But you've got some questions. Let me hit the frequently asked ones.
You need to be invited. The best way to get invited is to send in art which meets the requirements for publication below, and impresses the hell out of me. There are three things I'm looking for: either quality on par with the people already in Gallery, obvious potential to develop into a talent of that caliber, or a really good sense of humor.
One Important thing to remember, Gallery is practically full. If you only just started drawing in the last year or so, you're probably not going to get in. I get a lot of material that is pretty good for someone just starting out, but not nearly on par with what is currently being published. While it is flattering to be considered "The" place to get your art into, I hate having to write rejections, and I'm having trouble finding the time to make all the critiques I've promised people.
Unfortunately, some people are particularly bad sports about this. They point out things like artists who are in Gallery currently whom they think they are better than. These are people who got in when the book was smaller and the standards were a little lower. I don't kick anyone out, therefore they're grandfathered. Or they point out that the book can't be full, since I have new artists in virtually every issue. They don't see that I lose artists every issue as well. Lately the active membership has been hovering around 30. There is no real fixed number though, just a very high hurdle for new artists to clear.
If you don't get in, don't take it personally. Consider it a challenge. Work hard, improve your art, take a stab at self-publishing, and try again a year later. There is no waiting list, just make sure you're ready when you take your next shot. If you've ever looked at stuff that's a few months old and couldn't stand it, then you know you're going in the right direction.
You might even consider subscribing, just to get a feel for what does get in, and particularly to see what tips and techniques you can pick up by studying other people's art.
One other thing to consider. If you are a bit squeemish about erotica, Gallery's open attitude toward subject matter may not agree too well with you. If you have doubts, get your hands on an issue or two to look at first.
The rules for artwork are simple. I prefer clear 8.5 x 11 copies with strong blacks and clean whites, with half inch margins. It must be inked, not hard-copied pencils. No ink washes or color, but 85 line halftones and Zip-a-tone are fine. Computer printed gray washes work very poorly when re-copied, so they are not recommended. If you want a title in the Table of Contents, write it on the back of the page. No trademarked characters or other people's characters without permission, or other things that will run me afoul of the law, but other than that, anything goes. There are no ratings or requirements on content. At least half of a submission must be artwork that hasn't been published in another 'zine (Limited members-only APAs like RowrBrazzle and FNC don't count). Electronic submission has been popular lately, but please contact me about the proper format before dumping huge files on me.
The things I look for in art: Proper anatomy, varying line weight, balance, shadows, textures, backgrounds, and huge hoo... (whups, wrong list!). Character interaction and pictures that seem to tell a story are great. Strips are even better. A good sense of humor can make up for other deficiencies. I can also give critiques of your art as honest (mean, cruel, vicious) as you want.
There are certain things I do NOT want to see. Among these are items that could cause me or any of my readers legal problems for posessing (e.g kiddy porn, bestiality, trademarked characters). And items that are bound to cause trouble (Personal attacks, innuendo) and no animal dicks on morphs, only bestialists like those.
You get one copy of Gallery for the cost of printing and postage. If you are in an issue, this is made up for by a 15 cent royalty per copy sold to a subscriber or wholesaler, and at least 35 cents per copy sold at the cover price. Gallery is profitable for the artists, and periodically royalty checks are sent out.
You'll note that royalties are based on participation rather than page count. Why? For one thing, the accounting would be a bitch, and also some people put a lot more work into one page than another puts into five. If you miss three issues, as of the fourth, you are considered a subscriber, subject to the Subscriber terms in the other FAQ.
You also get to run an ad page in the back of the book.
Submissions must be sent by the end of January, April, July, and October.
Please fill out the information below, and send it and your samples to the address below.
Your Name: ___________________________________ Your Address: ___________________________________ (If you know your Zip+4, use it) ___________________________________ (Or look it up at the USPS site) ___________________________________ I certify I am over 18 (sign here) ___________________________________ Optional items (But very useful!) Your Phone: ___________________________________ E-Mail ___________________________________ Preferred Fan Name: ___________________________________
List Address in the Back of Gallery?
(Y) (N)
Put an asterisk next to the address indicating you have stuff for sale or take commissions?
(Y) (N)
List Address on the Gallery Web Page?
(Y) (N)
List E-mail address on the Gallery Web Page?
(Y) (N)
List Web Page on the Gallery Web Page?
(Y) (N)
URL: ________________________________________________
Richard Chandler/Gallery 1416 85th Dr NE Lake Stevens, WA 98258(Here are the complete rules written in glorious pseudo-legalese).
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