Questions for Writers (What I've Always Wanted To Know But Was Always Afraid To Ask)

[Anxy]

I hope I'm not making a n00b faux pas with this thread, though I did do a search through this forum and I'm pretty sure there's not a thread asking similar questions. If there is, please lock this with the quickness and direct me to the good stuff!

Anyway, I've been interested in writing comics for quite some time, though I'm not really sure about the logistics of going about it. I have a few books on writing comics - the DC Guide to Writing comics, the Peter David book - and both were really helpful in many ways, but I was still left wondering about a few things.

1. Is there a script format that is most preferred? Is it more a matter of the editor being able to clearly find your voice, regardless of how you format the script, or are there certain standards that make you look like a complete yee-haw if you don't conform to a certain template?

2. When writing scripts for existing titles, if you have a good idea, can you take liberties with present continuity if it helps illustrate the plot idea you want to communicate? In other words, if you could mold your story arc idea around any particular current reality, does it matter that you wrote it 2 or 3 years ago before the character got killed/married/cloned/etc.?

3. Is it a better use of time and energy to write an original script than to try writing a script for an existing title?

Hope these queries aren't too terribly naive...

[sparta28090]

1. Is there a script format that is most preferred? Is it more a matter of the editor being able to clearly find your voice, regardless of how you format the script, or are there certain standards that make you look like a complete yee-haw if you don't conform to a certain template?

The screenplay format is what is the most exceptable...for reference I suggest you look at the "Script-Scrap Challenge" where there are several writers doing sequential scripts for various challenges.

2. When writing scripts for existing titles, if you have a good idea, can you take liberties with present continuity if it helps illustrate the plot idea you want to communicate? In other words, if you could mold your story arc idea around any particular current reality, does it matter that you wrote it 2 or 3 years ago before the character got killed/married/cloned/etc.?

Unfortunately, this is a big no-no for unpublished or mainstream writers. Even the highest paid writers don't get this oppritunity often unless they are approached by the editors or EIC personally. Joe Q has said many times that many writers can take characters and revamp them or tweek them, but the best writers write within the product as it currently is. Continuity is suppose to be the norm with titles but alot of people (including myself) can see that it means nothing to some *cough-*cough Jeph.

3. Is it a better use of time and energy to write an original script than to try writing a script for an existing title?

Doing your own stuff is the best first step. This gets you noticed and gets stuff in your hands to show editors that you have the chops to work on their property. Doing your own comics on the web like digitalwebbing and zuda are good places to look over.

I hope you found this helpful.

[Electric i]

I found it helpful.

[Slugger]

What about writers looking for a freakin' artist?

[sparta28090]

Originally Posted by Slugger

What about writers looking for a freakin' artist?

Artist are everywhere, good ones are around. The best and most passionate are found here, but their craft isn't free and plus a lot have their own gigs going, so I recomend.

1) Looking for Talent thread right here on this board. Post what you are looking for and look who is posting...you may find someone already there.

2) I believe deviantart. com is a place for artists.

3) I am hoping others see your post and adds to it, because I have limits on what I know....but one thing is to check yourself, by that, how much do you really want to do a comic book? because artist's work is very time consuming and their supplies are expensive so it is only fair that they charge. It is rare to just pitch an idea, artists accepts pitch and then does the book with hopes of splitting profit 50/50....because all of their time and resources are upfront with no guarentees. Sometimes though....an artist may love your idea and this is more than a hobby and may agree to do just that but the page work would be understanbly slow....just look and ask, you never know.

[Slugger]

Yeah, I've done all that...no one has come forward. That's kind of what I'm looking for...I don't think I can afford a pro right now, but maybe someone who just loves to draw and is looking for a "break" themselves. I would split profit 70/30 for them.

Be willing to pay a small fee for each issue.

[krushjudgement]

As far as scripts go, I write to the needs of my artist. I do not use standard script formatting. I have my own method I've created which is comfortable for me. It resembles a script, but is much more detailed.

As far as artists go, I'm in it with my guys basically 50/50. We're like a rock-band. We're going at it as a team- working for free until money is made (hopefully soon).

[jlmoor]

Originally Posted by sparta28090

1. Is there a script format that is most preferred? Is it more a matter of the editor being able to clearly find your voice, regardless of how you format the script, or are there certain standards that make you look like a complete yee-haw if you don't conform to a certain template?

The screenplay format is what is the most exceptable...for reference I suggest you look at the "Script-Scrap Challenge" where there are several writers doing sequential scripts for various challenges.

I hope you found this helpful.

