What is the BTS WIP Fest?
We want to help you finish your WIPs!
Think of this like a regular BTS fest, but rather than claim a prompt, you sign up with a WIP (work in progress) of your own. Your WIP can be anything you already started, but need some inspiration to finish. At the end, we will have a Celebration Period to boost your work.
During this fest, we'll cheerlead, provide supportive spaces for you to work, and promote your work during the Celebration Period!
Most kinds of WIPs are eligible—unpublished WIPs sitting in your draft folder, chaptered WIPs you've already started posting on AO3, sketches you'd like to turn into something more detailed—we want it all!
There are no word count minimums or maximums, and the fest is open to fic, art, fanvids, podfic, and more.
This is an 18+ fest.
Can minors participate?
For the protection of everyone, and because this account may include NSFW content, this is an 18+ only space.
Do I need an AO3 account to participate?
Writers need an AO3 account. Please get in touch with the mods if you need help obtaining an account. Artists and creators of other media can post on AO3 or on the social media site of their choice (e.g., Twitter, Bluesky).
Is my WIP eligible?
Probably! We accept:
Unpublished WIPs
WIPs you're already posting on AO3
WIPs you started as part of a completed fest (see additional requirements below)
A new fic in a series
Sequels/prequels
Does my WIP need to have a minimum word count to be eligible for signups?
No, there is no word count minimum for signups, but we recommend starting off with at least 300 words.
I already published a chapter of my fic. Is that okay?
Yes, you can join the fest with fic that has already been published on AO3, as long as the fic is incomplete or you are working on a sequel.
Can I include works that are part of other fests?
Yes, in many cases you can include WIPs you posted for completed fests. To be eligible:
The fest must be over (aka it has finished Reveals) before our submission deadline.
Crossposting doesn't go against the other fest's rules.
Are there minimum/maximum word count requirements?
No, there are no word count requirements or limits.
What types of fanworks are accepted?
We accept fic, art, comics, crafts, podfic, fanvids, and more. Please ask if you have questions.
Are all ships and gen allowed?
Yes, all ships, poly, and gen works are allowed as long as at least one of the main characters is a member of BTS.
Are crossovers allowed?
Yes, crossovers are allowed as long as at least one of the main characters is a member of BTS.
Are collabs allowed?
Yes, collabs are allowed. All members of the collab should fill out the sign-up form.
Does the fest have restricted content?
In general, we will not be restricting or screening content for this fest. However, this fest does not welcome works that endorse racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, ableism, or pedophilia. With the intention of allowing as much creative freedom as possible, but also recognizing that we can't anticipate every scenario, mods reserve the right to make further determinations on a case-by-case basis. Plagiarized content or content created with AI is not allowed.
Can I use GenAI?
We don't accept works that have used GenAI in any way.
How do I sign up?
Sign up with the sign-up form. That's it!
How many WIPs can I sign up for?
To encourage finishing, you can only sign up for 1 WIP at a time. However, if you finish your first submission or drop a WIP, you may sign up with another. Please fill out a separate signup form for each WIP. There is no limit on the total number of WIPs you can do over the course of the fest period, as long as you do them consecutively.
Can I sign up with a work that is already being posted?
Yes. It's okay if your work is already posting, as long as it's incomplete. You don't have to take it down to join the fest.
Is there a prompting period?
No. Creators sign up with works they already have in progress.
Do I need to claim on AO3?
No. There is no AO3 claiming.
Is it okay to participate in WIP Wednesdays?
Yes! We encourage you to join WIP Wednesdays and tag the fest account so we can help promote you.
Will you provide beta matching?
We recommend signing up with BTS Beta Service. If we decide to provide beta matching, we will share more info at that time.
Will there be a Discord?
Yes, there will be a Discord in order to provide support, encouragement, and community as you work on your WIPs. Everyone who signs up will receive a link when the server is ready. The Discord is 18+ and limited to fest participants. Participation in the Discord is not required.
When can I sign up with another WIP?
After you finish at least one chapter of your current WIP and fill out the Submission form, you'll be eligible to sign up with a second WIP.
What should I do if I want to swap the WIP I'm working on?
