Archive of Our Own

If I think I’m going to be late, can I request an extension?
You can always request an extension. However, we ask that you tell us ASAP if you need more time, so that we can inform your recipient that their gift is still in development. Alternatively, if you are a writer, you can always post one chapter by the deadline, note that the story has yet to be finished, then post another chapter as soon as you are finished.

What do I do if the work ends up being multi-chapter?
Good thing AO3 lets you publish works with multiple chapters! However, if you start your gift and realize that you would like to continue it in the future, we ask that you find a good ending point and turn it into a series instead of leaving your gift unfinished or not finishing in time.

Does Archive of Our Own have a queue that I can use, in case I’m not available on the 31st?
No. However, the mods will open the exchange collection early in December. You can upload your finished work to the collection at any time after that.

Can I post my work to other sites after the anon period?
If you are an artist, you can post your work to other sites as soon as the artwork is revealed. If you are a writer, you can promote your work on other sites after the anon period.

How can I find a beta?
As we approach the due date, the mods will compile a list of people willing to be betas. You can also ask people who are not participating in the exchange. Put a shout out in #off-topic, and you’ll likely get a reply.

I’m finished with my gift and would like to create one for someone else.
Awesome! DM one of the mods, and we’ll get you the sign-up summaries. You can create a treat for anyone and everyone on the list.

Two people have similar sign-ups. Can I create one treat and gift it to both of them?
Sure! You can gift one treat to as many people as you’d like, as long as the content of the treat fits their sign-ups.

1. You are required to submit one (1) fanwork as part of this exchange. If you have to drop out, **notify the mods ASAP.** We want to make sure we give a pinch hitter plenty of time to investigate your recipient.

2. Submitted fics should be at least 1,000 words. Fic should be finished works, not works in progress. That is, they should have a beginning, middle, and end. If you become invested in your idea and want to continue your fic later on, you can always make your fic part of a series. We strongly encourage you to have your fic beta read.

3. Before starting your piece, make sure you adequately investigate your recipient’s interests. You may choose to look at their Tumblr, AO3 bookmarks, or comment history on Discord. Try to discover as much information as possible---detectives should not be lazy. Bonus points if you find ways to directly but discreetly ask your recipient about the content they prefer.

4. Submitted fanart should be a completed traditional (e.g. ink or painting) or digital work. If the piece is traditional, you must take a high-quality photo or scan your work for online submission

5. You must remain anonymous until the reveals date. Do not tell anyone who your recipient is, and do not post snippets or pictures of your WIPs.

6. If you are commissioning a fic/artwork for your recipient, you must have the author/artist follow the guidelines listed above. Please note that commissions can be expensive, and make sure that you are willing to pay for one before signing up for this exchange.

7. There is a one-week grace period following the reveals date. Please let us know ahead of time if you think you might need to make use of it, so that we can let your recipient know that they have not been forgotten.

8. After works are revealed, please leave a comment for your author/artist. Recipients should be respectful of the fan creator’s time and talents when accepting their fanwork gifts. We encourage participants to comment on other works in the exchange that you enjoy. We’re already such a positive and supportive server---let’s keep it up!