Ultimate Guide to Homebrew Content Publishing

Homebrew content in TTRPG games allows you to create and share custom races, subclasses, spells, monsters, and campaign settings. Publishing your creations can connect you with players worldwide, provide feedback opportunities, and even generate income. Here's how to get started:

• Tools for Creation: Use free tools like Google Docs, The Homebrewery, and Dungeon Scrawl for writing and layout. For advanced projects, consider Scrivener or Affinity Publisher.
• Polishing Content: Match professional formatting styles, ensure clarity, and playtest thoroughly in four stages (creator-only, in-house, blind, final).
• Publishing Platforms: Choose between DriveThruRPG (flexibility, higher royalties) and Dungeon Masters Guild (use of official D&D IP).
• Legal Basics: Understand Open Gaming Licenses (OGL), Creative Commons, and the ORC License to avoid copyright issues.
• Marketing: Engage with the RPG community on platforms like Reddit, Instagram, and Discord. Offer free samples, gather reviews, and price competitively (e.g., $0.10/page).

Publishing homebrew content requires preparation, clear legal understanding, and community engagement. Start small, refine through playtesting, and select the right platform for your goals.

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Preparing Your Content for Publication

Once you've fleshed out your ideas, the next step is to refine and prep your content for its debut. Thankfully, there are plenty of free and affordable tools that can help you polish your homebrew creations. Many creators start their drafting and organization process with tools like Google Docs or Obsidian before moving on to more advanced layout software.

Writing and Layout Tools

Choosing the right tools depends on the size of your project and your comfort with technology. For quick, Dungeons & Dragons 5e-specific documents, The Homebrewery is a popular, free, open-source option. It uses Markdown and CSS to create professional-looking 5e documents, complete with live previews, pre-made snippets for tables and stat blocks, and a style editor for custom CSS. It even simplifies exporting to PDF with the right browser settings. Another great option is GMBinder, which offers similar features but also includes a built-in community for sharing your creations. For those looking for more advanced tools, GMBinder's "GMB+" paid tier unlocks additional functionality.

For larger projects, like campaign settings or extensive supplements, tools like Scrivener are fantastic for managing complex writing tasks. If you're aiming for a polished, professional layout, Affinity Publisher is a strong choice for desktop publishing. Most projects, however, can be tackled with a basic set of tools like a map maker, character builder, and content generator.

Visual assets are equally important. Photopea offers a free, web-based alternative to Photoshop for editing images and textures, while Game-icons.net provides access to over 4,000 free icons tailored for game documents. For map creation, Dungeon Scrawl is ideal for classic dungeon layouts, while Inkarnate and Wonderdraft are excellent for crafting world and regional maps. If you're creating content to share or sell, stick to public domain art from sources like Wikimedia Commons to avoid copyright issues.

Once you've gathered your tools, the focus shifts to formatting your content to match the look and feel of professional publications.

Formatting Best Practices

A polished homebrew project mirrors the style and formatting of official publications. The Wizards of the Coast Style Guide, available for free on DMsGuild, is an invaluable resource for understanding the fonts, formatting, and tone needed to achieve that professional edge. Clarity is key - use concise sentences, consistent terminology, and specific examples. For instance, instead of saying "strong aura", describe it as "a 10-foot aura that imposes disadvantage", so players know exactly how the mechanic works.

"The fastest way to make any homebrew look professional is to match the style and formatting of the official publications." - D20 Collective

Your layout should include essential elements like column breaks, page numbers, footers, and a table of contents to make navigation simple. Use white space and clear headings to ensure Dungeon Masters can quickly reference your content during gameplay. Adding version numbers and change logs is also a smart move, as it helps track updates during playtesting and ensures users have the latest version of your rules.

Once your layout is polished, the final step is rigorous playtesting to ensure your rules hold up in action.

Playtesting and Feedback

Before releasing your content, put it through thorough playtesting. Run short 30–60 minute sessions, focusing on clear success and failure criteria, across four stages: Gross (creator-only testing), In-House (with friends and family), Blind (with external testers), and Final (pre-release testing).

"Learning to love playtesting is one of the most important parts of becoming a game designer." - Vee Hendro, Game Designer

To ensure balance, compare your mechanics to official options. For example, check that your homebrew's damage output or effects aren't too weak or overpowered. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a three-to-five turn resolution for evenly matched encounters. This means comparing average outgoing damage to target HP and resistances. When reviewing feedback, focus on recurring trends across multiple players rather than isolated comments.

A great example of playtesting in action is Wyrmworks Publishing's "Limitless Heroics" Kickstarter, launched in September 2021. This 5e supplement, focusing on characters with disabilities, attracted 2,300 backers. The team credited their success to integrating feedback gathered from three key channels: DriveThruRPG, Kickstarter updates, and an external email list.

