Updated 3/6/2021
Note: This resource was published in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. As such some of the information below may be dated.
This is a listing of resources and information which can help people in the science fiction, fantasy, and horror communities deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. Many of these resources focus on genre writers and artists, but my ultimate goal is to include information which can help anyone in the greater SF/F/H fandom.
If you know of resources or info you’d like added to this listing, email it to me at jasonsanfordsf@gmail.com.
General Resources
The COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources website is quickly becoming the essential clearing house for resources, opportunities, and financial relief options available to freelancers of all disciplines. The site includes listings of international resources and advocacy and legal information.
A large number of arts organizations have launched Artist Relief, a nonprofit fund that will award $5,000 grants to individual artists facing economic need due to Covid-19. Artist Relief will also do a survey on how the pandemic is affecting artists and creative workers.
Mary Robinette Kowal created a wonderful “4-seam, no-elastic, don't-have-to-pin-fiddly-things, easy-fit mask pattern.” This is easiest-to-make mask I’ve seen.
Conventions
Locus Magazine is maintaining an updated listing of all genre convention cancellations and delays.
Locus is also maintaining an updated listing of virtual SF/F events.
Inside Higher Ed offers a good overview of what you need to know if you want to shift your convention from in-person to virtual. Wired also has an article exploring the start-up companies which can help you do this.
SL Haung started a thread on the Codec Writers forum listing virtual conventions. While you must be a Codex member to access that link, the Codex Writers Group is a supportive place for new writers so consider joining.
The Everywhere Book Fest aims to be one of the first virtual conventions in early May. For kidlit authors, books, and readers.
The 2020 SFWA Nebula Award Conference will now be virtual from May 29 to 31. Complete details in this press release, with info on registering on the conference website.
Free Online Classes
As a community service, Clarion West is offering free live online classes for adults and teens through April 30.
Scholastic is offering free online courses for kids.
Freelancing Opportunities
Note: I’m not listing sites like Toptal or Gigster here, although obviously those and many other freelancing sites have their pros and cons. Instead, I’m trying to focus on freelance opportunities specific to the SF/F/H genres.
The Submission Grinder is a good resource for where to submit genre fiction and poetry.
My #SFF2020 report includes information about a number of genre short fiction markets which are open to submissions.
The SFWA Blog is a paying market open to nonfiction submissions on topics of interest to new and/or established writers of Science Fiction and Fantasy. You don’t have to be a SFWA member to contribute.
Grants and Emergency Assistance
Note: Under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance in the US stimulus bill, freelancers and 1099 creatives are now eligible for unemployment pay plus an extra payment through 7/31. Essentially, freelancers are eligible to receive half the average unemployment benefit in their state and an extra $600 per week. Contact your local unemployment office to apply.
Also, I’m hearing that many of the granting organizations listed below are struggling to meet the needs of so many applicants. So its possible for the grants below to no longer have available funds. If you discover this let me know and I’ll update this list.
Artists of color in the USA financially affected by COVID-19 can apply for the Arts and Culture Leaders of Color Emergency Fund.
The Authors Guild is maintaining a page of economic resources for authors and journalists during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Creative Capital has a very good list of emergency resources for artists.
KQED has compiled a good list of emergency funds for freelancers and creatives.
The Learned Fangirl has created a Freelance Emergency Fund to support freelance culture writers who have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.
The New York Foundation for the Arts lists numerous emergency grants across the USA.
PEN America has a listing of emergency funds for writers. In addition, PEN America has expanded its Writers' Emergency Fund for US writers.
Ijeoma Oluo has organized the Seattle Artist Relief Fund Amid COVID-19. Funds will be distributed by Langston Seattle. Go here to take their survey and apply for relief.
The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America are offering grants of up to $1,000 for SFWA members financially affected by COVID-19. SFWA also runs a medical fund and offers other grants and also offers membership relief. Finally, donations are also requested.
The Society of Authors has an emergency fund for UK writers.
Springboard for the Arts offers a Personal Emergency Relief Fund for artists in Minnesota who experience career-threatening emergencies. In addition, this resource page lists other emergency funds around the USA artists can access.
TOArtist COVID-19 Response Fund provides emergency support for Toronto artists whose gigs/events were cancelled.
Libraries
Libraries around the world are offering special lending assistance, expanded e-book lending, and other services. Check your local library to learn more.
Publisher and Bookseller Info
Note: Amazon is currently delaying the shipping of items they consider non-essential, including books. Here are alternative ways to order books and support authors.
In an attempt to mitigate the impact of the outbreak on the book industry, many publishers are promoting free titles and other special offers. Publishers Weekly is keeping an updated listing of these offers.
Order books through IndieBound or Bookshop.
Half Price Books is offering curb-side pickup for books at most of their stores. Also note that Half Price Books laid off much of their staff with no notice in early April, so keep that in mind.
When you buy audiobooks through Libro, you can choose the local bookstore you would like to buy from (Libro splits the profits with indie bookstores). Libro is also making this special offer.
Virtual Readings
Short Story Club is a virtual book club for short stories. Every two weeks they feature a different live discussion with an author on Zoom. All proceeds donated to COVI-19 relief efforsts.