Companies accepting pitches from writers

[rcosgrove]

Here are list of links from my bookmarks of comic publishers that accept submissons of scripts from writers, without artist.

If you know of any other companies, or want to correct information give here, post it here. If you want to discuss the companies or how to submit, please start a new thread (after reading the old ones first ;)).

Although I've checked the links, I can not guarantee the companies still exist or are currently accepting submissions.

Avatar Press (http://www.avatarpress.com/submis.htm) - 8-12pg full script, using a character from Avatar's stable.

Com-X (http://www.comxcomics.com/submissions.html) - UK comic publisher. Currently not accepting submissions until early 2006.

Dark Horse (http://www.darkhorse.com/company/submissions.php#writers) - Read guidelines before submitting.

Deadlight Studios (http://www.deadlightstudios.com/deadlightforum/viewtopic.php?t=22) - I don't know if Deadlight is accepting submissions, as its website's down for maintenance. If someone from Deadlight is reading this, please let us know.

Marvel Entertainment (http://www.marvel.com/company/subs.htm) - Marvel does not accept unsolicited submissions. But you can write an inquiry letter.

Platinum Studios (http://platinumstudios.com/submissions/index.php) - Before submitting to Platinum, read Lee Nording's articles on pitching (http://platinumstudios.com/press/press.php?press_number=092903) and do what he says.

2000AD (Rebellion) (http://www.2000adonline.com/?zone=submissions&page=writers) - 2000AD accepts submissions for five-page Future Shocks.

Warpton (http://www.warpton.co.uk) - I believe they look for one-shot comics only.

- Richard

[rcosgrove]

Jeff (aka DarkOra) has been updating his list of company submission guidelines in his blog Dark Ramblings (http://storyboard.darkora.net/?archive=2005_09_01_news_archive.php#112633041078282778). So, straight from Jeff's blog, here are more companies:

Toykopop (http://tokyopop.com/aboutus/fiction_guidelines.php) - Toykopop makes American manga. The company does have a UK branch (http://tokyopop.co.uk), but that site doesn't have any submission guidelines.

Mad Magazine (http://www.dccomics.com/mad/?action=submissions) - Comedy. Mad style.

Humanoids Publishing (http://www.humanoids-publishing.com/contact) - Humanoid Publishing does not accept any submissions from unpublished writers or unsolicited scripts or pitches from published writers. Instead, it asks writers to send in an inquiry letter and a resume of their published writing.

Antartic Press (http://www.antarctic-press.com/html/version_01/submissions.php) - This company is primarily looking for writer/artist/letterers who can produce a comic solo. But if you submit as a writer, it asks you send in a 4pg treatment or synopsis. Full scripts are not accepted. This link also has lots of advice about submitting work to comic publishers, and it's advice not just applicable to Antartic Press.

Shooting Star Comics (http://www.shootingstarcomics.com/submissions.html) - Writers are required to send in a cover letter and a one page synopsis/pitch. No scripts or longer treatments.

Keenspot (http://keenspot.com/companyinfo.html) - a cartoon strip collective. I think.

Last Gasp (http://www.lastgasp.com/alg/) - "Last Gasp is one of the largest and oldest publishers and purveyors of underground comic books in the world, as well as being a distributor of all sorts of weird 'n' wonderful subversive literature, graphic novels, tattoo and art books."

Elfquest.com (http://www.elfquest.com/pubs/Submission.html) - Only accepts canonical Elfquest stories featuring Elfquest characters for inclusion in an occasional anthology.

Gemstone (http://www.gemstonepub.com/disney/faq.asp#art) - Publishes The Overstreet Comic Book Grading Guide, The Big Big Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide, Hake's Price Guide To Character Toys, The Overstreet Toy Ring Price Guide, The Overstreet Indian Arrowheads Identification and Price Guide, Comic Book Marketplace, and the weekly newsletter Scoop. Also publishes Disney comics.

Papercuts (http://www.papercutz.com/artist.html) - Publishes manga.

[DannoE]

Papercuts also has the license for Zorro. I have their Zorro #1, and it is not manga.

[dearreader]

Writers need the links & the news as to what is happening in the world of publishing so Great Job!



Adios!



Jaime

[Trey of Diamonds]

MAM TOR Publishing (http://www.mamtor.com/) is accepting various forms of submissions for Liam Sharp’s Event Horizon anthology book. Click here for Submission Guidelines. (http://www.mamtor.com/contacts/)

[Obnoxiad]

This is a bit out of place, but CHAOSIUM the RPG company that makes CALL OF CTHULHU does a small print item called monographs. I don't think it pays, but I believe they take submissions for everything from adventure scenarios, to guide books, to history notes that relate to the Mythos of Lovecraft and friends.

[kaushikkarforma]

This is a bit out of place, but CHAOSIUM the RPG company that makes CALL OF CTHULHU does a small print item called monographs. I don't think it pays, but I believe they take submissions for everything from adventure scenarios, to guide books, to history notes that relate to the Mythos of Lovecraft and friends.

