In today’s video I talk about the 4 steps for a designer when pitching a tabletop game to a publisher. Each step is broken down with its own short checklist:

Preparation

• Know the market (reviewers, BGG, play games)
• Fully design a unique game
• Make yourself and the game known online and at events
• Playtest and write/test a great rulebook
• Make an attractive, thematic final prototype

Selection

• Select 10 publishers you love (look at your shelf)
• Research their submission guidelines (ask questions publicly)
• Make a strategically good first impression
• Pick ONE game to submit

Submission

• Follow the publisher’s submission guidelines (notify your contact if you have an existing relationship)
• Compare the game to two other games (with a twist)
• Highlight the hooks (consider budget, sell sheet)
• Sell yourself (design experience, your uniqueness, commitment to playtesting)

Conclusion

• Wait patiently but with respect to yourself (you can submit your game to others too)
• Prepare for the next steps (video overview, constructive criticism, send prototype or Tabletopia)
• Accept rejection with grace (if/how to ask for feedback, do not ask publisher to do your work)
• Game designer contracts

10 Steps to Design a Board Game:    • 10 Steps to Design a Tabletop Game (2...  

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00:00 Introduction
01:45 Preparation
11:37 Selection
16:52 Submission
24:51 Conclusion
31:44 Examples

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podcast link: https://stonemaiergames.com/about/pod...

Intro animation by Jeff Payne https://vimeo.com/jaaronpayne and video proofing by Cody Simonsen