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THREAD: So… you want to #makecomics? Pitching is an important part of that process, but not all pitches are created equal. There are plenty of people who will tell you how to stand out, but I want to talk about how to fit in -- so an editor will actually review your project.
1: Follow the Guidelines.
Every publisher will have different Submissions Guidelines or rules they'd like you to follow. (Some require art, some have a release form, etc.)
Humanoids, for example, has a Pitch template that we require. Without it, we don't look at anything.
Every publisher will have different Submissions Guidelines or rules they'd like you to follow. (Some require art, some have a release form, etc.)
Humanoids, for example, has a Pitch template that we require. Without it, we don't look at anything.
2: Don't Blind Submit.
When I get an email that has no recipient in the To: field and I can see I'm BCc'd, I already know the creator has likely made a mistake.
Publishers want different things because they publish different material. Don't treat them as a single entity.
When I get an email that has no recipient in the To: field and I can see I'm BCc'd, I already know the creator has likely made a mistake.
Publishers want different things because they publish different material. Don't treat them as a single entity.
3: Cater Your Pitch.
Whether in the pitch itself or your email, make it seem like you've actually taken the time to read the Publisher's material, your connection to it, etc. Do not say "You publish great books, so here's another one."
Specificity goes a long way.
Whether in the pitch itself or your email, make it seem like you've actually taken the time to read the Publisher's material, your connection to it, etc. Do not say "You publish great books, so here's another one."
Specificity goes a long way.
4: Be Succinct.
You've probably heard the expression, "Nothing kills a pitch faster than a staple." It's 99% true. We're all busy. Sell us as quickly as possible and we'll love you for it. If you can't tell your story in a paragraph/page, that's often a problem.
You've probably heard the expression, "Nothing kills a pitch faster than a staple." It's 99% true. We're all busy. Sell us as quickly as possible and we'll love you for it. If you can't tell your story in a paragraph/page, that's often a problem.
5: Understand Scope… & Reality.
If I had a nickel for every time I've been pitched a 60-issue opus or a 24-issue maxi-series by a rookie, I'd… probably still be writing this. Most new books go 5-12 issues. Most publishers have a predictable cadence. Keep it modular and tight.
If I had a nickel for every time I've been pitched a 60-issue opus or a 24-issue maxi-series by a rookie, I'd… probably still be writing this. Most new books go 5-12 issues. Most publishers have a predictable cadence. Keep it modular and tight.
6: Proof & Polish.
Even if you're writing a single page, it should be feel like you've put effort into crafting and honing the pitch. Eliminate typos and bad grammar. If it feels like you dashed it all off in minutes, why would a publisher want to invest their time & money?
Even if you're writing a single page, it should be feel like you've put effort into crafting and honing the pitch. Eliminate typos and bad grammar. If it feels like you dashed it all off in minutes, why would a publisher want to invest their time & money?
Potentially more later. I have books to edit and pitches to read…
7: Don't Flood.
Whether you're a new creator or an established one, start with one (1) pitch. Editors only have so much time, especially if they've never interacted with you. Respect their time and put your best foot (singular) forward with the pitch you feel strongest about.
Whether you're a new creator or an established one, start with one (1) pitch. Editors only have so much time, especially if they've never interacted with you. Respect their time and put your best foot (singular) forward with the pitch you feel strongest about.
Someone sent me seven pitches this weekend, and not only do I not have time to read that many in a row from one person, it sends a pretty clear message that they just want to throw ideas at the wall to see what sticks.
