ABOUT THE EVENTThe Project Hail Mary Reverse Big Bang is an 18+ collaborative fanwork event celebrating both Andy Weir's novel Project Hail Mary and its film adaptation.Whether your inspiration comes from the book, the movie, or a blend of both, we welcome all creative interpretations of the characters, relationships, and universe.There are no restrictions on pairings, dynamics, ratings, or content. Alternate universes, canon divergence, missing scenes, character studies, and experimental formats are all encouraged.The only requirement is that characters and elements from Project Hail Mary remain the primary focus of the work. Original and crossover characters may appear in supporting roles, but should not be the central focus.Participants are responsible for appropriately tagging their works.WHAT IS A REVERSE BIG BANG?A Reverse Big Bang is a collaborative fandom event where artists create first.Artists develop a piece of artwork, concept, or work-in-progress for the event. During the claiming period, authors browse the submitted works and select a piece that inspires them. Authors then write a story based on the claimed artwork while collaborating with the artist throughout the creation process.The result is a partnership where visual art sparks the story, and both creators work together toward a final completed project.GUIDELINESArtists* Create at least one new piece of artwork for the event.
* Submit artwork, a concept piece, or a work-in-progress for claiming.Authors* Write a fanfiction of at least 5,000 words inspired by the artwork they claim.General Rules* Participants may join as both an Artist and an Author.
* Authors may not claim their own artwork.
* Works generated by artificial intelligence (AI) are not permitted.
* Fanart and fanfiction are the primary mediums accepted for this event.The Project Hail Mary Reverse Big Bang aims to celebrate the creativity, collaboration, and imagination of the fandom through the partnership between artists and writers.

Rules and RequirementsGeneral Rules, Artist Rules, & Author RulesGeneral Rules1. You are expected to read, understand, follow, and respect the rules at all times. If any wording is unclear or you have questions regarding the event, it is your responsibility to contact the moderators for clarification. We will do our best to respond in a timely manner.2. Although we will regularly post reminders and important updates on both the Discord server and social media, it is your responsibility to manage your time accordingly and stay up to date with the Reverse Big Bang schedule.3. All participants must respond to mandatory check-ins when requested. You will have one (1) week to respond. If you do not, moderators will attempt to contact you through the methods provided during sign-ups. If we are unable to reach you, you may be removed from the event.Note: Extensions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are generally reserved for extenuating circumstances.4. You are expected to communicate with your partner(s) and the moderation team in a timely and professional manner. Failure to do so may result in removal from the event. We understand that real-life obligations arise, but extended periods of silence are concerning for both moderators and teammates.5. You must provide at least two (2) methods of contact on your sign-up form.6. Art claims will be anonymous. Participants may not form artist/author teams ahead of time. While preferences will be considered during matching, we cannot guarantee specific pairings.7. While not required, we strongly recommend creating regular backups of all artwork and writing.8. All submitted works must center on Project Hail Mary and feature canon characters as the primary focus. Crossovers, Alternate Universes (AUs), and canon divergences are welcome, provided that Project Hail Mary remains the central focus of the work.9. All dynamics, genres, ratings, and content are welcome. Works must be properly tagged and must respect any content restrictions specified by the artist. If you are unsure, please consult the moderators or a beta reader.10. Participants will be asked whether they are comfortable working with NSFW content. No participant will be required to work on content they are uncomfortable with.11. Please treat one another with kindness and respect. "Don't Like, Don't Read" is an important principle of this event. Harassment, bullying, gatekeeping, or shaming of any kind will not be tolerated.12. This event is intended to celebrate Project Hail Mary. If you experience harassment or bullying, please report it to the moderators. Appropriate action will be taken if necessary.13. If you need to withdraw from the event or believe you will be unable to meet a deadline, please contact the moderators as soon as possible. We will do our best to work with you and accommodate your situation.14. If your fanwork is completed before its assigned posting date, please refrain from sharing it publicly until the scheduled reveal. Respecting posting dates helps ensure all participants receive equal visibility during the event.Artist Rules1. Artists must create at least one (1) brand-new, previously unpublished, finished piece of artwork centered on the Project Hail Mary universe.2. Acceptable submissions include:* One (1) fully rendered illustration (digital or traditional)
