Hello, so our planned schedule is after everyone is accepted by 4/24, they will have until 5/1 to state who they prefer to create for. Everyone’s choices will then be approved and distributed by 5/4 at the latest, and then their pitches are due 5/10. Submit a min of 3 pitch ideas and a max of 5, and those will be confirmed by 5/12. After that, you’re good to start working on pieces.

At the end of May is first check in: here we just want to see a minimum of a sketch/idea, line art, concept, outline; anything like that. Just to show you have an idea and a direction for your piece.
Towards the end of June: we want to see that you’re around the halfway point, whatever that may be for your process.
At the end of July: finals are due!

We have date options picked out, but we want to be mindful of our contributors’ individual workflows and processes (and if there are holidays happening around that time that we may be unaware of) so for exact dates, we will have those voted on by contributors during the first week of being in the Discord. Additionally, if you need an extension at any point, do just keep us informed. (Towards the end of the production period, there will be less lenience).

Of course, you can do more than required at the check in, or even a little less if you have a busy schedule at the time and you communicate with us. As long as you’ll be done by the time finals are due and keep good communication with us, you’re okay.

Short answer: both are good!
Longer answer: Yes, you're allowed to cover songs and do not have to produce your own original song for this project. Though, in terms of fitting the story theme of the zine, some songs may fit the theme better (For example, Bokura no Kizuna somewhat fits the zine more than, say, Rakuen Oasis). If you want, you're allowed to reimagine any song whether it be using a different instrumental, adding to the instrumental, transposing, mashup, remix, mini medley, etc anything of that sort.
At the end of the day, every song tells a story so we have no rules against any songs specifically, though let's say it is encouraged that you add your own spin on songs you feel fit the zine less! Either way you can apply for the zine, we appreciate and welcome the talent of both cover artists and original song creators.

Sorry for taking a while to get to your response, realised the Mankai Charity document had yet to include the new mods and wanted to make sure that was done before linking the document here! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HIOGx6IzFOfnpZZEKa1vxy6T9TukoIkBZPmg2XzGtKY/edit
There’s more info including some socials there, though some of our mods do not have active social media to provide. Those who do, however, have them now linked in the Mankai Charity document and if any mods make new socials/revive old socials we can add them there. For ease, I’ll provide them here: Sun is syllyism on twitter, Shiro is olyollyoxenfree on twitter, and Sol is o7taisoc on twitter. (Blood doesn’t actively use social media, but they do have a discord 10hyodos)

Hi, our artist (and all zine contributors’) applications will be open on the 1st of April, so do keep an eye out for that. Right now we are in the interest check stage and that will be next. For your application, you’ll need to link to individual three pieces as well as your portfolio. Feel free to lead with your full shaded/rendered pieces if you desire. The style and same detail is preferred to be the same as what you plan on producing for the zine so we can get an idea of who you are as an artist! As for DMs, if you want to DM or use this both are acceptable; one of two mods will most likely answer you, either Sol mod or a new recently accepted mod of ours who will be announced shortly! Thank you as well

Sure thing, briefly mod experience is listed in the general Mankai Charity document -> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HIOGx6IzFOfnpZZEKa1vxy6T9TukoIkBZPmg2XzGtKY/edit?usp=sharing

In terms of more information, Blood mod has experience with merchandise development whether it be creating items on their own to sell or having their designs produced by manufacturing companies. They have been selling their items both online and in person a few times (ranging from self made amiibos, sticker commissions, acrylic keychains/shakers, etc) for approx 5 years. Additionally, they’ve created personal projects including the aforementioned items as well as having a mini-book of theirs printed. In terms of how this benefits the zine creation process (as well as the ManCha project in general) they have experience producing for (pre-)orders, calculating finances, and just generally creating on their own.

Sol mod, though with less experience in creation, is also very valuable in the project having experience running social media accounts for herself of course as well as managing larger ones for their own fandoms and interests in the past, so they know their way around many platforms. She is also very essential to the project as they help distribute the workload and keep the project manageable by handling social media as well as assisting with communications.

Of course neither zine moderators are fully experienced in the whole realm of zine creation in of itself so we want to be reasonable about the scope of this project and not get too overzealous: we are aiming for a digital zine with merch for sure, and depending on the desire for the zine we are hoping we can produce this physically as well. We are not at all professionals, which is why we do encourage people to apply and assist with the workload especially in areas they may be more savvy than us. Plus, we think this would be a good way for us (as well as other moderators) to gather more experience for portfolios!