Fastback sponsorship provides a way for chapters to become involved in the PDK publications program while at the same time supporting the PDK Educational Foundation. Many chapters use the fastback sponsorship as a focal point for chapter projects and activities. And there are some attractive benefits for a chapter that sponsors a fastback. A chapter wishing to sponsor a fastback contacts the Director of Publications and Research at the PDK International Office and requests a sponsorship in a forthcoming series. This gives the director some flexibility in assigning the sponsorship when more than one chapter chooses the same title.
Priority is determined by the date that the chapter's contribution was received.
A chapter may elect to postpone sponsorship for six months if no title is found to be suitable. In the event that a chapter fails to respond to the request for choices in a timely manner, the chapter sponsorship is assigned at random so that the publication schedule can be maintained. When the director receives the chapter's choices, sponsorships are assigned and the chapters are notified. This alternative procedure has worked in a few cases, but it is not automatic. Many criteria are applied in selecting fastback manuscripts, which are chosen on merit regardless of sponsorship.