* One (1) finished comic page (A4-sized equivalent)
* One (1) short animation (minimum 1-second loop with at least 12 frames)
* One (1) animaticNote: If you would like to participate with a different medium, please contact the moderators with a proposal. Equivalent formats may be considered on a case-by-case basis.3. AI-generated artwork is not permitted.4. You may participate as both an artist and an author; however, you may not write a story based on your own artwork.5. During sign-ups, you will be asked whether you are comfortable having your artwork claimed by multiple authors or if you would prefer to work with only one author. If multiple authors claim your piece, discussion of each story should remain between you and the respective author.6. Artists may submit up to one (1) artwork for this Reverse Big Bang.7. Artists may not publicly discuss or display their artwork before claims and reveals. Because claims are anonymous, please do not share details of your submission publicly or with authors prior to claims.8. The first artist check-in will open on August 30 and close on September 6.9. Teams will be notified once every artwork has been claimed. At that point, artists and authors may begin coordinating directly.10. Team check-ins are mandatory.11. Artists will be required to submit work-in-progress (WIP) materials during check-ins.12. If you are unable to meet a deadline but would still like your work to participate in the event, please contact the moderators as soon as possible.13. Artwork must be posted in full on its assigned posting date and either embedded in or linked from the corresponding AO3 work in the Project Hail Mary Reverse Big Bang collection. Please do not post beforehand.14. Digital and traditional artwork may be embedded within the fic or posted separately on AO3 or another platform, depending on the preferences of both artist and author. If embedded, authors may add artists as co-creators upon request.15. There are no minimum or maximum dimensions for artwork, but please be mindful of file sizes when uploading and sharing your work.16. The final date to withdraw as an artist is September 6.Author Rules1. Authors must write a fanfiction of at least 5,000 words inspired by the artwork they claim. Authors will have several months to complete their stories, so please consider your availability carefully before claiming.2. Authors must respect all restrictions specified by the artist during claims. Stories must be directly inspired by the claimed artwork and must not have been previously posted elsewhere. All submissions must be original, unpublished works.3. While writing, you may encounter topics your teammate is uncomfortable with. Please communicate openly and respectfully throughout the process, and work together to find a compromise whenever necessary.4. Authors may not request changes to an artwork unless the artist has explicitly stated they are open to feedback or modifications.5. Art claims are anonymous. Authors will not know the identity of the artist when making their selections.6. Teams will be notified once all pairings have been finalized. At that point, artists and authors may begin coordinating directly.7. Authors should include a link to their artist's work when posting their fic. If the artist chooses not to post publicly, the artwork should instead be linked or embedded within the AO3 work.8. Stories should be completed and posted in full on their assigned posting date unless prior arrangements have been made with the moderators.9. All works must be written in English.10. Draft submissions must be provided in .pdf, .doc, or .docx format. Photos of handwritten notes, notebooks, or outlines are also acceptable.11. Authors will be required to submit WIPs during check-ins.12. Story details, summaries, and plot information should remain between the author, artist, beta reader, and moderators until the works have been officially revealed.13. Beta readers are optional, but moderators will assist participants in finding one if requested.14. Stories must be posted in full to the official Project Hail Mary Reverse Big Bang AO3 Collection on the assigned posting date. Please do not post beforehand. If you are unable to post on your assigned day, notify the moderators as soon as possible.15. The final date to withdraw as an author is November 1.16. Works generated by artificial intelligence are not eligible to participate in the event.