This was extremely helpful. I asked for scripting format advice and was scolded, repeatedly for using screen writing lingo (CU, long shot, 2-shot, low angle etc), then directed to read "how to" sites that do that say to use said language. I am so confused. I did find that when I was paying someone (and letting them set the price) they were pretty flexible with my writing. I felt bad though because I came to realize that they were not only doing the art, but also acting as editor.

Since you seem to be in "the know" Mr. Sparta, it is my impression that it is near impossible for a writer to get anywhere without art to back it up. Is that true? I mean, is there any publisher that will look at just scripts? They all seem to be pretty intent on having at least 5 pages penciled and ink before they will even consider a submission. Just wondering if this is the case or if I am totally talking out of my ear.

[Anxy]

Originally Posted by sparta28090

1. Is there a script format that is most preferred? Is it more a matter of the editor being able to clearly find your voice, regardless of how you format the script, or are there certain standards that make you look like a complete yee-haw if you don't conform to a certain template?

The screenplay format is what is the most exceptable...for reference I suggest you look at the "Script-Scrap Challenge" where there are several writers doing sequential scripts for various challenges.

2. When writing scripts for existing titles, if you have a good idea, can you take liberties with present continuity if it helps illustrate the plot idea you want to communicate? In other words, if you could mold your story arc idea around any particular current reality, does it matter that you wrote it 2 or 3 years ago before the character got killed/married/cloned/etc.?

Unfortunately, this is a big no-no for unpublished or mainstream writers. Even the highest paid writers don't get this oppritunity often unless they are approached by the editors or EIC personally. Joe Q has said many times that many writers can take characters and revamp them or tweek them, but the best writers write within the product as it currently is. Continuity is suppose to be the norm with titles but alot of people (including myself) can see that it means nothing to some *cough-*cough Jeph.

3. Is it a better use of time and energy to write an original script than to try writing a script for an existing title?

Doing your own stuff is the best first step. This gets you noticed and gets stuff in your hands to show editors that you have the chops to work on their property. Doing your own comics on the web like digitalwebbing and zuda are good places to look over.

I hope you found this helpful.

Very helpful, thanks. This is exactly the kind of response I was hoping for.

Although I guess I could have worded my second question a little better. I wasn't really thinking about proposing a total re-do of a character to a publisher. My quandary is more, okay, let's say Batgirl #6 just hit the shelves. I have a great story idea I want to offer DC, and I'm just about to hit "send" or put the package in the mail, when lo and behold Batgirl #7 comes out and something happens in the story that completely negates my idea. Obviously I don't know what the editors and the creative teams know about the futures of their characters, and obviously they know that about me when I'm submitting my writing. But is that such a big deal? If they read the script, see that I have a good grasp of the characters and the feel of the book and that I can write good stories, isn't that just as valuable as getting a new story arc idea through the door?

I guess this is closer to what I meant with that question.

[Slugger]

I don't think DC or Marvel accept random writers stuff. Your best bet is Image, accept they want you making your own stuff.

It's what I'm doing, if I could find an artist

[krushjudgement]

Image isn't going to look at you without art either. FIND AN ARTIST! It is quite helpful.

Dark Horse accepts writing submissions: http://www.darkhorse.com/Company/Submissions But good luck... They also have a specific script format they want.

Also, here is a list of possible comic companies for submissions.

http://comicnews.info/?page_id=1818

[Slugger]

Oh I'm aware. I'm not sending anything anywhere without art haha.

[sylum69]

Hi everyone,

Great posts, I've learned a lot from the replies.

I too am interested in writing an original comic miniseries. I'm in the process of developing it and I'm almost finished writing the first issue. I have a lot of re-visions to do but I can almost see some light at the end of the tunnel far, far away.

I'd like to begin looking for an artist to help put together some samples, but admittedly my knowledge of this part of the process is lacking, particularly the financial part.

I was hoping to hear from other writers and artists about their collaboration experiences.

How was it working with an artist you didn't know and vice-versa?

What did you pay the artist, or what do artists consider is fair compensation for their work? I've read a few people say they will split the proceeds 70/30. Is that the norm?

I read that it's customary to pay an artist for the initial work. I totally understand that and have a day job that pays well, so money isn't a problem for me but roughly what would people consider typical?

How challenging would you say the overall process was? Did you find studios receptive or positive towards your project or was it discouraging?

I have a lot of other questions I'd like to ask but for now I'm mostly interested in hearing about other people's experiences finding and working with an artist.

Thanks for the help and good luck to other aspiring writers and artists.

Nelson