Shawn,

Chaosium does pay for the monographs - a flat fee of $250 for 500 copies, initially. If they decide to print the another 500 copies, they will pay another $250. That's what is written on their Website. I am plotting a monograph to submit to them? Are you?

Kaushik

[Caleb Monroe]

There are guidelines for somewhere upward of 80 comic conpanies on my Creator Service Page (link in sig). The ones with an "*" are publishers that will look at a writer's work without an atist attached.

[Atomicage1]

You can also feel free to drop by the Ape Entertainment website a new set of submission guidelines went up last week.

APE ENTERTAINMENT SUBMISSION GUIDE LINES (http://ape-entertainment.com/submit.htm)

Later!

[DannoE]

I sent you an email.

[damajackal]

Is there any hope for finding anime companies that accept writer pitches?

[Caleb Monroe]

Is there any hope for finding anime companies that accept writer pitches?

If by "anime" you mean "manga":

-Antarctic Press
-eigoMANGA
-KAGE Productions
-Tokyopop
-Dark Horse accepts writer-only submissions and publishes manga, but I don't know if they publish original manga.
-Papercutz does manga-style versions of Zorro, Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. They take writing submissions, but not new pitches.

Links to all these publishers in the Creator Services link in my sig.

If you actually mean "anime," I think that's a pretty closed (and foreign) system. Do you speak Japanese or have any animation experience?

[Icaruss]

The Comic Creator Services that Belacab mentioned does have EVERY single company accepting submission. For writers, and artists.

Pretty freaking good.

[Caleb Monroe]

Thanks, Icaruss. Everyone please be sure to let me know if you find any publishers I've omitted or come across any broken links, so I can keep the page as up-to-date as possible.

[Fred Duran]

What about Vertigo? Someone said I should pitch Project E to Vertigo, and I went right to your blog and it wasn't there :cry: .
:laugh:

[Caleb Monroe]

Vertigo and Wildstorm are both part of DC Comics. If you scroll down to the "Companies not Currrently Accepting Unsolicted Submissions" section, you'll find them there:

DC Comics (http://www.dccomics.com/about/?action=submissions) (includes Wildstorm and Vertigo)

Your only real chance there is to talk to an editor at a convention and get them to give you permission to send them something. Otherwise, you'll just get filed in the round file.

(Anyone else with experience/advice on getting a submission solicited, please chime in here)

Here's something I've discovered: having a published book makes it a lot easier to get editors' attention. I'm currently self-publishing Redchapel, but have also been shopping it around to other publishers, both as a writing sample and as something for them to potentially pick up. Pretty much any editor I've approached has read it, and several of them approached me at my WWLA table of their own volition. I've only had the books in my hands for about three weeks, and I've already gotten some potential work with one publisher and some very promising leads with several others.

So you may want to consider finishing the entire first issue of Project E, printing it up cheap and POD, then hitting cons and using it as both your book submission and writing samples.

[eltonpruitt]

Vertigo and Wildstorm are both part of DC Comics. If you scroll down to the "Companies not Currrently Accepting Unsolicted Submissions" section, you'll find them there:

DC Comics (http://www.dccomics.com/about/?action=submissions) (includes Wildstorm and Vertigo)

Your only real chance there is to talk to an editor at a convention and get them to give you permission to send them something. Otherwise, you'll just get filed in the round file.

(Anyone else with experience/advice on getting a submission solicited, please chime in here)

Here's something I've discovered: having a published book makes it a lot easier to get editors' attention. I'm currently self-publishing Redchapel, but have also been shopping it around to other publishers, both as a writing sample and as something for them to potentially pick up. Pretty much any editor I've approached has read it, and several of them approached me at my WWLA table of their own volition. I've only had the books in my hands for about three weeks, and I've already gotten some potential work with one publisher and some very promising leads with several others.

So you may want to consider finishing the entire first issue of Project E, printing it up cheap and POD, then hitting cons and using it as both your book submission and writing samples.

That is very encouraging to hear. My initial plan with this project I am working on was to do the whole thing (four-issue limited series) POD and use it as both a submission and sample of what I can do.

Well, I couldn't afford my artist for that much work. So now I'm on plan B, which is completing enough pages for a submission. But I am still sorely tempted to try to at least complete the first issue, for the reasons you describe. It seems like being able to hand an editor or publisher an actual printed book and say, "I did this," would have to carry a bit more weight than the run of the mill submissions they must get by the truckload.

[Caleb Monroe]

Ty Gorton (Image's Runes of Ragnan) has some interesting thoughts and a success story (http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=44370677&blogID=100854751&MyToken=6302739d-ad00-428b-b008-1da2613149e2) along those lines.

You can check out the rest of the topics on his "Confessions of a Comic Book Creator" blog here (http://digitalwebbing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=90041).

