How to Submit a Pitch to Image Comics
Рет қаралды 7,467
Күн бұрынToday I am going to go over the submission requirements for Image Comics, the largest publisher of creator owned comic books, and the third largest publisher of comic books in the United States.
The Submission guidelines are made conveniently available on Image's website: imagecomics.com/submissions
They are simple!
1. A cover letter
2. A story synopsis
3. Minimum 5 pages of sequential artwork that is inked and lettered
Having tried (and failed) at a few of these in the past, I wanted to go over the aspects of what I think it really takes to be up to the standard of Image, and how you can learn important steps along the way to develop your creative journey.
If you like this video please give it a thumb up, or leave a comment on what else I should cover in the future.
I am not a comics industry professional, and I certainly don't have all the answers, and my opinions are my own, so if there's something I got wrong here, or you disagree with, let me know and I can keep it in mind going forward.
Follow me on Instagram & Tiktok @Guyverxero117robbiepuzz
Thanks for watching!
@TJLounge 3 ай бұрын
Awesome video man! I've been studying like crazy the last few weeks on the process of comic writing and have been rereading my entire collection of comics in preparation for beginning my own. I've worked with artists in the past for games, done script writing for my videos, and have submitted short stories for publishing. This video was a treasure trove of knowledge and insight. Having some background in other creative fields helps understand for sure, but you broke down pitching comics in general fantastically. Apperciate you taking the time to make this and share your knowledge with us. A lot of points you made are now in my notes for reference. Good luck on your project man! Hope you find success in both the process of making it and releasing it into the world!!
@creatorowned851 3 ай бұрын
Hey thanks, I’ll say this: comics are not unlike most every other creative industry. Read Words for Pictures by Bendis if you have not yet!
@derrickthomas4767 Ай бұрын
I am in the process of doing a submission to Image Comics and this video helped to alleviate a lot of my worries. Thank you so much!
@creatorowned851 Ай бұрын
Good luck and just remember that even if you don’t hear back you should try and make it happen anyway, perseverance is key
@user-nd7rg5er5g 4 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for this insightful look at the industry! Getting published still seems far away for me, but it always helps to learn as much as I can going in.
@creatorowned851 4 ай бұрын
Really glad you found it useful, just happy to share my observations and input
@LearnComicsWithPancake 3 ай бұрын
I found this helpful and very inspiring to answer your last statement :D About the minimum requirement of pages - Meredith Finch has regularly said on David Finch's streams that Image required either all the art to be done, or *a lot* of the art to be done whenever she pitched to Image. So if you're going in with 6 pages, I think it best be the 6 most amazing pages. :) I've subbed to see more of your journey!
@creatorowned851 3 ай бұрын
Hey I appreciate that, I agree I know 6 pages is the minimum ask but personally I think industry outsiders would benefit from having the project near total completion. To me the 6 pages is more of a formality for the industry people coming over from Marvel and DC
@TheKomiksSenter2809 2 ай бұрын
@@creatorowned851 I don't have an artist, I just have a really good story and I know that it is one of the best stories in the world, but I don't have an artist. Can I still pitch it? Will they accept?
@creatorowned851 2 ай бұрын
@@TheKomiksSenter2809 they will not accept story ideas. Basically they are looking for completed projects that are ready to go or projects that have a team who has a track record they can be confident in. Publishers are mostly just looking to distribute your work for a cut of the profits, not invest in an intellectual property
@TheKomiksSenter2809 2 ай бұрын
@@creatorowned851 thanks
@ViveUltimate 4 ай бұрын
Awesome! Good luck on your journey brother
@creatorowned851 4 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching! Any other topics you’d like to see covered?
@coinopanimator 3 ай бұрын
Loving these videos. Very inspiring. Just at the start of my journey after Uni so videos like this are great for info and encouragement.
@creatorowned851 3 ай бұрын
Been there before, good luck on your journey!
@coinopanimator 3 ай бұрын
Thanks @@creatorowned851
@comicjourney 4 ай бұрын
Helpful incite. Hope to see more of these type of video's from you more consistently and soon
@creatorowned851 4 ай бұрын
Trying to have a big one out in the next week or two!
@nrgentertainmentartist8668 Ай бұрын
Hey you're doing a great job with these videos, they are very informative and motivational! Keep'em coming! :)
@creatorowned851 Ай бұрын
Thanks, new vid just dropped this morning!
