Storybones produces role playing game modules called "4-Packs". Each 4-pack contains adventure material based on an original short-short story of 1 to 4 pages in length. (We estimate 750 words/printed module page; stories run 500-3000 words)
Storybones needs both original works that lend themselves to 4-Pack treatment, and works that take place in proprietary Storybones shared-world settings. We buy all rights to the short story as a work for hire, but in the case of original (not shared-world) short fiction may also license serial rights back to the author. Payment is made on a royalty basis, with certain additional fee-based compensation available on a case-by-case basis.
Short-shorts purchased by Storybones must include the following elements:
1. An heroic adventure theme is dominant. While character development is certainly apropo, this is not the forum for introspective character studies or staid set pieces. Action and character choices move the story forward. This does not mean we need only stories about "guys with swords". A clever thief, a seductive spy, an exploring scout and other tropes can serve just as well. Struggle and accomplishment should be central to the tale.
Stories that suggest a wide, rich backdrop setting are better than those that have an exclusively narrow focus. For example: it is better for us to finish a story with an understanding that there is unrest in the city down the road, than to finish it knowing only that our hero lives on an isolated farm.
2. Stories take place in fantasy or science fiction settings. We consider stories in any setting of the author's devising, but especially welcome those that relate to books or stories already published and to which the author holds copyright.
Alternatively, we invite short-shorts written to a Storybones shared world setting. If the author is interested in this, we will provide a locale description, some backstory and a character or two that must be incorporated as bit parts in the work of fiction.
We prefer fantasy settings over science fiction at this time.
3. Complex themes are welcome, or as complex as one can fit into such a short format. Self-sacrifice, moral dilemmas, trust and betrayal, and similar elements are invited that transport a short-short beyond mere "interesting vignette or brief encounter."
4. A strong protagonist is featured that the readers can either identify with, love to hate, or through whose eyes they can experience an unusual, thought-provoking point of view.
5. It is preferable to have one or more notable supporting characters identified in the story.
6. Each tale ideally includes a distinctive monster, villain, or other notable antagonist that can be fleshed out for use in the Beastly Biography(TM) portion of the game material. If not present in the immediate tale, the antagonist should be present in the backstory and other supporting material that will go into the rest of the game module (see Item 7).
While "man against nature" or "man against self" themed stories do not ordinarily fit this parameter, we will consider compelling tales that feature nature, self or other non-traditional antagonists as the protagonist's opposition or foil.
7. Original Works and Tie-Ins to Your Fiction
4-Packs allow us to present some of the backstory and world setting behind your short story. We prefer authors to provide us detailed background information of this sort in addition to the work of fiction, since the 4-Pack format allows us to develop characters and settings in more detail than can appear in the fiction piece proper.
This is a good opportunity to gain additional exposure for other books or short stories you have published, and to showcase the fictional worlds you have created. We take a locale in your world and present it as an adventure setting for the role playing game public. We will, of course, give full credit to you the author, and promote your fiction works that tie into the setting you provide.
If we can incorporate this supporting material into the adventure module, we pay for it on a word-count basis depending on what ends up in print in the 4-Pack, or on a royalty basis as conceptual development work (terms to be negotiated). All material used in or written for the 4-Pack is a work for hire; all rights belong to Storybones except such serial rights to the short fiction as may be licensed back to the author.
If no supporting material is provided, or if it does not suit our module needs, Storybones reserves the right to create any fictional setting, backstory, character descriptions and related story hooks necessary to support the adventure module, source booklet and booster pack which is inspired by a particular short story.
8. Email Teramis for further information or queries. We also have a sample short short from a 4-Pack under development that we will make available to qualified authors who are interested in 4-Pack work.