Species of Two:
An 18+ Grace/Rocky Zine

Species of Two is a physical, for-profit 18+ fanzine (with digital extras) focused on the romantic relationship between Ryland Grace and Rocky from Project Hail Mary. This zine will contain NSFW content, though works are not required to be NSFW.The theme for this zine, “Species of Two,” aims to focus on Grace and Rocky’s unique relationship that exists beyond definition. The zine touches on their transformation beyond human and eridian into something different, understood only by each other.As this is a very abstract concept, users do not have to stick to a strict theme for their works, as we believe their romantic relationship is, by itself, on-theme.


Current Status:
Interest Check and Finance Mod Applications are live!

Interest Check
Finance Mod Aplication
Both forms close on July 18th. We look forward to seeing your applications!


Moderator Team

Knife (he/him)
  Finances, Distribution, Content Management


Danni (he/they)
  Distribution, Content Management


Bel (she/her)
  Social Media, Contributor Management


Gem (any)
 Social Media, Contributor Management


Jupiter (he/they)
  Discord Moderation, Contributor Management


Tini (she/they)
  Discord Moderation, Contributor Management


Liv (she/they)
  Discord Moderation Team


Shrimp (they/them)
  Discord Moderation Team


Schedule

The current schedule is not final and may be subject to change.

PhaseDate
Interest CheckJune 27th - July 18th
Mod ApplicationsJune 27th - July 18th
Contributor ApplicationsJuly 18th - August 15th
Guest Artists AnnouncedAugust 15th-August 21st
Acceptances AnnouncedAugust 22nd
Time Period to AcceptAugust 22nd - September 5th
Pitch WeeksAugust 22nd - September 5th
Check-in 1September 26th
Check-in 2October 17th
Check-in 3November 14th
Final SubmissionsDecember 12th
Pre-Order PeriodDecember 1st - January 2nd*
FinalizationJanuary 16th
Proof Copies OrderedJanuary 16th - 30th
Full Orders PlacedBeginning of February
Shipment BeginsMid February

*We may extend the pre-order period due to the Holiday Season.

Contributor Types

Page Artists
You will be expected to create one illustration for the zine (a single page illustration or a double page spread), or a comic (up to four pages) based on your own original pitch.
We expect to accept a maximum of 2 comic artists. Total number of single and double page artists subject to change, but we're aiming for about 25
 
Spot Artists
You will be paired with 1-3 writers, and expected to create 1-3 illustrations to accompany each writer’s contribution. Spot Artists will be creating art based on Writer’s stories, not their own pitch.
Total accepted applicants will depend on writer turnout.
 
Merchandise Artists
You will present merch pitches based on items available for order on Vograce or Wooacry. Applicants working as a merch artist on top of their main role will be expected to create 1 piece of merch, and those accepted to only create merch may create more than 1 piece of merch (each pitch must be accepted seperately, though!)
 
Writers
You will be expected to create one original fanfic, flashfic, or poem for the zine. The wordcount requirement for your piece will depend on which writing bracket you are accepted for. The higher the tier, the less writers we will accept. The word brackets are as follows:
⋆2K words [Tier 1] (5 writers maximum)
⋆3.5K-5K words [Tier 2] (4 writers maximum)
⋆7K-10K words [Tier 3] (2 writer maximum)

Contributor Guidelines

  • This is a romantic Grace/Rocky zine; as such, all works submitted must be romantic in nature, or created with the intention of being romantic.

  • All users must be 18 or older at the time of their application. Users found to be under the age of 18 will be removed from the project.

  • Users must join our discord in order to be accepted, as this is our primary mode of communication.

  • The majority of this zine will feature cross-species romance exploration, as per our major theme: Species of Two.

  • Users will be given the option to apply to create art or writing for 1 of 4 pairing options: Human Grace/Eridian Rocky (cross-species), Eridian Grace/Human Rocky (cross-species), Human Grace/Human Rocky (same-species), or Eridian Grace/Eridian Rocky (same species).

  • We will accept a limited number of artists to create same species works (human/human or eridian/eridian); users who list human/human or eridian/eridian as their first choice will be given the option to list a second choice that is cross-species, or agree that they may not be picked if they do not list a second choice.

