Why the first page of your rulebook is the most important
Players form their expectations in the first two minutes. Here's how to set them up for success.
Professional writing, editing, and design of boardgame rulebooks for indie designers, small studios, and publishers worldwide.
Contact MarthaStarting from scratch? Martha can create a rulebook that's clear, organized, and easy to follow.
Already have a draft? Martha can identify the problem areas, make corrections, and ensure your rulebook flows easily from one topic to the next.
A good rulebook layout is key — Martha can make sure your rulebook is organized into easy-to-follow sections that don't scare players away.
Martha can create condensed, player-friendly cards that keep the game moving and the rulebook closed.
Good rulebooks don't write themselves — and bad ones can kill an otherwise brilliant game before it hits the table.
Martha brings an unusual combination to rulebook work: an extensive background in both game design and technical writing. That means she doesn't only write clearly — she knows how games are learned, where rulebooks lose people, and how rules must be organized for all genres and audiences.
Whether you're an indie designer prepping for your first crowdfunding campaign or a publisher refining an existing title, Martha can help you create documentation that's accurate, readable, and actually fun to follow.
Martha Rules Rulebooks is fully remote and works with clients worldwide.
Why the first page of your rulebook is the most important
Players form their expectations in the first two minutes. Here's how to set them up for success.
The difference between a rule and an explanation
Technical accuracy isn't enough — rulebooks need to teach, not just document.
Player reference cards: an underrated game component
A good player reference card isn't a summary of the rulebook. It's a different document entirely.
All work is quoted individually based on scope.
Remote — working with clients worldwide.