How to Get Into Comic Book Writing
Few starry-eyed comic book fans in existence haven't dreamed of writing comics for a major line someday. Who wouldn't want to script new adventures of Batman or Wolverine, or even better--develop a new superhero to have adventures alongside them? Breaking into comic book writing is a slow and difficult process, however. Expert say that without an insider's position, it's all but impossible. Getting into comic book writing can be done, however, and while there may not be much money in it, the creative opportunities of the journey may prove far more rewarding than the final destination.
Instructions
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Know the template for comic book scripts. Though a certain amount of variation is permitted in comic book writing, scripts need to follow a basic set of guidelines. Action and setting should be described, but only sparsely so as to provide the artist with leeway to create his own imagery. Dialogue needs to be highlighted and must convey information succinctly, so it too can fit on an individual panel. Action needs to be contained within the set parameters of a single issue--usually 32 or 64 pages--while remaining cognizant of how much of it is conveyed on each page. Barry Lyga's "Writing Comic Books" provides solid guidelines for those just starting out. (See Resources below.)
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Self-publish. You can submit scripts of your own to the big comic book companies, but they may be lost amid countless other submissions. Self-publishing, on the other hand, gives you a tangible, actual comic book to deliver. It grabs the eye and renders your script much more noticeable, as well as demonstrating that you understand the process of developing comics. Find a similarly inclined artist (plus an inker if you need one) and collaborate on a comic book of your own design, then publish it using a small-press publishing house. You can find like-minded aspiring artists on Web site chat rooms and forums such as those at the Comic Ground (see Resources below).
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Send your self-published comic to as many companies as you can, along with a cover letter introducing yourself and inquiring about writing opportunities. Keep the cover letter courteous and professional, printed on business stationery and including any contact information you require. The process will be long and painful; be prepared for a great deal of rejection and even more "no replies."
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Network. Go to comic book conventions and speak to those in the business, or contact people in chat rooms who work for comic book publishers. More than the writers and artists, make connections with the editors, managers and publishers. They make most of the decisions regarding hiring policies and can let you know when and if an opportunity arises. When it does, they'll have plenty of copies of your self-published work to refer back to.
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Tips & Warnings
When publishing your own comic, refrain from stories about existing characters. They're protected by copyright and while you may want to show what you can do with them, the companies are more apt to see it as an infringement than an enthusiastic writer looking for work. Create your own characters and situations and use them in your writing. Not only is it legally permissible, but it can be a lot more fulfilling creatively as well.
