The Game Master's Handbook of Collaborative Campaign Design - by Jonah Fishel & Tristan Fishel (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

BUILD BETTER WORLDS--TOGETHER!

- A game-changing TTRPG guide to collaborative storytelling and campaign creation
- Written by Jonah Fishel and Tristan Fishel, bestselling creators of The Game Master's Handbook of Proactive Roleplaying- Perfect for Dungeon Masters who want deeper, more meaningful storytelling

The Game Master's Handbook of Collaborative Campaign Design redefines what it means to run a Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Instead of relying on stat blocks or pre-written modules, this essential roleplaying guide teaches Game Masters how to co-create immersive stories with their players--building worlds, character arcs, and emotional payoffs that everyone invests in.

Inside, you'll find step-by-step methods for planning, writing, and running collaborative campaigns that adapt to your players' ideas in real time. Learn how to build narrative arcs that evolve organically, write satisfying endings, and design encounters that fit your world's tone and themes.

With detailed case studies, ready-to-use templates, and "Session 1" collaboration exercises, this tabletop RPG handbook helps you master the art of shared storytelling. Whether you're running D&D 5e, Pathfinder, or a homebrew RPG, this is the ultimate toolkit for crafting adventures your players will remember for years.

Review Quotes

"The Collaborative Campaign Design handbook is a true gem, and I can't say enough good things about the thoughtful way the writers provide their tips to readers. It's so easy to lose the 'we' in a campaign, and this is a gentle reminder that stories are more fun when they are told as a group. Final Score: 9/10."
- Bonus Action

"The Game Master's Handbook of Collaborative Campaign Design succeeds as both a reference and a philosophy of play. By reframing campaign creation as a collaborative act, the book encourages GMs and players to view themselves as co-authors of long-form storytelling. It provides a path toward campaigns that are more immersive, emotionally resonant, and sustainable. For those seeking to escape repetitive, GM-centered planning, this handbook offers both theory and practice to guide the transition. It is not a book of monsters, traps, or crunchy mechanics, but one of structure, conversation, and shared narrative control. For many groups, that shift could mean the difference between campaigns that fizzle out and campaigns remembered for years."
- PopGeeks

About the Author

Jonah Fishel has been playing TTRPGs for nearly twenty years, and has game mastered more than his fair share of campaigns. He is the co-author of the bestselling book The Game Master's Handbook of Proactive Roleplaying. Away from the gaming table, Jonah is a learning differences tutor. He lives in Charlottesville, Virginia with his wife, daughter, and dog.

Tristan Fishel is the co-author of The Game Master's Handbook of Proactive Roleplaying, among other TTRPG products. He's been playing TTRPGs for only slightly less time than his brother, with whom he runs The Game Master's Laboratory, an online school for game masters. In his spare time, Tristan enjoys running home games for his friends, writing fiction, and serving as a devoted caretaker to his beloved cat, Cupcake. Tristan lives in Newport News, Virginia.