Frequently Asked QuestionsGeneral FAQWhat is a Reverse Big Bang?A Reverse Big Bang is a collaborative fanwork event that pairs authors and artists to create connected works.In this format:* Artists create artwork inspired by Project Hail Mary and crossover eligible fandoms
* Authors write a fanfiction (5,000 words at minimum) to accompany the artwork
* Participants are matched by moderators, and collaborators work together over several months to produce a complete set of works by the final deadline.How does this Reverse Big Bang work?* Authors sign up and begin drafting their fic early in the event
* At the time of matching, moderators will use fandoms, characters, ships, and optional listed preferences (DNWs & Concepts) to pair artists with authors
* After matching, artists and authors collaborate to align their work and complete their pieces
* The event is structured around multiple check-ins, allowing both artists and authors to steadily develop their work before the final submission period.How do I sign up?Participants must fill out the appropriate sign-up form for their role. Each role has its own sign-up window, which will be outlined in the Timeline.Can I sign up for more than one role?Yes. You may sign up as both an author and an artist, or as a beta reader or pinch hitter in addition to your primary role.However, you may not be paired with yourself (i.e., you cannot write fic for your own art, or vice versa).What type of content is accepted?This is a fandom event focused on Project Hail Mary with all crossovers welcomed.* All works must feature canon character(s) as the primary focus
* Keep in mind that Project Hail Mary must still be represented even during crossovers
* Canon-compliant, canon-divergent, and alternate universe interpretations are all welcome
* All genres, ratings, and dynamics are permitted, provided content is properly taggedI’m under 18. Can I still participate?No. Only participants aged 18 and above may join the event.How does matching work?Matching is handled by moderators.Participants will be paired based on:* Fandom(s)
* Characters
* Ships
* Content direction
* Do Not Wants(DNWs)While preferences are taken into account, exact matches cannot be guaranteed.What are “artist claims”?During the matching process, artists will submit a work-in-progress (WIP) concept art that will be used in the anonymous claims process, shared to the authors.During the claims period, all concept sketches will be displayed anonymously. Authors will review the available WIPs and rank them based on which they are most interested in writing for.Moderators will then use this information to form the final artist-author pairings. Preferences from both writers and artists will be considered during the matching process.What are Check-Ins?Check-ins are scheduled progress updates that allow moderators to:* Track participant progress
* Provide support where needed
* Ensure the event stays on scheduleThey are not meant to be stressful, but to help keep everyone on track.What are the Check-In requirements?Artists:* August 30 — 30% progress (thumbnails or structural sketches)
* December 06 — 60% progress (polished line art / equivalent)
* February 21 — 100% completed artworkAuthors:* December 06 — 30% progress (or outline + partial draft)
* February 21 — 60% progress
* March 28 — 100% completed draft + final metadataHow do I submit Check-Ins?Moderators will provide a form or submission method at each check-in period. You will be asked to upload your work or progress according to the requirements.I missed a Check-In. Can I still participate?* If the check-in is mandatory, you must contact the moderators as soon as possible
* Extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis
* Consistent lack of communication may result in removal from the event.What should I do if I’m having issues with my partner?Please contact the moderators directly. We will do our best to mediate and find a solution, including reassignment if necessary.When can I post my work?Works must only be posted during the official posting period assigned by the event.Participants should not share their full works publicly before their scheduled date. If you are unable to post on time, please notify moderators in advance.What if I need to drop out?We understand that circumstances may change.* Please contact moderators as early as possible if you are unable to continue
* We may arrange alternatives such as extensions or pinch hittersIf a participant drops out after matching:* A pinch hitter may be assigned to ensure all collaborators are supported
* Unannounced dropouts may affect eligibility for future events.Where will the works be posted?All works will be posted in the event’s designated AO3 collection, and may also be promoted via Discord, Tumblr, Twitter, or other platforms.A final masterlist will be created for easy access after the event concludes.What is the AI policy?Works generated or assisted by Artificial Intelligence (AI) are strictly prohibited, including writing, artwork, or editing.I have a question that isn’t listed here.You may contact the moderators through:* Discord
