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LAURIE O'CONNEL
I make indie tabletop RPGS, and am available to write, edit or consult on your RPGS as well. Check here for my socials, a list of games I have worked on, and my usual rates.
Send inquiries to: [email protected]
Testimonials & Reviews
For Lichcraft
"O’Connel’s writing hits a striking tone... It’s wonderful, it’s sad, it’s frustrating, it’s funny and it’s a very real work that reflects on a very real problem." (Nevyn Holmes, Dicebreaker)
For writing
We hired Laurie to write some bonus content for one of our games and we couldn't be happier with his work. He was a pleasure to work with, fit the brief perfectly and delivered a really funny and inventive adventure! (Sasha Sienna, MacGuffin & Co.)
For developmental editing
Laurie’s work inspired me to investigate the indie ttrpg scene, and it felt really special to work with him on Lost Eons. Laurie is an incredibly sharp thinker about how meaning is conveyed through words and mechanics, paring concepts down to their essence so that each part of the game reinforces the central ideas. His design eye is bold, precise and clean, helping the text flow while looking fresh and beautiful. His use of header fonts as an integrated design element is always executed so well. Working with Laurie is a conversation of ideas, interrogation and inspiration in equal measure. Laurie is making some of the most vital and profound work in the ttrpg scene right now, and I can’t wait to work with him again. (David Blandy, Lost Eons)
For copy editing
"Laurie worked with me on Minutes to Midnight, a roleplaying game about the Cold War. He is an absolute pleasure to work with. As a non-native speaker I often struggled with finding the right words in English and Laurie always had my back, understanding what I was going for and giving the right advice. He is very accessible and you can trust in his diligent, committed and skillful proofreading. I very much look forward to working with him again on my next project." (Oliver Smock, Minutes to Midnight)
MY WORK
Not all, but some, of the things I have worked on.
Lichcraft is an RPG about trans necromancers seeking immortality in order to make their way to the end of an NHS waiting list. Tongue-in-cheek, satirical, super queer, and intimate.
Available both online and from your preferred zine distributor.
In Hieronymous, you play a group of refugees fleeing an astral terror known only as the Follower. As it pursues you, you rip your way into strange worldscapes inspired by the paintings of the medieval artist Hieronymous Bosch.
Available online and from some distributors!
I worked with the amazing David Blandy on Lost Eons, an FKR inspired mashup of Blades in the Dark and 24XX, reconfiguring fantasy for a world recovered from a devastating climate cataclysm.
I wrote an adventure for Uncaged Goddesses, a critically acclaimed DMsGuild Gold Bestseller, which explores the neutral and evil goddesses of the D&D Canon through a collection of Tier 4 adventures.
MY RATES
Writing: 15-20 c/word
I will write an adventure, short game, setting or other supplement for your TTRPG or anthology. I'm available to be a stretch goal on your kickstarter or to write for any upcoming project.
Copy/line editing: 10-15c/word.
I will suggest detailed improvements to spelling, grammar or sentence structure. I specialise in reading through content which has been translated into English from other languages, ensuring that the language flows in a fluent, 'native' sounding way.
Developmental editing: £100-500 depending on project size
I will read your game and work with you to refine mechanics, setting or structure, up to and including working to develop an SRD, setting reference or complete game.
If you are not able to afford these rates, please do email me with your project details to inquire. We may be able to work something out. Please do not email me with non TTRPG related inquiries- I proofread because Iove to read RPGS first and foremost, and I want to work on projects I'll enjoy.