[eltonpruitt]

Ty Gorton (Image's Runes of Ragnan) has some interesting thoughts and a success story (http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=44370677&blogID=100854751&MyToken=6302739d-ad00-428b-b008-1da2613149e2) along those lines.

You can check out the rest of the topics on his "Confessions of a Comic Book Creator" blog here (http://digitalwebbing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=90041).
Yeah, Ty is actually quite an inspiration for me. I subscribe to his blog, and between that and JMS's column at Newsarama, I tend to find something inspiring and motivational to read at just the right time.

Do you have any experience with either Ka-Blam or ComiXpress? I ordered a sample from both to check out the quality of their work.

[Caleb Monroe]

Afraid I don't, but if you post that question in Creator Community, I'm sure you'll get plenty of answers.

[Peedee]

That is very encouraging to hear. My initial plan with this project I am working on was to do the whole thing (four-issue limited series) POD and use it as both a submission and sample of what I can do.

Well, I couldn't afford my artist for that much work. So now I'm on plan B, which is completing enough pages for a submission. But I am still sorely tempted to try to at least complete the first issue, for the reasons you describe. It seems like being able to hand an editor or publisher an actual printed book and say, "I did this," would have to carry a bit more weight than the run of the mill submissions they must get by the truckload.

I think I'm following you down that same path, honestly. As such, the CCS list will (hopefully) come in very handily.

[DannoE]

Do you have any experience with either Ka-Blam or ComiXpress? I ordered a sample from both to check out the quality of their work.Both are okay. In my experience, the stuff from Ka-Blam looks better than the stuff from ComixPress. For whatever reason, ComixPress has a sort of dot-matrix feel to it IMO. Ka-Blam looks great and can do color for reasonable cost. That's a good deal.

Plus, Ka-Blam will generally do a bit of quality control check on your order whereas ComixPress will send you a book complete with all of the pre-press mistakes you forgot to fix such as the one page of low-rez art you forgot to replace with hi-rez in the middle of the book. That ain't good.

[eltonpruitt]

Both are okay. In my experience, the stuff from Ka-Blam looks better than the stuff from ComixPress. For whatever reason, ComixPress has a sort of dot-matrix feel to it IMO. Ka-Blam looks great and can do color for reasonable cost. That's a good deal.

Plus, Ka-Blam will generally do a bit of quality control check on your order whereas ComixPress will send you a book complete with all of the pre-press mistakes you forgot to fix such as the one page of low-rez art you forgot to replace with hi-rez in the middle of the book. That ain't good.
Thanks! That is exactly the kind of first-hand info I was hoping to get.

[DemolitionSamurai]

If you do more adult themed work, there's good ol' Heavy Metal.
They mostly just accept short stories, though, since the larger ones go to the Heavy Metal powerhouses.
http://www.metaltv.com/page.cfm?id=352

[Icaruss]

Com-X (http://www.comxcomics.com/submissions.html) - UK comic publisher. Currently not accepting submissions until early 2006.

See? That's why I love the British. MOST CONSIDERATE WRITER SUBMISSION SYSTEM EVER.

[Lovecraft13]

Anyone know of any anthology books are accepting submissions?

[Siegen]

What about presses that are accepting Manga style script submissions? I really didn't see any on there that take submissions for that style of medium..

[Bob the Fish]

What about presses that are accepting Manga style script submissions? I really didn't see any on there that take submissions for that style of medium..
http://kageuniverse.com/news/submissions/index.htm

[martin993]

See? That's why I love the British. MOST CONSIDERATE WRITER SUBMISSION SYSTEM EVER.

Hey, man. Do you know if these guys are still going? Just asking because there's nothing in the news section since 2004. Don't want to submit to someone if there's nobody home, if you know what I mean.

[quones]

They've been quiet for too long. Even if they're still technically a company, I doubt they have the resources to publish your comic. I hope I'm wrong, because I loved Puncture and Cla$$war.

[Siegen]

http://kageuniverse.com/news/submissions/index.htm


I noticed on the forums of Kage Productions it is really quiet. Is this group still functional or is it capooot already. It has a nice web site so I am interested.

Siegen

[TheMadGenius]

I'm glad I came across this topic because I just sent a proposal to Dark Horse this week. Has anyone had any success pitching to Dark Horse? They appear to be the "big fish" in terms of accepting writing proposals without artists attached. According to their submission guidelines I shouldn't expect to hear anything unless they are interested in the project - which is going to drive me crazy for, what, 3, 6, 9 months?? I don't know if my heart can take it!! :)

[darkreaver]

I think Darkhorse does allow written scripts with out artist attachements, but I think they allow staff artists to look at it and if they are intersted they contact you back, or that is what I have heard.

[breschau]

My limited experience with Dark Horse is the phrase "come back when you're famous," told to an artist friend of mine. Don't know if it's true, but it says a lot.