Choosing a Publishing Platform

Once your content is ready to share with the world, the next big decision is selecting a platform that aligns with your goals for reach, royalties, and intellectual property (IP) rights. The platform you choose can significantly impact how your work is distributed and monetized. Two of the most popular options are DriveThruRPG and Dungeon Masters Guild, each catering to different types of creators and content.

Here’s a closer look at these platforms and what they offer to help you make an informed choice.

DriveThruRPG Setup and Features

DriveThruRPG (DTRPG) is a flexible platform designed for creators producing tabletop RPG (TTRPG) content for a variety of game systems. Setting up an account is simple: upload your digital PDFs and decide between exclusive and non-exclusive account options.

• Exclusive accounts earn 70% of the print margin on Print-on-Demand (POD) sales. For example, if your book costs $4.00 to print and sells for $12.00, the print margin is $8.00, meaning you’d earn $5.60 per sale with an exclusive arrangement.
• Non-exclusive accounts are ideal if you plan to sell digital files elsewhere but still want to use DTRPG’s POD services.

DTRPG also handles international VAT and shipping, making it easier to sell globally. Plus, you can email customers who have downloaded your products (up to two emails per fulfillment), which is a great way to engage your audience and keep them informed about new releases.

"Marketing isn't evil. It's just letting people know about the cool stuff you're making so they don't miss it." – Wyrmworks Publishing

If your content doesn’t require official IP support, DTRPG’s broad audience and customizable options make it a strong choice.

Dungeon Masters Guild and System-Specific Platforms

Dungeon Masters Guild (DMsGuild) is specifically tailored for creators working with Dungeons & Dragons content. This platform stands out because it allows you to use Wizards of the Coast’s IP, enabling you to create adventures set in iconic settings like the Forgotten Realms or include legendary monsters - something not legally possible on other platforms without special licensing.

DMsGuild offers additional resources, including official artwork, templates, and the ability to sell Virtual Tabletop (VTT) content for platforms like Roll20 and Fantasy Grounds. It also features a "Bestseller Metals" badge system (Copper, Silver, Gold, etc.), which highlights top-performing titles. However, creators must adhere to strict guidelines for D&D content, logos, and artwork to avoid copyright issues.

For creators working with other systems, platforms like Pathfinder Infinite (focused on Pathfinder and Starfinder content) operate under the same OneBookShelf infrastructure as DTRPG and DMsGuild. Keep in mind, though, that platforms like DMsGuild and Pathfinder Infinite take a percentage of your royalties to account for the use of their IP, which results in lower earnings compared to DTRPG.

Platform Comparison

The table below highlights the key differences between these platforms to help you decide which one fits your publishing needs.

If you’re working on original content or using Open Gaming License (OGL) material, DTRPG offers better flexibility and higher royalties. On the other hand, if your goal is to craft adventures in official Dungeons & Dragons settings or include iconic elements, DMsGuild is your go-to platform. Both platforms simplify global sales by managing international taxes and offering POD services, making them accessible to creators worldwide.

Legal and Licensing Requirements

Publishing homebrew TTRPG content means tackling copyrights, trademarks, and open licenses. Just like formatting and playtesting, ensuring legal clarity is a crucial step in professional homebrew publishing. Open Gaming Licenses (OGLs) are designed to simplify this process, offering a legal framework to create and sell content compatible with popular game systems - without needing a lawyer to sift through what's protected and what isn't.

At its core, understanding these licenses helps define your creative boundaries. While game mechanics themselves aren't copyrighted, their unique expression is. Licenses like the OGL or the newer ORC (Open RPG Creative) License explicitly address this, allowing creators to legally build on existing systems by licensing both the mechanics and their written expression.

Open Game Content (OGC) or Licensed Material includes mechanics, stat blocks, and rules that you can freely use, modify, and redistribute. On the other hand, Product Identity (PI) or Reserved Material refers to trademarks, logos, specific character names, world lore, and storylines that remain the property of the original publisher.

"Product Identity is not a copyright or ownership claim... it is a list of things you agree not to reference in exchange for access to the Open Game Content" - EN Publishing

Understanding Open Gaming Licenses (OGLs)

Open Gaming Licenses are essentially contracts that outline what you can and cannot use from a game system. For example, the 5E Systems Reference Document (SRD) is a curated subset of D&D rules released by Wizards of the Coast for free use under the OGL. It includes core mechanics, basic classes, and many spells but excludes iconic elements like Beholders, which are protected as Product Identity.

Most OGLs are "viral", meaning any derived mechanics you create using Open Game Content must also be licensed under the same OGL. This creates a collaborative ecosystem of shared content. If you publish under the OGL, you’re required to include the full license text in your product and update Section 15: Copyright Notice to reflect your copyright and the copyrights of all referenced materials. For instance, if you use content from the 5E SRD and a third-party supplement, both must be credited in Section 15.

