Thread by @danichuatico

You have an idea for a graphic novel and want to get it published but you don't know where to start. You have the story, the characters, but how do these things all end up into a book?

Welcome to my thread on the all-important ✨ PITCH PACKET ✨ #atedanicomictips

What is a ✨ PITCH PACKET ✨ ?

A pitch packet is a document that compiles all the information a publisher/editor would need to decide on whether a graphic novel is a good fit for them to publish or not. Nowadays, it's all sent digitally via e-mail through a low-res PDF file.

A ✨ PITCH PACKET ✨ usually comprises of a one-page synopsis of your story, a one-page outline of your story, a point-by-point breakdown of your story, and 5 to 15 completed comic pages of your story (colored, lettered, the whole she-bang!).

It helps a lot also to have a 1-2 sentence logline of your story and basic information at the beginning of your pitch packet that includes the genre, target audience, and estimated page length to have a super quick overview of what your graphic novel is all about.

Publishers may ask for more material to review your graphic novel such as character designs/profiles of your main cast or your script so far to get a feel of the overall aesthetic and tone of your story.

FYI you DO NOT need a full, finished script to pitch your graphic novel. Some editors PREFER to have the project pitched at an early stage so it's easier for them to develop the story together and give feedback when the story isn't complete.

Make sure to always check the submission guidelines of the publishers you're aiming for and revise and update your pitch to follow their rules. Here is a list of publishers and the links to their submissions guidelines for your reference: jasonthibault.com/definitive-lis… ✨

Don't forget also to include your contact information in your pitch packet (I try to put mine at the beginning and end). Include your name, e-mail, link to your portfolio website.

What helps a lot is having short, completed comic works on your portfolio website! It helps editors see your consistency, your storytelling skills, and your writing skills. It also shows that you can actually write a good, complete story.

Once you have your portfolio and pitch packet ready, send that bad boy off (according to the publishers' guidelines). Write professionally in your introductory e-mail, give the logline of your story, and attach a low-res PDF of your pitch packet.

Editors may take weeks to months to review and reply back. There's no guarantee really that you'll get a reply so don't sit on your hands waiting. Continue to make pages of your story, develop a different pitch packet, send the pitch packet to other publishers. Be productive!

If you are able to and it's been a month or two, there's no harm in a polite follow-up about your pitch packet. It's also best to include new content that you've been working on whenever you follow up, such as new pages or an updated pitch packet.

If you are still unable to get a reply or your pitch has been rejected, do not despair! Publishers have many reasons to reject pitches (does not fit the publisher's needs, they're closed for submissions, or just drowning in pitches) so never take a rejection personally.

A rejection doesn't mean you can never try again. At the very least, you have a pitch packet you can take to other publishers or you can self-publish your story. You can always submit again when you have a new idea. ✨

And now you have all the basic information you need to take your big idea and pitch to your dream publisher! ✨

Let me know if this thread is helpful and if there's any more you'd like to know about busting into the comics industry! My inbox is always open! ✨

Another development in the graphic novel industry is the beneficial partnership between creators and literary agents! It is not an absolute necessity to have a literary agent to pitch your graphic novel so do not be deterred if you are unagented!

Literary agents typically help with pitching and negotiating for your graphic novel and do help a GREAT deal, especially with traditional publishers! But do not be discouraged if you're unable to secure an agent (especially if you're not based in the US!).

For comic creators based in the Philippines, I like to think that editors/publishers are not closed to publishing creators outside of the US. I know a handful of Filipino comic creators who will have their graphic novels published by American publishers so it's not impossible!

I do acknowledge though that it does provide larger obstacles for y'all, most especially networking-wise, so my advice is to try and keep on top of the updates of the comics industry, look out for smaller opportunities, and also don't be afraid to reach out to artists for advise.

My DMS are ESPECIALLY open to Filipino comic creators. Please do not hesitate to contact me via however you want if you need help! ✨ I have the privilege to study comics and I want to impart my knowledge!

And that's it! Hope y'all learned something today! Go forth and pitch! 🔥