{mod post} information; faq
GENERAL
What is a big bang challenge?
A big bang challenge is a collaborative project between authors and artists. Authors sign up to write long fanfiction within a predetermined time frame, and artists sign up to create art based on these stories
The concept originated from the Harry/Draco Big Bang, Baby challenge, and has since become a cross fandom phenomenon.
How do I sign up?
When sign-ups commence, there will be one post for authors, one for artists, and another for betas, at which you can leave your name until the sign-up period ends.
What pairings/genres do you accept at sherlockbigbang?
We're not fussy! If your story focuses predominantly on characters from the BBC Sherlock adaptation, then it's fine. Any pairings (and threesomes/moresomes) are allowed, as well as gen fic and AU's and fusions.
Are crossovers allowed?
If Sherlock BBC is thre primary fandom in the story, then yes.
Is RPS/RPF allowed?
Unfortunately, no. This year at least, sherlockbigbang is going to be for FPF/FPS fiction only.
AUTHORS
Do I have to choose a prompt from the prompt post?
The prompt post is merely there as a go-to place for people who don't have any solid ideas yet or are finding it hard to be inspired. You are not required to pick one; if you already have an idea, then go with it!
What’s the minimum word count?
A lot of people expressed concern over the word count limit, so we have decided to give you the following options;
10,000 minimum word count
15,000 minimum word count
If you think you can reach the 15,000 mark, then choose that option but if you don't think you can write quite that much, then go for the shorter word count of 10,000.
Either word count will guarantee you an artist.
Is there a maximum word limit?
No.
Does my story have to be beta read?
Yes, it does.
What if I don't have a beta?
There will be a beta sign-up post at the same time as both author and artist sign-ups. this is for anyone in need of a beta.
May I use my own beta?
Of course you can!
May I write with a co-author?
Yes.
I have [so many words] of a fic already written that I want to use for this Big Bang, may I?
Yes, providing that you write either 10,000 or 15,000 words (whichever you choose to do) on top of whatever you already have.
Can I write more than one fic?
You can write a total of two (2) fics for the Big Bang.
ROUGH DRAFTS
How complete does my story need to be for the rough draft due date?
If you're heading for the target of 10,000 words, then it needs to be 8,000 words at least. (Likewise, if you're heading for the target of 15,000 words then it needs to be at least 12,000 words.) There needs to be enough of the 'finished idea' for your artist to work with. You are still allowed to work on it and get it beta-read until the final due date. It's just so that we can verify that you are actually going to meet your final target of 10,000-15,000 words and will be posting on your assigned date.
How do I submit my rough draft?
Save it as a .doc or .rtf file and email it to sherlockbigbang [at] gamil dot com.
How will I know if the mods received my rough draft?
You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours.
ARTISTS
What kind of art may be submitted?
Any format or medium is allowed, including drawing/paintings, manips, digital/photoshop collages, fanmixes, videos.
How will fics be matched to artists?
Artists will choose which fics that they want to create for. Authors will submit their rough draft and will include a summary of their story, complete with pairing(s), rating, any kinks/squicks and all relevant warnings. The summaries will be posted so that the artists can claim the fic they most want to provide art for. All claims will be done on a first come, first serve basis.
How do I submit a claim?
You list the top three stories that you most would like to create art for. You will then be assigned the first story available from your top three.
I posted a claim, and was assigned a story. Now what?
Withing fourty-eight hours of having been assigned a story, you will receive an email from the mods with your author's name and contact information.
I have existing art that perfectly fits the story I claimed. May I submit it?
Sadly, no. All art must be created specifically for this challenge and this fic. It must be original and must not have been posted anywhere else.
What happens if the number of fics available for claiming exceeds the number of artists who sign up?
Artists will be allowed to claim more than one fic. Several rounds of claiming will be conducted until each fic has an artist.
May I submit more than one fanart?
Of course! We would love to see as much as possible!
MIXERS
I want to sign up as a mixer, but there's no mixer sign-ups in the list of important dates. Where do I sign up?
Mixers are included in the artist sign-ups.
What are the requirements for a fanmix?
A fanmix must have at least eight (8) songs. Feel free to go beyond the minimum.
I signed up as a mixer. Do I have to design cover art for my submission?
Yes, please. There must be a cover but there doesn't have to be any back art. You may do so, however, if you want to.
May I collaborate with another person for the creation of the mix/graphics?
Yes. Sign-up together though, please, and not seperately.
POSTING
I finished my fic/art early. May I post it on my LJ/Dreamwidth/blog before the scheduled posting date?
No. No posting is allowed before your assigned date.
Where can I upload my mix/graphics?
Megauplaod, Sendspace and Mediafire are just some of several free resources that can be used for sharing files. Tinypic is the best site for images or .gif files.
How do I submit my completed fic/art?
The submission process for artists/fic will be posted within the next few months, once they have been decided upon.
TIMELINE
june 15-30: prompt post
june 15-30: author sign-ups
june 15-30:: beta sign-ups
june 15-30: artist sign-ups
july 20th: author check-in #1 (optional)
august 10th: author check-in #2 (mandatory)
august 23rd: rough draft and summaries due
august 23rd: summaries (with warnings) posted for artists to select from
september 27th: artist check-in (mandatory)
october 23rd: submission of final drafts and art
october 25th: posting of art and fic begins
If you have a query that has not been addressed then please leave a comment or email us at sherlockbigbang [at] gmail dot come and we will do our best to answer your question.