of eight songs. The images should be no smaller than 400px by 400px, and should be tailored to the fic you've claimed (ideally including the fic title and author's name).
All we ask is that you put serious effort into it. Remember the writers are working hard, too!
How much art do I have to create?
You’re required to make one piece of art, but if inspiration strikes, you can certainly make more! (Mini bang pieces do not receive art.)
What are the requirements for my art?
Minimum Sizes:
Art/Paintings/Drawings/Manips: 500px by 500px; Fanvids: A minimum duration of two minutes; Wallpaper: 800px by 600px; Fanmixes: A minimum of two custom images and eight songs.
How does claiming work?
A claims post will go up on the Livejournal community, listing the one-paragraph summaries of submitted drafts. You will comment with the fic you’d like to claim and an alternate choice (all comments will be screened for privacy). The claims are first-come, first-serve, so if someone has already claimed your first choice, and your alternate is no longer available, a mod will reply and ask you to claim another.
If the number of completed drafts exceeds the number of artists, we will conduct multiple rounds of claiming to ensure all big bang fics receive an artist.
Do I need to join the Livejournal Community?
You'll have a hard time with art claims if you don't. Since comments will be screened on the art claims post, you’ll need to be a member in order to see your original comments and the mods' replies to it. Otherwise, we won't be able to effectively communicate and you may not get to claim the fic you want to create art for while we're busy trying to figure out who to contact.
So yes, you should join.
What’s the deal with the artist check-in?
Don’t fret! It’s just a headcount of all the artists still with us, and a reminder that your due date is approaching. Keep in mind that the check-in is mandatory. If you don’t check in, we’ll assume you’re no longer participating, and will seek a pinch hitter for the fic you’ve claimed.
All we need to know is how it’s going! Is your art complete? Have you even started? Do you need some kind words from a cheerleader? We just want to hear from you. Your mods are here for you and want to help.
What if I can’t make the deadline?
Please take this into consideration before putting a claim on a fic! Someone has worked very hard to write their fic, and backing out at the last minute is not only unfair to the author, but to the mods who will then need to scramble for a pinch hitter.
If you’ve already claimed a fic, but cannot make the corresponding art, contact a mod as soon as possible. Finding artists at the last minute is a near-impossible task, so the sooner you can tell us, the better.
If you back out within ten days of your posting date, you will be banned from participating in next year’s Sabriel Big Bang (but you’ll be eligible for the year after next). So please don’t procrastinate on creating your art!