Speaking of Portland, there's a new company out there doing comics. They are taking subs from just writers.

www.bowlerhatcomics.com

[Jonzeartist]

As for Platinum Studios I'm profoundly unimpressed with Lee Nording. He compared my work to the Adam Sandler piece of crap movie "Little Nicky". He claimed that he read my work but tha'ts a lie, if he truly did then he would NOT have compared it to "Little Nicky".

Jon

[Jonzeartist]

Vertigo and Wildstorm are both part of DC Comics. If you scroll down to the "Companies not Currrently Accepting Unsolicted Submissions" section, you'll find them there:

DC Comics (http://www.dccomics.com/about/?action=submissions) (includes Wildstorm and Vertigo)

Your only real chance there is to talk to an editor at a convention and get them to give you permission to send them something. Otherwise, you'll just get filed in the round file.

Yeah when it comes to Marvel and DC...THEY decide what they want to publish as in they seek out talent...not the other way around.

Jon

[D.J. Coffman]

Hey, Lee Nordling hasn't been at Platinum for awhile. Not sure if they're still taking unsolicited submissions or not, but the new EIC is Jim McLaughlin. And he kicks butt.

[TheDeeMan]

Yeah, from what I understand Platinum isn't taking submissions anymore. I too was "unthrilled" with Lee Nordling's ability to assess the quality of submissions. And believe me, this was a WIDELY held belief amongst folks who'd submitted to Platinum awhile back. One guy got so pissed off at Nordling that he took his project to Energy Entertainment and got optioned for a movie deal. But, as DJ points out, Lee isn't Platinum's submissions editor anymore. Sid Davis is Platinum's submissions editor. At least the last time I checked.

Honestly? I don't think Platinum is, was, or ever will be interested in publishing anything by anybody outside of it's little "universe" other then the contests like the one DJ won that ultimately serves to get Platinum publicity for it's in-house comics.

Dee

[Lee Nordling]

Hey, Jon.

I actually remember our chat about your submission from some years ago, and I recall you being just as upset about my response to your submission as you are here in your posting...

...and perhaps so upset that you don't recall what I said; I do...because it was one of those answers I hated to give...because the rejection had nothing to do with the quality of your work. It had to do with market forces that existed at the time, unfair market forces perhaps, but realistic ones that involved making a determination about the fair use of my time.

Prior to reviewing your submission, I'd seen and supported a couple "son/relative-of-Satan" stories. Because Little Nicky had just bombed out in the theaters, I was told that we couldn't set up ANYTHING that had this "relationship" element in it, that studios were treating "satan" stories like the plague. Then your pitch arrived, and I tried explaining that we couldn't sell it because of surface similarities to Little Nicky, NOT because your story was the same as Little Nicky. I recall trying to explain this to you over the phone, and obviously I did a poor job of it, because if there's one thing that's true: I read your pitch; I didn't/don't lie about that.

I can appreciate that after this experience you were unimpressed with me and chose not to submit more; nobody's for everybody, so that's fair.

But during my tenure at Platinum, I did my best to respond to every submission that crossed my desk--we are talking about thousands of submissions--and I gave constructive and/or realistic answers, albeit sometimes short ones, for why I needed to pass on a majority of them.

I think it's the role editors to be advocates for projects they can embrace (for any number of reasons), and it's the role of writers to FIND advocates for their projects.

When the two get together, it's a lot of fun.

When they don't come together with a mutual appreciation for a story, that doesn't mean anybody did anything bad; it just means that project wasn't the glue to bring them together.

Anyway, Jon, I never gave you (or anybody) the bum's rush on a rejection, and I was always willing to discuss whatever was necessary to reach common ground with a creator. THAT'S why I called you all those years ago to discuss this, rather than ignoring your submission or simply writing, "It's not what we're looking for." I don't think "it's not what we're looking for" helps anybody figure out what I AM looking for, and this is why I spent whatever time was necessary with creators who wanted to work with me.

I'm just sorry it didn't work out between us.

I hope you found a good home for your story.

Best always (and yep, I really mean that).

--Lee

CHANGE OF TOPIC.

Hey, DJ.

Hope all is well.

--Lee

[Raven]

As for Platinum Studios I'm profoundly unimpressed with Lee Nording. He compared my work to the Adam Sandler piece of crap movie "Little Nicky". He claimed that he read my work but tha'ts a lie, if he truly did then he would NOT have compared it to "Little Nicky".

Jon

I always found Lee to be very intelligent and helpful. We don't always agree about the marketplace, but he knows what he is talking about when it comes to film and writing.

I'd take his critique more seriously if you actually plan on being a professional.

[rcosgrove]

I always found Lee to be very intelligent and helpful. We don't always agree about the marketplace, but he knows what he is talking about when it comes to film and writing.
Ditto.

With me Lee went out of his way to helpful, gave realistic advice after I submitted work, and was very encouraging.