* Social media platforms
* EmailWe are happy to help and will respond as promptly as possible.Artist FAQWhat kind of artwork can I create for this event?Artists are required to create at least one (1) new, previously unpublished finished piece for the event.Your artwork should:* Be based on Project Hail Mary and other eligible fandoms (if applicable)
* Feature canon character(s)
* Crossovers are allowed, but characters and elements from Project Hail Mary must be the primary focus.Accepted formats include:* One (1) fully rendered illustration (traditional or digital)
* One (1) completed comic page
* One (1) short animation or animaticIf you would like to work in a different medium, you are welcome to contact the moderators with a proposal. Equivalent effort will be considered on a case-by-case basis.Can I submit more than one piece of art?No.With the artist/author ratio of the event, there will be no option of having an artist do more than one work.However, an artist can decide to do multiple pieces of art if it fits the same idea, and the author is able to work with it so that the multiple art pieces and fic still fit seamlessly together.What are “artist claims”?Artists will submit a WIP and Moderators will collaborate them together to start the matching process. Authors will be shown anonymous art pieces—the WIPs from the artists—and rank them on what they’re most interested in creating a fic for.During the matching process, artists will submit their art pieces' fandom and characters, along with a list of restrictions for authors to abide by, which will be shared anonymously with authors.Artists will fill:* Fandoms, characters, and ships present in the art
* Optional list preferences such as DNWs and Concept SuggestionsAuthors must abide by DNWs, but concept ideas for fics may not be. Authors will be inspired by the art and write a piece for it, whether they use the exact concept the artist comes up with is up to them.What does the first check-in require?For the first check-in ( August 30 — 30%), artists must demonstrate clear progress with their WIPs and prepare it for the matching process.You will be required to submit the equivalent to 1 artwork:* One (1) fully rendered illustration (digital or traditional)
* One (1) finished comic page (A4-sized equivalent)
* One (1) short animation (minimum 1 second loop with at least 12 frames) or one (1) animaticAlongside with:* List of fandom(s) in the art
* List of characters in the art
* List of ship(s) in the art
* DNWs (Do Not Wants) that authors must follow
* Concept suggestions that authors may choose to follow
* Any additional content warnings, sensitivities, or marking it as NSFWWe understand that details may evolve as you continue drawing; this check-in is intended to confirm your participation in the event and match you with an author.Can I discuss my artwork before posting?You are free to discuss your work with:* Your assigned author
* Beta readers (if applicable)
* ModeratorsHowever, please avoid sharing full previews or completed pieces publicly before your assigned posting date. Small teasers or non-spoilery previews are acceptable.Can I post my artwork outside of the fic?Yes.You may share your artwork on your personal platforms (e.g., Tumblr, Twitter, etc.), but:* Please coordinate with your author
* Only post the full artwork on or after the official posting date
* Providing links for event masterposts is appreciated.I don’t want to post my art on social media. What are my options?You are not required to post your artwork publicly on social media.Your work may instead be:* Embedded within the fic, or
* Hosted externally (e.g., image hosting sites) and linkedSince AO3 is not an image host, external hosting will still be required for embedding. Please coordinate with your author and contact moderators if you need assistance.Do you have examples of acceptable submissions?There is no strict stylistic requirement.Your work should demonstrate:* Clear effort and completion
* Readable composition
* A meaningful connection to the eligible fandoms of the eventIf you are unsure whether your planned piece meets expectations, you are welcome to check with moderators for guidance.What should I avoid submitting?* Previously published or reused artwork
* Extremely minimal or unclear sketches used as final submissions
* Work that does not bear any relation to the eligible fandoms of the eventWhile different skill levels are expected, submissions should show intent, effort, and clarity.What if I’m having issues with my partner?Please contact the moderators.We will help mediate and, if necessary, explore alternative solutions to ensure all participants can complete their work comfortably.Do I need to complete my artwork by the deadline?Yes.Your artwork must be:* Substantially complete by the second artist check-in, and
