Welcome to the Hot Wet Queer Summer Jam. We're trying something a little different with this jam. Itch.io is host to a wide variety of content, not just games. Over the past year I've seen a huge increase in self published authors moving to itch.io, especially as more readers get wind of this platform. Myself, and Jun, the creators of Monster Manor, aim to bring our community something new and different. An opportunity for authors to participate in a jam.
Itch.io jams have primarily been host to competitions and challenges to create different kinds of games. If you're unfamiliar, these sort of work like NaNoWriMo worked for authors, but with games. You can browse itch.io's jams and jam calendar here if want to poke around and get an idea for how they work. Make sure to check out the community page of this jam!
What makes this jam different is this jam is hosted specifically with authors and readers in mind.
This is a themed jam meaning all submissions will be required to fit within the theme.
THE THEME IS Hot Wet Queer Summer
What does that mean? Well, the interpretation is up to you! This jam is open to all works that fit under the lgbtqi2s+ umbrella. You do not have to specify whether you as an author or just the characters in your story are queer. We also do not require your work to have romance in it, or explicitly state a gender identity or sexuality. This will work on the honor system! All your story has to be is wet and hot. A few examples of this are wet hot settings like a tropical area, or a sauna. Perhaps the content is wet and hot, or even your story features a sopping wet 300 degree monster. It's up to you as long as it's wet, hot, and queer.
Some further guidelines
♡ This jam is for eBooks specifically. Comics and other written material are also acceptable, but this jam is not intended for game submissions including visual novels.
♡ Original works only, please do not submit fanfiction
♡ Submitted works can be any length, from short stories to full novels. There are no word count minimums or maximums.
♡ This jam officially runs from June 1st to August 31st, submissions must be created during this time. You can outline, plan, character create or draft however you need to prior to the summer but the final product should be made during this time period. This isn't something I will be strict about but it's more fun if you play along, it's supposed to be a challenge.
♡ There are no genre or content requirements outside of the theme. All submissions will be accepted, as long as they do not violate the itch.io terms of service, are your own original work, and fit the theme, but we do ask that you properly tag your work with content warnings.
♡ Absolutely no AI may be used for any part of your work. I will know, and I will be a nightmare about it.
♡ You MUST credit anyone who worked on your book with you in the front matter, including cover artist and editor. Ideally these would also be listed on your project page. 
Getting started on itch.io as an author
If you're completely new to itch.io but would like to participate author Rien Gray has an extremely comprehensive and easy to follow to guide posted on their medium. This guide is what I used to help me get started as well as many of my peers. If you appreciate this guide consider supporting them in some way, either by purchasing their work our following Rien on their itch.io.
If you have further questions that this guide or itch.io's own FAQ doesn't resolve for you, feel free to shoot me an e-mail at hswolfewriiting@gmail.com
Free assets for writing and cover design
If you're looking for a free program to write in that isn't google docs check out Ellipsus which promises to never use AI. Reedsy is another online writing program where you're also able to plot, write, and format ebooks free of charge. If you're able to though, many authors use Atticus which is a one time payment for a fairly simple program that allows you to format ebooks, PDFs and paperbacks.
For covers many authors are able to make pretty cool designs in Canva but you have to be careful with this, as canva now boasts quite a few AI features. Though it is possible to use this program without AI. For free assets for internal art, and covers, both Pexels and Unsplash have free photo resources. You can also find Creative Commons (or public domain) artwork on most museum websites or websites like Artvee.
If you're looking for help with a cover or formatting we have partnered with two different creators offering their services at a discount.
Jun T.N.
Jun is offering commissions for formatting and ebook covers at a discounted price for indie authors. If you're interested in purchasing a bundle, mention that your project is for the Wet Hot Queer Summer Jam for a 5$ discount off of the bundle (for a total of $45). You can find Jun's commission info here or by clicking the image below.
Yune
Yune is an illustrator offering ebook only commissions at a discount for people participating in this jam. If you're interested in an illustrated cover you can reach out to Yune through their commission carrd and mention the Wet Hot Queer Summer Jam for a 15% discount off of pub covers.
If you are interested in collaborating with this jam and offering participants a service such as editing or cover coms you can fill out this form to be featured on this jam homepage!
A quick FAQ rundown. If you have a question not answered here please e-mail me at hswolfewriting@gmail.com
If I participate in this Jam will my submission still be my property?
Yes! We do not own anything you submit. This is merely a summer challenge we're hosting to bring community together, encourage authors to write something, and bring more awareness to itch.io as a platform for self published authors. The focus is building community and providing opportunities to folks! Your story will always be yours and we will not own any of the rights.
I write taboo content, is that okay?
As long as it flies with itch.io's guidelines!
Can I charge for my submission?
Yes! Your submission will be viewable to the public. You can upload it for free or slap a price on it. Follow your heart.
Contact H.S. Wolfe
E-Mail: hswolfewriting@gmail.com
Discord: werewolfpresident
IG & bsky: wolfehorror
Contact Jun T.N.
E-Mail: isjunreading@gmail.com
Discord: skyentist_
IG & bsky: advalentinus
Monster Manor is a public discord community for queer indie authors and readers started in 2022. Monster Manor's goal is to bring attention to marginalized authors as well as the indie publishing community. The discord serves as an event hub, a book club and discussion area, and author to reader connection and a resource center for authors. Anyone is welcome to join the discord
H.S. Wolfe is a trans and disabled creator who dedicates a large chunk of his time to running community events and keeping up with spaces like Monster Manor. If you appreciate their efforts, or this jam, consider buying them a ko-fi