The Game Writing Guide: Get Your Dream Job and Keep It

Description

This comprehensive guide walks readers through the entire process of getting and keeping a writing job in the games industry. It outlines exactly what a beginner needs to know about education requirements, finding opportunities, applying for roles, and acing studio interviews. Professional writers will learn how to navigate studio hierarchies, transfer roles and companies, work overseas, and keep developing their careers. Written by an experienced games writer with nearly two decades of industry knowledge, this book contains a wealth of interviews and perspectives with industry leaders, hiring managers, and developers from marginalized communities, all offering their tips and insights. Included are examples of materials such as job posts, writing samples, and portfolios, as well as chapter-end challenges for readers to directly apply the skills they have learnt. This book will be of great interest to all beginner and aspiring games writers and narrative designers, as well as more experienced writers looking to hone their skills. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents Acknowledgments Mentor Interviews Introduction Chapter 1. Definitions Defining Terms The Basics The Hierarchy Narrative Design Roles AAA vs. Indie vs. Mobile The Flow of Writing Creative Control and Collaboration The Right Path Chapter 2. Education The Good News The Right Skills Game Writing vs. Traditional Writing Tech Skills Programming Skills Basic Education University Advanced Degrees Game Programs Alternatives to College Online Education Writer Beware! Internships Grants Summary Chapter 3. Finding Work Fortune Favors the Bold Networking Social Media Networking Strategies Asking for Help Networking Etiquette You Are a Brand Game Dev Organizations Conventions Applying from the Middle of Nowhere Find Open Positions Studio Career Pages Recruiters and Agents Contract Jobs and Staffing Agencies How to Use Resources Red Flags Inside Job Chapter 4. Applications The Job Post Experience The Experience Paradox Onsite vs. Remote Communication and Collaboration Writing Skills Online Forms Step 1: Instructions Step 2: Research Step 3: Custom Fit Timing Ghosting Reapplying Speculative Applications Rejection Feedback After Submitting Chapter 5. Resumes Essentials Function Format The Classic Pros Cons The Deconstructed Pros Cons Content KISS Them How to Stand Out An Ideal Resume Pros Cons Beware Resume Services! Chapter 6. Cover Letters Purpose What to Say Twice the Reading Audience 1: Recruiters Audience 2: Hiring Managers Letter Dos and Don'ts Clarify Be Understanding Mention Additional Skills Dazzle But Dazzle Sensibly What Not to Say HALP! YMMV Chapter 7. Samples and Portfolios The Purpose of Samples Know the Project What to Include Who's Reading? Time Limits Project Needs Interactive Samples Twine Samples What about Fanfiction? The Dos of Samples The Don'ts Plagiarism Pornography Showcasing Your Work Set Up Your Portfolio Site Your Story Unreleased Game Samples Here's Your Mnemonic! POLISH RANGE ORDER STYLE EASE Chapter 8. Interviews Types of Interviews The Screen In or Out Manager Interview Follow-Up Interview Team Interview The Onsite Perspective Shift A Note on Fashion NDA Do Your Homework Red Flags for Interviewers Red Flags for Candidates References Next Steps Chapter 9. Writing Tests Getting Paid for Tests Should I Take an Unpaid Test? Beware of Scams! What Does a Writing Test Look Like? How to Ace the Test Do Your Research Follow the Instructions Don't Cheat Minimize Risks Have Fun! What Are Leads Looking for in a Test? Turning the Test into a Sample Grow That Portfolio Chapter 10. Contracts and Negotiations A Fair Wage Authority Step 1: More Research! Step 2: Time to Math! Step 3: Know Your Worth Step 4: Negotiate! Mind the Pay Gap! It Starts Here Exposure Step 5: Sign on the Dotted Line Do I Need an Agent? Do I Need a Lawyer? How Do You Find a Good Lawyer? What Should I Ask? The Usual Suspects So ... DO I need a lawyer? Now What? Chapter 11. First Day The Night Before Getting There At the Job First Week Checklist Start Collaboration Early Probationary Periods Imposter Syndrome Part 1 Take a Moment Chapter 12. Moving Up Now What? The Writing Routine Preproduction Production Writing Communication and Collaboration Feedback Friends and Allies Collaborators The Game Writers' Room Managing Your Manager Next! Know Yourself Set Your Goal Keep Growing Map Your Path Chapter 13. Steps and Obstacles Keep Up Your Networking Promote Yourself Press Fans Obstacles Imposter Syndrome Part 2 How to Ask for a Promotion Balancing the Scales How to Ask for a Raise When the Answer Is No Crunch Part 1 When It's Crunch Time Pressure Flow State Burnout Chapter 14. Leadership When You're Senior Fight for What You Need Sharing Your Vision Documentation Priorities Finding Balance Leading with Empathy Building a Narrative Team Step 1: Assess Your Needs Step 2: Make a Hiring Plan Step 3: Alternatives to Hiring Step 4: Hiring Points to Consider When Hiring An All-Purpose Team Writing Tests Running the Writers' Room Crunch Part 2: Protecting Your Team Work-Life Balance Chapter 15. Moving On The Right Time Just Looking Working While Applying Make a New Plan Be Discreet References and Samples The Big Decision Leverage At the Crossroads—Two Perspectives Lifers Leavers How to Leave Paperwork Don't Burn Bridges Take a Break On Repeat Chapter 16. International Work Remote Work Applying for International Work Relocation Arrival Housing Settling In Culture Shock Isolation and Friendships When It All Goes Wrong Communication Final Thoughts Chapter 17. Strategies for Marginalized Communities Even When It's Good, It's Bad All the -isms When Biases Affect Your Work Unconscious Bias "Allies" Enemies Sexual Assault and Physical Abuse Inappropriate Conduct The Answer Be Heard Know When to Stop Real Allies Organized Labor Groups Mentoring Be a Mentor Whisper Networks Trust Your Gut Open Up Break the Rules Don't Get Pigeonholed Even When It's Bad, It's Good Conclusion