The Board Game Designer's Guide to Getting Published: How to Find the Right Publisher, Know What to Look for in a Contract, and Get Your Board Game Signed

This book provides guidance on how to create a successful board game, find the right publisher, create a sell sheet, negotiate the best deal, and avoid being exploited. It is based on the experiences of Joes and tips and stories from other published designers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Creating a great board game and successfully pitching it to publishers is a complex process that requires a combination of skill, strategy, and perseverance. If you have a game that you're passionate about and want to share with the world, but you're unsure of the next steps to take, this book is here to guide you through the process. In this comprehensive guide, you will discover:
1. How to Identify the Right Publisher:
Understanding the publishing landscape and identifying publishers who are aligned with your game's genre, theme, and target audience is crucial. Research various publishers, read reviews of their published games, and attend industry events to connect with potential partners.
2. What Publishers Look for:
Publishers are seeking games that are innovative, fun, and engaging. They are interested in games that have a unique selling point, strong gameplay mechanics, and a well-developed theme. Additionally, publishers look for games that are easy to understand, teach, and play, and that have a good balance of strategy and luck.
3. Creating a Sell Sheet that Sells Your Game:
A sell sheet is a concise and compelling document that showcases your game's unique selling points and highlights its appeal to publishers. It should include a brief description of the game, its gameplay mechanics, target audience, and competitive advantages. Your sell sheet should also include high-quality images, artwork, and a prototype or playtest version of the game.
4. Negotiating the Best Deal and Getting Paid More:
Negotiating a fair deal with publishers is essential to ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your game. Research industry standards and negotiate terms such as royalties, licensing fees, and marketing support. Additionally, be aware of the risks and challenges associated with self-publishing and consider partnering with a publisher to gain access to their resources and expertise.
5. What to Look Out for in Contracts:
Contracts are crucial in protecting your rights and interests as a game designer. Be sure to read and understand the terms of any contracts you sign, and seek legal advice if necessary. Look out for clauses that may limit your control over the game, restrict your ability to promote it, or require you to pay additional fees.
6. Learn from Joe's Experiences as a Full-Time Board Game Designer and Instructor:
Joe has extensive experience as a full-time board game designer and instructor. He shares his insights, tips, and stories from his journey in the industry, providing valuable advice and guidance for aspiring designers. Additionally, he includes tips and stories from a dozen other published designers, giving you a diverse perspective on the publishing process.
7. Direct from 16 Established Publishers:
This book is a compilation of insights and advice from 16 established publishers in the board game industry. These publishers have years of experience in publishing and have seen countless games succeed and fail. They share their insights on what they look for in a game, what makes a game stand out, and what factors contribute to a successful publishing partnership.
Creating a great board game and successfully pitching it to publishers is a challenging but rewarding process. By following the steps outlined in this book, you will gain the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to bring your game to life and share it with the world. Whether you're a seasoned designer or a newcomer to the industry, this book will provide you with the guidance and inspiration you need to succeed.

Creating a great board game and successfully pitching it to publishers is a complex process that requires a combination of skill, strategy, and perseverance. If you have a game that you're passionate about and want to share with the world, but you're unsure of the next steps to take, this book is here to guide you through the process.

In this comprehensive guide, you will discover:

1. How to Identify the Right Publisher:

Understanding the publishing landscape and identifying publishers who are aligned with your game's genre, theme, and target audience is crucial. Research various publishers, read reviews of their published games, and attend industry events to connect with potential partners.

2. What Publishers Look for:

Publishers are seeking games that are innovative, fun, and engaging. They are interested in games that have a unique selling point, strong gameplay mechanics, and a well-developed theme. Additionally, publishers look for games that are easy to understand, teach, and play, and that have a good balance of strategy and luck.

3. Creating a Sell Sheet that Sells Your Game:

A sell sheet is a concise and compelling document that showcases your game's unique selling points and highlights its appeal to publishers. It should include a brief description of the game, its gameplay mechanics, target audience, and competitive advantages. Your sell sheet should also include high-quality images, artwork, and a prototype or playtest version of the game.

4. Negotiating the Best Deal and Getting Paid More:

Negotiating a fair deal with publishers is essential to ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your game. Research industry standards and negotiate terms such as royalties, licensing fees, and marketing support. Additionally, be aware of the risks and challenges associated with self-publishing and consider partnering with a publisher to gain access to their resources and expertise.

5. What to Look Out for in Contracts:

Contracts are crucial in protecting your rights and interests as a game designer. Be sure to read and understand the terms of any contracts you sign, and seek legal advice if necessary. Look out for clauses that may limit your control over the game, restrict your ability to promote it, or require you to pay additional fees.

6. Learn from Joe's Experiences as a Full-Time Board Game Designer and Instructor:

Joe has extensive experience as a full-time board game designer and instructor. He shares his insights, tips, and stories from his journey in the industry, providing valuable advice and guidance for aspiring designers. Additionally, he includes tips and stories from a dozen other published designers, giving you a diverse perspective on the publishing process.

7. Direct from 16 Established Publishers:

This book is a compilation of insights and advice from 16 established publishers in the board game industry. These publishers have years of experience in publishing and have seen countless games succeed and fail. They share their insights on what they look for in a game, what makes a game stand out, and what factors contribute to a successful publishing partnership.

Creating a great board game and successfully pitching it to publishers is a challenging but rewarding process. By following the steps in this book, you will gain the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to bring your game to life and share it with the world. Whether you're a seasoned designer or a newcomer to the industry, this book will provide you with the guidance and inspiration you need to succeed.

Weight: 292g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032369884