After the 2023 OGL controversy, many creators moved toward the ORC License and Creative Commons (CC BY 4.0), which offer more permanent and reliable protections.

"The ORC License cannot be updated, amended, repealed, revoked, or deauthorized by anyone. Not ever" - Paizo

The ORC License is system-agnostic, and under its terms, game rules are automatically considered "ORC Content" (open for use), even if not explicitly labeled as such.

These frameworks ensure secure content creation and guide you toward avoiding legal missteps.

Avoiding Copyright and Trademark Infringement

Legal trouble often stems from using trademarked terms or protected content without permission. For example, don’t use "Dungeons & Dragons", "D&D", or "Dungeon Master" on your cover or in your text to indicate compatibility unless you have a specific Compatibility License. Instead, opt for generic terms like "5E" or "Game Master."

Before including any monster, spell, or subclass in your work, confirm it’s in the SRD. Just because something appears in a D&D book doesn’t mean it’s open for use. The 5E SRD covers core rules but excludes many iconic elements. Even imitating protected intellectual property can carry legal risks.

Copyright protects creative expressions like lore, art, and specific text, while trademarks protect brand identifiers such as logos, titles, and specific names.

"Copyright does not protect facts, ideas, systems, or methods of operation, although it may protect the way these things are expressed" - U.S. Copyright Office

This distinction is why you can design a game with mechanics similar to D&D but cannot copy text from the Player’s Handbook or use trademarked terms owned by Wizards of the Coast.

When using the OGL, clearly separate your Product Identity (your unique lore, art, and storylines) from the Open Game Content (mechanics others can use). Under the ORC License, you’re expected to make a "reasonable, good-faith effort" to identify what you designate as Product Identity versus ORC Content. This transparency protects you and future creators who might build on your work.

If you want to use restricted intellectual property - like writing adventures set in the Forgotten Realms or using Pathfinder’s "Lost Omens" setting - publish through specific community programs like Dungeon Masters Guild or Pathfinder Infinite, which allow access to this content in exchange for revenue sharing.

Marketing and Selling Your Content

Publishing your homebrew content is just the beginning - getting it in front of the right audience is where the real challenge lies. Once your content is polished and legally protected, the next step is connecting with your audience through effective marketing. In the tabletop RPG (TTRPG) community, genuine interaction often matters more than aggressive promotion. A good rule of thumb? Stick to an 80/20 approach: 80% of your efforts should focus on engaging with the community, while 20% can be dedicated to promoting your work.

Building an Online Presence

Different platforms cater to different needs, so diversify your efforts. Reddit is great for in-depth discussions, Instagram works well for eye-catching visuals, TikTok shines with short, engaging clips, and Discord provides a space for real-time interaction. Strategic use of hashtags - like #IndieRPG, #HomebrewContent, or event-specific tags such as #GenCon - can help you reach your target audience. Go beyond just posting: respond to comments, ask fun questions like “What’s your favorite homebrew rule?”, and collaborate with other creators to expand your reach. Offering a sneak peek, such as a table of contents or sample pages, can also help set clear expectations for potential buyers.

Reviews are another powerful tool for boosting sales. As Tyler "RPGBOT" Kamstra points out:

"Many people (myself included) are reluctant to pay money for a product with no credible reviews"

To generate those all-important first reviews, consider sending complimentary copies to reviewers. This common practice not only provides valuable feedback but also builds social proof. Additionally, joining affiliate programs - like those offered through platforms such as OneBookShelf - can earn you an extra 5% commission on sales made through your unique affiliate links.

Using the TTRPG Games Directory

The TTRPG Games Directory (https://ttrpg-games.com) is a valuable resource for both players and creators. For players, it’s a treasure trove of diverse tabletop RPGs across various genres and styles. For creators, it’s an opportunity to showcase your homebrew content alongside both indie and classic games, making it easier for players to discover your work. A well-crafted game description is key here - it should highlight what sets your content apart, whether it’s strategic combat, rich storytelling, or character-driven gameplay. This not only enhances visibility but also helps attract the right audience. Once listed, focus on competitive pricing and refining your sales strategy to maximize your reach.

Pricing and Sales Strategies

Setting the right price for your homebrew content can be a balancing act. You want to fairly compensate yourself while keeping your work accessible. A common guideline is to price around $0.10 per page, with endings like .99 or .95 to make the price more appealing. For smaller products, pricing at $0.99 can encourage more sales.

If you’re just starting out, a Pay What You Want model can lower the barrier for buyers, though it often results in minimal payments. Keep in mind that platform fees can significantly impact your earnings. For instance, DMsGuild takes 50% in royalties, while DriveThruRPG charges between 30–35%. Researching successful products on your chosen platform - like those with "Metal" status (Copper, Silver, Gold) - can give you insights into competitive pricing for your niche.