I don't expect to receive a personal reply and a critique of a submission from a publisher who rejects a project, as I know how little time they have, but that's what Lee gave me. And his advice was extremely useful.

So, if you're reading this, thanks Lee.

- Richard

--
SYNDROME - COMING WINTER 2007 (http://www.comicspace.com/tc.php?comic_id=10693)
Richard Cosgrove (rc.comics@googlemail.com)
Online portfolio (http://www.richardcosgrove.co.uk) | ComicSpace (www.comicspace.com/rcosgrove) | MySpace (www.myspace.com/richardcosgrove)

[knockedoutpanzer]

I too have had the pleasure of contact with Lee Nordling,(Oh it was ages ago!). He was always courteous,always professional. A gentleman and a scholar. His criticisms were always valid and frankly,wise.

Cheers Lee! :)

Rejection blows but it's part of writing as it's part of other aspects of life. Learn from it ,though that may sound trite, otherwise you'll just get so embittered you won't bother to write anymore.

[Lee Nordling]

Thanks, Raven & Richard (& Knockedoutpanzer, who posted while I was writing)!

I think there is too little conversation in the trenches between editors and writers about company goals and personal goals.

Clear communication remains important to me. Sometimes it's less important that we agree, and more important that we understand the point of view from the other side of the desk well enough so that we have a foundation for building a relationship on a project, or with each other, or simply deciding to move on.

--Lee

PS. I don't recognize the "Raven" or "Knockedoutpanzer" monikers, but I'd be happy to get back in touch. (You, too, Richard, whom I do remember, and fondly.) I'm at lee.nordling@gmail.com.

[RegularJoe]

I can honestly say that Lee Nordling is one of the nicest, intelligent people i have come across, in relation to comic book and visual mediums.. though he did bust my balls when it was warranted. Devin...

[cylisderrens]

Do you have any new links for 2007?

I just want to know who's looking.

[ampersand]

Do you have any new links for 2007?

I just want to know who's looking.

http://calebmonroe.com/creator-services/ is a decent source of information. And there's always Zuda ;)

[Caleb Monroe]

ampersand: thanks for linking to my site before I could. ;)

I think there is too little conversation in the trenches between editors and writers about company goals and personal goals.

Clear communication remains important to me. Sometimes it's less important that we agree, and more important that we understand the point of view from the other side of the desk well enough so that we have a foundation for building a relationship on a project, or with each other, or simply deciding to move on.

--Lee

I remember you as being very polite and encouraging in your inquires about Redchapel (http://calebmonroe.com/comics) when I saw you at WWLA a couple years ago. I appreciated it. Thanks for getting in on this thread.

I'm glad I came across this topic because I just sent a proposal to Dark Horse this week. Has anyone had any success pitching to Dark Horse? They appear to be the "big fish" in terms of accepting writing proposals without artists attached. According to their submission guidelines I shouldn't expect to hear anything unless they are interested in the project - which is going to drive me crazy for, what, 3, 6, 9 months?? I don't know if my heart can take it!! :)

I haven't had a personal success pitching to Dark Horse yet (though the above-mentioned meeting-an-editor-at-a-con-and-being-asked-to-send-something-in has recently worked for me with them), but Drew Melbourne chronicles getting ArchEnemies set up there in his Think Like Tomorrow column:

The Secret Origins of ARCHENEMIES - part 1 (http://www.scrypticstudios.com/columns/think_like_tomorrow/secret_origins_of_archenemies_-_1.html), part 2 (http://www.scrypticstudios.com/columns/think_like_tomorrow/secret_origins_of_archenemies_-_2.html), part 3 (http://www.scrypticstudios.com/columns/think_like_tomorrow/secret_origins_of_archenemies_-_3.html), part 4 (http://www.scrypticstudios.com/columns/think_like_tomorrow/secret_origins_of_archenemies_-_4.html) and part 5 (http://www.scrypticstudios.com/columns/think_like_tomorrow/secret_origins_of_archenemies_-_5.html)

[thestranger]

We (803 Studios) have been self publishing since 2004 when Chuck Brown and I got together to publish our first anthology. The following is a (so sorry for this) LONG run down of the On demand printers we've worked with.

I have printed with Brenner, (the now defunct) Prenny Printing, Comixpress, Ka-Blam and SIPS.

The first two were offset printers and if you're printing (and selling) less than 2000 books, the per unit cost is WAY too high to do any real distribution.

But in the on-demand field...

