Writing Comics:
Breaking into the Box at a Comic Convention
By Tim Morgan
Comics offer a wide
range of possibilities for storytellers: from costumed heroes to uplifting humor
and the envelope-pushing extremes of the independent presses, comics offer
something for every taste imaginable.
Interested in breaking in as a writer? One of the best places to begin is the
comic convention, where you just may have the chance to shake the hand of a
big-time editor or meet your favorite artist.
Artists and editors agree-- a convention is a great place to network. Bob
Noberini of Sketch Jam Studios says conventions are the best part of the
business. "The greatest role of a convention for me is meeting the public and
getting their input, and talking with other artists and creators. I love it!"
Perhaps the most important thing you can do before attending a comic convention
is prepare. Have an original script ready, bring several copies, and prepare
your pitch. Then once you get there, don't be shy-- shake hands, introduce
yourself, and launch into that pitch. If you're lucky enough to be able to draw
as well as write, be sure to bring a portfolio of your work-- and make sure to
include sequential narratives as well as pin-ups.
Chris Campanozzi of Open Book Press takes preparation a step further,
recommending having a handout-sized sample of a completed comic, between five
and ten pages, that you can leave with a prospective editor or publisher. The
purpose of the sample is to show your ability (or that of your artist
collaborator) as a visual storyteller over several pages.
Campanozzi advises writers to be professional when showing samples of your work
to editors. "In regards to handing work to a publisher, always be polite and
have a handy little pitch at the ready. Then go, do not hang around or be a
bother. If they like what they see, they will contact you."
If possible, have some business cards printed with your contact information on
them. When you complete your pitch, offer to swap cards with your prospect and
give a time frame for following up after the convention.
The editors I've spoken with agree that a good story will stand out and capture
their attention. Writer/artist Liz Plourde broke in by writing a series of
one-page comics based on her life as a college student. Plourde's work was
published in the Digital Webbing Presents anthology. Plourde plans to
eventually collect her vignettes into a book.
Some conventions, such as Wizard World, offer free admission to people who
volunteer at the convention. The tasks are often menial-- ranging from managing
an autograph line to being a "gopher" for one of the big names at the
convention-- but getting free admission and a chance to rub elbows with the pros
in addition to a "goodie bag" of comic books makes it worthwhile.
If your writing is stronger than your artwork, or vice-versa, don't despair.
Most conventions include an "Artist's Alley," where creators show off their
work and are out to network, just like you. As with dealing with a publisher or
editor, have a quick pitch ready and offer to swap business cards before you
move on.
Don't want to wait for the next convention to hook up with an artist? Two great
places to look are the Comic Artist's Guild (www.comicartguild.com)
and Digital Webbing (www.digitalwebbing.com).
Both provide ways for aspiring artists and writers to connect and share ideas
and information.
You don't need a mutant power or a secret identity to break into comics. All it
takes is a lot of preparation and a little luck.
Tim Morgan is a
programmer by day. Depending on what day it is, at night he's either a freelance
journalist, revising a screenplay, an English professor, or a devoted husband
and father.
