Howdy folks! 

I've been pressing my nose to the grindstone getting these magazines ready for launch. Largely, things are progressing very smoothly, however we've experienced some hiccups and changes of plans, which I'll get into. 

I've just received the proof copies for all four TLFM issues. They are done and ready to print. Pre-BackerKit subscribers, if any of you came here for Mordschlag, will receive your TLFM issues ahead of the pack. Meanwhile, BackerKit paperbacks of TLFM will be shipped with the rest of the rewards.

Check your digital rewards on BackerKit to get the Winter 2026 eBook Email [email protected] if you need help.

I have prepared an eARC of Mordschlag #0 for reviewers, which is currently undergoing a proofread by the associate editor. Once the proofread is turned in and implemented, I will prepare the eBook version of #0 and make it available to Mordschlag backers. 

I have received the paperback proof of Mordschlag Issue #0 and am addressing the last few outstanding formatting quirks before placing the order with the printer.

#1 needs a bit more work. Primary editorial is just about finished but proofreads still need to be performed. Game design needs to be finalized, which will also be done by the end of October. 

I have commissioned several pieces of artwork for Mord #1, which are due in by October 20th. So far, art is going smooth.

If all goes well, we should be printing both issues by November or December, and both issues will be available as eBooks to backers as they are completed. 

Since Mordschlag #1 is taking a bit longer to iron out, I have had to push back our estimated fulfillment date to January (which is also accommodating for the holidays). I plan to print everything in November, which should have a three-week turnaround.

If it's possible to ship sooner, I will.  

I fought hard to get traditional printing for these magazines but ultimately I could not strike a deal that made sense for the scope of this project.

Since June 2026, I've spoken and quoted with three printers and could not strike a balance between cost, quantity, and quality—all three quotes were asking me to choose two when I required all three.

So I've decided to remain with our existing printing service, Bookvault, which has always taken good care of us and our readers. Though the service is print on demand rather than traditional offset printing, I find their papers to be higher quality and their global distribution to be more accessible to international readers. It simply made more sense to use their services for this project.

For these magazines I'm not willing to make any compromises on quality, and since I've acquired a proof of Mordschlag #0 and I'm pleased to report that the quality is excellent—the image heavy pages have 0 visible bleed, which would have been a problem on the papers offered by the traditional printers. Carrying the issue in my pocket, it's proving to be rugged and durable. It's even a bit weighty due to the heavier paper weight, which makes it feel very nice in the hand.

Pictures attached below.

Thank you for all the support. I'm loving working on these magazines and I can't wait for you all to get your hands on them.

Sincerely,
James D. Mills, EiC of The Arcanist