COMIXPRESS: I've heard stories of bad customer service, but I haven't had any customer service complaints (barring that stint in 05 when they went dead for 8 months because they were so back logged... being why I had to print with Prenney). The guys at Comixpress have worked with us to get us our books on time each time. I do make sure to email them before I make my order and double check that I can get my book in time (and I also email during the process again to ensure on-time delivery, but anyone who simply sends files to a printer and then just sits on their thumbs kinda deserves to be pushed to the back of the que - squeaky wheel and all). With quality control issues, I sent a book up to Comixpress with the wrong, low rez files, and they emailed me asking me about it. I realized the mistake and was able to change out the files. I will say that QC is as much the publisher's (your) responsibility as it is the printer's. GET A PROOF!! Their color reproduction on my covers (my interiors are black and white), I would put at #2, but some of my studio mates rank them as #1. Their interiors are clean and crisp. I like the way they turned out. The blacks are rather shiny, but digital printers have this effect. Their turn around time sucks if you've got a tight deadline. But if you're planning at least 2 months in advance (and kinda stay on your contact there), there shouldn't be any problems. I had them running late on a book that was submitted 2 months early, and they made sure to overnight me my books. Their store is great in user friendliness, but I have historically had to wait at least 2 MORE months to have my books show up in it after I've been delivered my books. You have to stay on them to make sure that, if you're doing multiple books, they ALL show up under your publishing company. Their perfect binding is GREAT as well though I've had reports of ONE book (of a 300 print run) breaking and falling apart. Said book was opened regularly to that person's story that was included in that anthology so I'll not hold that against Comixpress.

KA-BLAM: I've heard stories of amazing customer support here (including from one of my studio mates), but I've never experienced it first hand. I've actually had one of my book orders just slide through the cracks and NEVER come. I was never billed for it even though it sat in the que for WEEKS awaiting payment and it was ultimately never printed. I emailed and emailed and didn't hear back from them for a few months. Ultimately, I got in touch and had to re-order the book. Their color production (on covers that I've printed through them) is at the bottom of the three on-demand printers. I got faded covers every time. But Chuck Brown's Trench Coats preview book he had for SDCC from them looked GREAT and it was full color throughout. Granted, I didn't have a comparative book from the other printers to put beside it. Their black interiors aren't as clean (in my experience) as the other guys and their interior covers don't seem to be able to reflect a TRUE black where as Comixpress' was pretty pitch. Their turn around time is amazing when compared to Comixpress and they've come through in a pinch for Chuck a few times. Kudos there. And they have a convention presence so you can actually MEET the people there. Their online store is a little more difficult to maneuver than Comixpress', but they have your book in the store BEFORE you get it in the mail. But you have to stay on them, just like Comixpress, to make sure all your books are filed under your name. I've only printed one book perfect bound through them and one of my pages was completely distorted. It was to be printed horizontally, but somehow got turned 90degrees and distorted without a single email coming my way. Still a little bitter about that.

SIPS (wedocomics.com): Based in Canada, SIPS has the one thing the other two seem to lack - an actual PHONE NUMBER!! Their customer service is second to none. They treat on demand as respectfully as their offset printing. I feel like, when I work with them, I'm working with the same caliber company as Brenner and Quebecor. I have had some email issues where some of my random emails won't go through, but I can always call if I don't hear back within 24 hours. I love their printing quality and color reproduction the best of all 3 (though some of my studio mates would put their color covers just below Comixpress) but the interior covers are still weak on blacks. Not as bad as Ka-Blam, but still not as crisp as Comixpress. What they don't offer: Unlike Comixpress and Ka-Blam, there is no per-unit cost reduction to put their ad on the back. Rather, there is a 10% overrun they send you up to 50 books which does lower the per unit cost. Their price is actually pretty comparable to Comixpress (with a back cover ad). Their ad is gaudy and I actually don't recommend putting it on the back of your book. Comixpress seems to be the only one that is tastefully delivered (IMO). They ALSO don't have an online store. You place your orders and they ship them to you (or wherever you want them to go). They guarantee turn around in 72hrs after you approve a proof. They can mail you a hard copy or you can get a pdf file for free. If you're not sure about your file set up, pay for the hard copy. Shipping can be a bi-otch. Since it's coming from out of the company, unless you pay through the ying-yang for over night, you may have to wait up to 10 days for the books to get to you. Of course, that with the proof and the 72hr turn around is still faster than Comixpress and is on par with Ka-Blam. They do offer perfect binding, though I haven't experienced that with them yet. Their cost is a little higher on this than Comixpress or Ka-Blam, but if you throw their ad on the back, the overrun will bring this down lower than the two. But, without the online store, you'll have to go through the hassle of setting up your own, keeping an inventory, and handle shipping. I've read somewhere that if you print with them, Dimestore will carry your book in their store, but I haven't had ANY good experiences with Dimestore's store.

So that's my two cents about on demand though it's more like $3.50. Either way, when you're looking to set up your files for printing, unless they've taken it off their site, Comixpress has the best how-to set up for print files. So read that over thoroughly (print it out and keep it).

[ampersand]

ampersand: thanks for linking to my site before I could. ;)

No problems! Although you should know that I'm thinking of stealing your "Flash Fiction Fridays" idea for my Livejournal :laugh:

[Caleb Monroe]

You should. Let's flood the Internet with speed capsules of new stories and new ideas!