  • Grace/Rocky/Adrian is the only other pairing that can be included in your work, but Grace/Rocky must remain the main focus of the piece.

  • No crossover pairings/content will be allowed.

  • Users may apply to both the visual artist and writing sections, but depending on turnout, may only be accepted for one type out of the four (page artist, spot artist, merchandise, and writer). Although we will ask for the user’s choice for their priority pick out of those they’ve applied for, we may not be able to accommodate.

  • Works are not required to be NSFW in nature, but we actively encourage users to create them for the zine if they want!

  • Our stance on dead dove/extreme NSFW content: if it requires an archive warning on AO3 or if it's a more extreme fetish, it can’t be included in the physical portion of the zine. This is to limit any issues we may have getting the zine physically printed, and ensure that dead dove content remains opt-in for readers. We would still love to host and promote these works, so anyone who makes a dead dove/extreme NSFW piece outside of their main zine piece will be featured in an exclusive digital PDF add-on. Some examples of content we would only consider for the PDF includes (but is not limited to) bodily waste, explicitly non-consensual sex, sexual gore/guro, inflation, etc.

  • We still encourage users to create fetish and kink-driven works for their main piece, though! Users may ask at any time if their work is considered dead dove/extreme. This being said, please note that if we feel a piece toes the line too much, we may request an alternate wip be provided during the first check in phase for the main zine, though the user will be free to finish it for the digital copy!

  • Finished zine pieces may only be shared within the zine server until permission is given to post snippets elsewhere. Works created for the zine may be used by moderators to promote it prior to the all-clear for users to post their own work.

  • However, users are encouraged to post cropped wips and small snippets for their pieces to their social media and tag the zine account for us to retweet!

  • This is a by-freaks-for-freaks proship, anti-censorship fanzine. You don't have to self-identify as proship to join, but for us that term just means to enjoy what you like and ignore what you don't. Antis, fan policing, and shaming or harassment of members will not be tolerated.

  • Works that utilize AI in any way are not allowed.

Zine Specs

  • An in-color physical zine with various bundles for merchandise and exclusive digital content will be produced.

  • Merchandise stretch goals during the preorder period are planned.

  • The estimated size of this zine is 8.5in x 11in (letter size) at around 100 pages or more. Final size and page count are TBD, though, while we run financial quotes with vendors who are comfortable printing NSFW content.

  • We are currently aiming to invite 10-12 writers and 25-30 visual artists for a total of 35 to 40 total contributors.

FAQ

Q: What is a zine?
A: Zines (short for magazines) are small artbooks that can include art and/or writing. This zine will feature the romantic pairing between Grace and Rocky.
Q: Do I need zine experience to apply?
A: Not at all! If you would like more guidance regarding the application process, you are free to contact us through our twitter strawpage so that we can do our best to guide you!
Q: Will you be looking for more moderators?
A: Yes, we are looking to hire on one more finance mod. This will go live during our Interest Check.
Q: Can I apply if I don't have any Grocky examples in my portfolio?
A: Although we would love to see any Grocky art you may have created, this is not a requirement to apply!
Q: Will this project be for profit or for charity?
A: If this project profits, proceeds will go to the contributors, who will have the option to put their profits towards physical bundles OR retain the full amount. The moderator team will make every effort to provide all contributors with the base physical zine if possible.
Q: Do any of the mods have zine moderation experience?
A: Yes, the main distributor/finance/content management moderator Knife (litrally_vik) has run and produced his own contributor-based, physical fandom zine (Big Threesome, a BNHA zine), and has experience participating in many physical and digital zines as both a writer and artist. Beyond this, all mods involved with distribution have professional experience with digital-to-print books and merchandise media.
Q: Why are there so many mods listed on-site?
A: This zine is, first and foremost, a passion project for a group of friends who wish to put out more romantic Grocky content. Although you may not see all of the mods listed in a contributor facing or zine-specific role, they are all part of the heart of this zine ♡
If you have any further questions, please reach out to us on Twitter, Email, or via our Help Form below!