* Fully completed by the final check-inIf you anticipate delays, please notify moderators as early as possible.What is the AI policy?Artwork generated or assisted by Artificial Intelligence (AI) is strictly prohibited and will not be permitted in this event.Author FAQWhat does the first check-in require?For the first check-in ( December 06 — 30%), authors must demonstrate clear progress and planning for their fic.You will be required to submit:* A provisional title
* A summary of your fic
* Key tags you expect to use
* Relevant AO3 archive warnings
* Any additional content warnings or sensitivitiesAlong with one of the following:* Approximately 30% of your draft
* (1,500 words of 5,000 minimum), or
* A structured outline covering the beginning, middle, and ending of your fic, plus any amount of drafted materialWe understand that details may evolve as you continue writing; this check-in is intended to confirm that your project is well-developed and actively in progress.What are “art claims”?During the matching process, artists will submit their art pieces' fandom, characters, and ships (if applicable), along with a list of DNWs for authors to abide by, which will be shared anonymously with authors.Authors may express interest in specific projects, and moderators will use this information—along with stated preferences—to inform final artist-author match-ups.Can my fanfiction be part of a series or a sequel?Your fic must be created specifically for this event.It may be:* Part of a series, only if it can be read as a standalone work, or
* The beginning of a series, provided the fic itself is complete and self-containedCan I talk about my fanfiction publicly before posting?Please avoid sharing substantial details about your fic prior to your assigned posting date.* Small snippets or vague references are acceptable
* Do not share full scenes, major plot details, or extensive excerpts in public spacesCan I use an idea I already had?You may develop an idea you have previously mentioned or lightly drafted, provided that:* It has not been publicly posted
* You do not continue sharing it publicly during the event
* The final work is substantially developed from your pre-event draftCan I submit a fic that I’ve already started posting?No. All works must be unpublished and created specifically for this event.Do I need a beta reader?Beta readers are not required, but they are encouraged.Moderators can assist in connecting you with a beta reader if you are interested.Does my fic need to be finished by the deadline?Yes. Your fic must be fully completed by your final check-in and ready for posting on your assigned date.If you anticipate delays, please contact moderators as early as possible.How long does my fic have to be?Authors must meet the minimum word count, 5,000 words.There is no maximum word count.How can I be a Pinch Hitter Author?During sign-ups, you may indicate whether you are willing to act as a pinch hitter.If needed, pinch hitters are asked to step in on a shorter timeline to support projects affected by dropouts.How do I add my fic to the event collection on AO3?There are two ways to add your work to the event collection:* When posting a new work, enter the collection name in the “Post to Collections / Challenges” field
* Alternatively, post directly through the collection page using the “Post to Collection” optionFurther instructions and the collection link will be provided closer to the posting period.

• Artists
• Authors
• Betas
• Pinch Hitters

How to Join [TO BE ADDED]There are different ways to participate in this event. You may even do more than one role. Simply apply through the form(s) you want and join our Discord Server.Artist
Creates a concept sketch or artwork featuring canon characters, which will be used in the anonymous claims process. After matching, the artist completes the piece while collaborating with their assigned writer(s).
Apply here: [ARTIST FORM]Author
Chooses an artwork during the claims period and writes a fic inspired by it. Authors collaborate with the artist to align the story with the original concept while respecting any content preferences or Do Not Wants (DNWs).
Apply here: [AUTHOR FORM]Beta Reader
Acts as an (optional) editor or reviewer for authors. Betas may help with grammar, flow, tone, and how well the fic complements the original artwork.
Apply here: [BETA FORM]Pinch Hitter
A backup participant—either an artist or author—who volunteers to step in if someone drops out. Pinch-hitters work on a shorter timeline to ensure all teams have completed works for posting.
Apply here: [PINCH HIT FORM]