You can only work on one WIP at a time, but you can swap the WIP you're signed up with. First, fill out the Drop Out form for the WIP you signed up with. Then, sign up again with your new WIP.
Is the Check In required?
Filling out the Check In Form is required in order for us to know you're still participating in the fest. However, you do not need to submit proof of progress. Simply tell us you're still interested and give us an update of how you're doing.
What is the Lightning Round?
The Lighting Round celebrates completed chapters and works at the midpoint of the fest. Participation is optional. The intention is to boost works earlier in the fest so that creators don't have to wait until February to get promotion.
When will the Lightning Round happen?
About halfway through the fest. See Timeline for details.
Are the rules for participating in the Lightning Round the same as participating in the main Celebration Period?
Yes. Everything is the same; it just happens earlier.
Do I have to participate in the Lightning Round?
No. Participation is optional.
Can I participate in both the Lightning Round and the Celebration Period?
Yes! We would love that.
Can I participate with the same work in the Lightning Round and the Celebration Period?
Yes. You can post one chapter for the Lightning Round and another chapter for the Celebration Period.
Can I use one WIP for the Lightning Round and a different one for the Celebration Period?
Yes, you can. After submitting for the Lightning Round, fill out a second Sign-Up form with the new WIP.
Can I post chapters before the Celebration Period?
Yes. If you finish a chapter, you can post at any time. Additionally, you can continue working on the next chapter for the fest without needing to sign up again. However, we only promote the most recent chapter during the Celebration Period. This also applies to the Lightning Round.
(For example, let's say you initially sign up to complete Chapter 2, but finish early and post before our deadline. You could then start working on Chapter 3. If you finish Chapter 3 before our fest deadline, we would promote Chapter 3 only. If you don't finish Chapter 3 by our deadline, then we would promote Chapter 2.)
Can I post a completed work before the Celebration Period?
Yes. You can publish any time. We will promote the work during our Celebration Period (and not earlier). This also applies to the Lightning Round.
Will the fest have an anon period?
No. Due to the nature of the fest, we will not have an anon period.
What tags/warnings are required?
Tag any content that could trigger or squick audience members. (Note: we do not ask you to tag top/bottom dynamics.)
We additionally encourage you to add explanatory author's notes when needed.
If you're not sure if something requires tags or notes, please err on the side of caution.
"Author chose not to warn" is an acceptable choice—on AO3, please choose this under Archive Warnings AND additionally add this tag as a freeform tag.
In some cases, we may ask you to add tags/notes. Mods reserve the right to remove content from the fest and the AO3 collection that has not been tagged upon mod request.
How do I submit my finished chapter or work?
First, post your work. (If you are posting to AO3, please add it to the fest collection.) Second, fill out the Submission Form.
Can I post my fic to the fest collection on AO3 as soon as a I sign up for the fest?
No. We ask that you wait until you are ready to fill out the Submission Form before adding your work to the collection.
What happens when I add my already-published work to the fest collection?
Nothing will change after adding your work to the collection, except that it will now have the fest collection tag. Your work will also be browsable from the fest collection. Your work will continue to be visible and your username will be attached to it. You can submit your work to the fest collection at any time before the deadline.
Does my fanwork have to be completed by the fest deadline?
At least one new chapter must be completed.
Can I lock my work on AO3?
We encourage you to keep your work unlocked at least temporarily on AO3 in order to make it more findable for your audience. However, you can lock your work any time. We will still promote locked work.
Do you offer extensions?
We'll determine our process for extensions based on your feedback closer to the deadline.
How do I drop out?
Drop out with the Drop Out form. There is no drop-out deadline and no explanation is required, but we ask that you let us know.
What if deadlines overlap with concerts?
Bangtan are busy and it's hard for us to completely avoid overlapping with concerts/events this tour 😭 Please plan ahead if needed. We encourage and welcome early submission.
We'll have a "Celebration Period" rather than "Reveals."
There won't be an anon posting period.
You can now post your chapters or work at any time — you don't have to wait for a Reveal period.
You can sign up to finish either a chapter or a complete work.
We'll have just one check-in rather than monthly check-ins.
I have more questions! Where can I ask?
Send us a DM on Twitter or Bluesky, or contact us using our anon question form.