[eltonpruitt]

Thanks, Raven & Richard (& Knockedoutpanzer, who posted while I was writing)!

I think there is too little conversation in the trenches between editors and writers about company goals and personal goals.

Clear communication remains important to me. Sometimes it's less important that we agree, and more important that we understand the point of view from the other side of the desk well enough so that we have a foundation for building a relationship on a project, or with each other, or simply deciding to move on.

--Lee

PS. I don't recognize the "Raven" or "Knockedoutpanzer" monikers, but I'd be happy to get back in touch. (You, too, Richard, whom I do remember, and fondly.) I'm at lee.nordling@gmail.com.
Lee,

Platinum's (evidently) ill-fated romance anthology was my first-ever attempt at submitting something to a comic book publisher. Barbara Kesel gave me great feedback on my pitch for a story called "By The Southern Grace of God." Ultimately, it didn't make the cut, which was a great disappointment to me.

But the thing is, that whole experience was so positive for me -- even down to the official rejection email from you -- that it encouraged me to keep working on my goal of writing comic books.

That was early 2006. So today, I've had my first-ever story published in the Sequential Suicide anthology early this year, and this fall, I'll have my first and second stories published in Negative Burn. And I'm working on stories for two anthologies coming out next year.

And the pitch I sent in for the romance anthology? I haven't been able to get that story out of my head. So in about a month, once I finish the two scripts I need to complete ASAP, I'm planning to go ahead and write that up and get a wonderful artist by the name of Mario Cau to illustrate it for me.

And hopefully, in the next few months, "By The Southern Grace of God" will see print in the pages of Negative Burn.

So, after all that long-windedness, I guess what I really wanted to say was, thanks! Even though my romance pitch was rejected, the positive feedback I received was enough to encourage me to stick with it.

Elton

[W. Smith]

All: I am at the early stages of starting up my own publishing company. (I guess really the pre-stages, as we are still deciding on a log). I just wanted to tell everyone thanks for being so open. It is a great help to get this information before falling down over the same issues. I hope we can keep up this form and push the issues to the forefront so we can continue to learn as a collective instead of repeating the same mistakes.

Justin :)

[AIPman1]

I've read somewhere that if you print with them, Dimestore will carry your book in their store, but I haven't had ANY good experiences with Dimestore's store.
For the record, I ended the deal with SIPS for many reasons.

Our distro system is still in an infancy stage. But we have grown a lot over the last year, and the Small Press Idol books all did decently.

There are still a number of structural/navigational things we need to do to get that really going well.

We appreciate those who have helped us learn and experiment over the years. For those that have had "BAD" experiences...we're always open to comments. But there hasn't really been much success for people who just send in a book and expect us to sell it for them. Distribution systems don't work that way. Ask Diamond.

[thestranger]

We appreciate those who have helped us learn and experiment over the years. For those that have had "BAD" experiences...we're always open to comments. But there hasn't really been much success for people who just send in a book and expect us to sell it for them. Distribution systems don't work that way. Ask Diamond.

Yeah, I wasn't talking about book sales through the site. With the small press idol books, I had to try for days (I think I tried to jump through the registration hoops 6 times) before I was able to actually purchase the two books I wanted out of round 4. I brought it up to the creators whose book I was trying to buy since this affected them more than me, and they told me that mine was one of many complaints to that effect. The store just wasn't very user friendly in that instance. Not sure if there have been any coding overhauls since then.

[Lee Nordling]

Congrats, Elton! I'm thrilled that you took the experience on that anthology as a learning one.

I think writing, especially at first, is like hitting a baseball: succeeding one time out of three can get you in the Hall of Fame.

I know that sounds glib--it wasn't intended to be a fortune cookie--but the bright side is that our failures aren't as public as striking out in front of 50,000 people.

I remember hitting the age of 30 and feeling an overwhelming sense of frustration that I might never get into one of the comics industries; I worked as a production artist, designer, and art director. Did a lot of ads, kept cartooning, was involved in a SoCal pro comics society, CAPS. Eventually, Mark Evanier recommended me as a packager/editor for a series of comics that packed out with the Masters of the Universe toys. (Yep, we're going back nearly 25 years now.) Soon after, I got a job as the art director at the LA Times Syndicate. Three years later, Disney hired me away to write comic strips...and so it began.

But when I was 30 it sure didn't look like I'd ever get the chance.

We never know where our opportunities lie or what experiences make way for the next experiences.

There's no road map except perhaps constantly looking around for the sign that reads: You are here!

Thanks for the kind words, Devin & Caleb. I know that if you keep it up you'll get where you're aiming, too!

--Lee

[Meathawg]

Hey Lee, are you still accepting submissions? And if so are characters from other companies acceptable, working on a Marvel proposal with a buddy of mine and would love to see what you think.