Bundling smaller projects into anthologies is another way to increase the perceived value of your offerings. Additionally, updating your content based on playtesting feedback can give it a fresh boost and even mark it as “new” on some platforms, helping it gain renewed attention. As Kamstra wisely notes:

"Success is a complex mix of quality, marketing, timing, and luck"

Conclusion

Creating and publishing homebrew content is a journey that blends creativity, technical know-how, and a strong connection with the tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) community. From the first spark of an idea to seeing your work in the hands of players around the world, each step demands careful attention and a commitment to delivering quality.

Here are some key insights to guide you through the process:

Key Takeaways

Preparation is crucial. Before putting your content out there, make sure it’s polished, properly formatted, and thoroughly playtested. As James Haeck, Lead Writer at D&D Beyond, wisely notes:

"The best subclasses in D&D can be summed up in a single sentence"

This idea applies to all homebrew content - clarity and simplicity are the cornerstones of strong design.

Stay legally protected. The System Reference Document (SRD) is your go-to resource for ensuring your content is legally sound. According to the D&D Beyond Creator FAQ:

"Anything you create using SRD 5.2.1 or SRD 5.1 is yours! Because both SRDs are provided to you under Creative Commons, they're open source and free"

Make sure your work aligns with the SRD and avoids using trademarked terms. Opt for generic descriptions like "5E" or "the world's most popular role-playing game" to stay on the safe side.

Choose your platform wisely. Whether you plan to use DriveThruRPG, DMs Guild, or another platform, it’s essential to understand their specific requirements and fee structures. Keep in mind that some platforms make your content permanent once published. To avoid headaches, test your work privately using campaign-sharing tools before committing to a public release.

Marketing is about connection. Building genuine relationships within the TTRPG community is far more effective than aggressive selling. A good rule of thumb? Spend about 80% of your efforts on community engagement and 20% on direct promotion. Kelsey Dionne, Founder of The Arcane Library, offers this advice:

"Laws can and do change, so make sure you do your due diligence if you have any doubts"

Stay informed, stay involved, and adapt as needed.

With these principles in mind, you’ll be better equipped to take your creative ideas to the next level.

Next Steps for Aspiring Creators

The TTRPG community thrives on fresh perspectives and passionate creators. Start small - whether it’s designing a single subclass, monster, or adventure idea that’s been brewing in your head. Share your work privately with your gaming group to gather feedback and refine your design. Once you’re confident, choose a publishing platform and ensure all legal requirements are met, including the inclusion of the full OGL text and Section 15 copyright statement if applicable.

Your voice and ideas matter. Whether you’re crafting tactical encounters, rich narratives, or innovative character options, there’s an audience waiting to experience your vision. Tools like the TTRPG Games Directory can help connect your work with players, expanding your reach in the community. Remember, every creator starts with just one idea and the determination to bring it to life.

FAQs

What are the best tools to create and format homebrew RPG content?

Creating and formatting homebrew RPG content becomes much simpler when you have the right tools at your disposal. One standout option is The Homebrewery. This platform lets you craft professional-looking content using Markdown, complete with live previews and flexible formatting options. It’s perfect for giving your creations a polished, distinctive look.

Another go-to resource is NaturalCrit, which offers templates and tools designed to mimic the style of official RPG materials. If you’re working on larger projects, like rulebooks or full campaigns, you might want to explore Foundry VTT's Content Packaging Guide or web-based apps like Tabletopy. These tools help you stay organized while elevating the presentation of your work.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned creator, these tools can help turn your ideas into polished, engaging homebrew content that reflects your creative vision.

What steps can I take to protect my homebrew content legally when publishing?

To safeguard your homebrew content, registering it with the U.S. Copyright Office is a smart move. Although copyright protection kicks in automatically once your work takes a tangible form, formal registration strengthens your legal position and simplifies dealing with potential infringement issues. The process itself is straightforward: submit an application, pay a fee, and provide a copy of your work.

Copyright covers the original creative aspects of your work, such as text, artwork, and rules. However, it doesn’t extend to general ideas or overarching concepts. Keeping detailed records of your creation and understanding the limits of copyright can go a long way in protecting your content from unauthorized use. For more help, the U.S. Copyright Office provides useful resources to guide creators through the registration process.

What’s the best platform for publishing my D&D homebrew content?

When it comes to publishing your D&D homebrew content, D&D Beyond stands out as a fantastic platform. It’s user-friendly and allows you to create, share, and manage your homebrew creations with ease. Whether you want to share your work with the entire community or keep it private for personal use or select groups, the choice is yours.

Another perk? D&D Beyond makes updating your creations simple, so your content can always stay up-to-date and polished. With its tailored tools, it’s a great option for both beginners and seasoned creators to showcase their work effectively.

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