Its in the early stages atm and dont have any actual pages as of yet, just lots of character designs and roughs for the pages... just wondering for future reference. You seem to be getting rave reviews from people and Id like to get some of that gravy *winkwink*

[Kep!]

Hey Lee, are you still accepting submissions? And if so are characters from other companies acceptable, working on a Marvel proposal with a buddy of mine and would love to see what you think.

Its in the early stages atm and dont have any actual pages as of yet, just lots of character designs and roughs for the pages... just wondering for future reference. You seem to be getting rave reviews from people and Id like to get some of that gravy *winkwink*
In case Lee doesn't get here for a while: why would he take the time to look at a property neither he nor you own? it's not a cost effective, and any publishing of it would be illegal. that's the bad news...the good news: with few exceptions, any script can be Un-Marvel-zied with a little effort.

[Lee Nordling]

Hey, Meathawg!

As Jim/Kep suggests, it doesn't make sense for me to review submissions you're planning to do for Marvel, DC, or anybody else's characters. His time-related reason is a good one, but more importantly, any advice I give (beyond the basic) is going to be my interpretation what another editor may or may not be interested in. On the other hand, it does work as a writing sample.

That said, my favorite writing sample is the pitch.

If somebody can write a good pitch...and that means writing a compelling well-compressed story with an evocative use of language and interesting abreviated characters with strong motivations and arc, well, that's my idea of a good start, and then we'll see where the process of developing outlines and scripts goes from there. If somebody's a good writer, I'll know it at the pitch stage. If the pitch isn't there, then some gentle prodding and tips usually helps it get there, too, so the pitch isn't even make or break.

But it IS a great place to check out somebody's writing chops.

As far as accepting submissions, well, check out my site at the-pack.biz. We've got a ton of stuff in development...but NOT for the Direct Market...so understanding the difference between what works for the trade (bookstores) and the Direct Market is imperative. Hint: superheroes don't work for the trade...though well-known brands like Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, etc., can work for the trade. (There's a much longer discussion here about this that I wish I could get into, but my emails are long-winded enough as it is.)

And yep, Kep speaks the truth; if you've got a great superhero concept that undercuts or expands the genre, go all the way and create it from scratch or in a way that's evocative without being an "homage." Watchmen is the perfect example of this. AstroCity's another.

Now, your idea may be perfect for what Marvel is currently doing (or will be doing by the time you can get somebody there to review it)...and if you know somebody there/have an in, by all means explore that option...but if you don't, well, best way to get noticed is to get stuff published that they'd pay attention to.

(This is how Bendis and Brubaker ended up there: create a body of work that gets their attention.)

And this doesn't say you shouldn't write your Marvel script, as long as you realize that getting them to read it may be as hard as it was to write...or harder.

Just a few rambling tangential thoughts. If you want to write me off-forum at lee@the-pack.biz, feel free.

We're not opening our doors to open submissions yet; we've got some ducks to still line up, but I'm happy to chat.

Hey, Jim! Let me know what you're up to these days. It's been a while.

--Lee

[TheGrowth]

What a great resource

[PC812]

We (803 Studios) have been self publishing since 2004 when Chuck Brown and I got together to publish our first anthology. The following is a (so sorry for this) LONG run down of the On demand printers we've worked with.I am so grateful for this rundown you've written up! I've got a few projects in development and looking to POD for convention stuff. Thanks so much! :thumbs:


Also, in regards to Avatar's guidelines, is there a list anywhere that shows which characters are owned by them and not creator-owned? It's a bit tough to figure out and their website isn't very friendly in that regard.

[Eugene Selassie]

Is there an updated list?

[kdmelrose]

Check Caleb Monroe's Comic Creator Services (http://calebmonroe.com/creator-services/) site.

[Caleb Monroe]

Thank you, as always, Kevin.

And I have just revamped the entire Creator Help (http://calebmonroe.com/?page_id=6) page.

Check it out! (http://www.digitalwebbing.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1460755&postcount=15)

[dmh_3000]

Thank you, as always, Kevin.

And I have just revamped the entire Creator Help (http://calebmonroe.com/?page_id=6) page.

Check it out! (http://www.digitalwebbing.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1460755&postcount=15)

Thankyou so much for your help Caleb. Now to go pester these people into giving me a publishing contract (I kid, I kid). But seriously, thanks for the help.

~ David

[Caleb Monroe]

You're welcome!

(And sometimes pestering...er, I mean, perseverance pays off!)

[Hanyouyomi]

After looking at the list of publishers accepting submissions, I started to get chittery... And after leaving Wizard World yesterday I felt determined to improve my artistic skills, and see if I can't utilize the patience needed to draw properly...

[mrsticky005]

Viz Media is accepting pitches.
http://www.viz.com/about/contact/comics/pitch.php

[Chris White]

Has anyone tried Zuda (sorry if I skimmed past any discussion on it)? I've been seeing some really cool stuff up there and been wondering about how long the submission process takes once sent in.