@inktologist 4 ай бұрын
Great video!exactly what I needed to hear to start my comic. You rock!
@creatorowned851 4 ай бұрын
Good luck on your journey, I’m finally embarking on mine… 15 years of learning and I finally feel ready for it
@inktologist 4 ай бұрын
@@creatorowned851 it's exciting. I've been pondering in this idea for darn 32 years and basically watched this video and was like "wait, why am I afraid of doing this?" I'm stoked about pursuing it and failing a few times, but better late than never trying.
@creatorowned851 4 ай бұрын
@@inktologist you should ABSOLUTELY do it. Even if you only do it for yourself. I would recommend doing a few smaller projects like 1 page stories or scenes if you feel the need to learn about collaborating (assuming you are not drawing it yourself) Read Words for Pictures by Bendis: “if you’re not failing you’re not trying hard enough.” I failed plenty, and will continue to make mistakes, but I feel ready for a bigger challenge.
@Ratchetcomand Ай бұрын
This video needs more likes.
@creatorowned851 Ай бұрын
That’s very nice of you, and I agree wholeheartedly!
@ch00lz 4 ай бұрын
Great topic to get into the weeds on. Bravo
@creatorowned851 4 ай бұрын
Lol I can definitely get into the weeds on a topic 😅
@commishkit 5 ай бұрын
Great video, thanks!
@creatorowned851 4 ай бұрын
Hey thanks! This video has been pretty well received :)
@cynicaladult 5 ай бұрын
Really solid information! I know there's never a guarantee of success, but this all seems like really helpful advice for breaking in.
@creatorowned851 5 ай бұрын
Certainly no guarantees, but plenty of ways to increase your chances.
@dai19721 5 ай бұрын
very helpful. . thank you
@creatorowned851 5 ай бұрын
Glad to hear it, thank you for watching!
@WarLore 5 ай бұрын
Now this is a video, Robbie
@creatorowned851 5 ай бұрын
Thanks! Let me know if there is anything else you’d want to see on the channel
@frankbfallon 3 ай бұрын
Thanks for this video! It was enlightening to have your take on what those submission guidelines mean. It’s been a while since I last read them myself. Since that point, I have two issues of my project completed (I’m making my books all alone), and what you said about putting in the 5 years to just get it done felt good to hear, and took some pressure off.
@creatorowned851 3 ай бұрын
That’s the hardest part but many people take just as long to release and album or a feature film. What’s important is persevering. If at the end of 5 years you have a comic completed it’s not a waste of five years. The next project will happen much quicker! (Unless you are George RR Martin lol)
@frankbfallon 2 ай бұрын
@@creatorowned851 Thank you!
@ffdxvjhfhnbhjbkjjbgjvjbkhj8090 5 ай бұрын
Good video man Thank you
@creatorowned851 4 ай бұрын
Appreciate it!
@Shakespearept 5 ай бұрын
Interesting listen👍👍 Didn't know this stuff about Image Comics
@creatorowned851 5 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching! I’m having fun looking into other publishers / submission requirements, as well as pitches creators have made public
@vintageeight 5 ай бұрын
I enjoyed this! I just published my book EDIE with Bloodmoon. A lot of what you said spoke to my experience.
@creatorowned851 5 ай бұрын
That’s awesome to hear that even with my limited experience it was true to what your experiences have been like, that’s why I thought I’d share some knowledge. Where can we find your book?
@vintageeight 5 ай бұрын
@@creatorowned851 some stores and through Diamond. Here’s the trailer if you are interested in learning more. Edie Horror Comic Book Trailer 1 January 10, 2024 kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gb6AhJOfq8m9nqs.html
@vintageeight 5 ай бұрын
And there are digitals on bloodmoon’s page!
@mrdigit3353 4 ай бұрын
good job,....and hang in there on your endeavor,
@creatorowned851 4 ай бұрын
Thanks! My first issue (of 12) is about halfway done right now, every time I see developments it just gets me more encouraged
@MannySimoneCards 2 ай бұрын
Thank you!!
@pageblast3383 4 ай бұрын
Very interesting and engaging.
@creatorowned851 4 ай бұрын
Thanks! Let me know if there’s other topics you’d like an opinion on
@BonniePelton Ай бұрын
I’m glad you mentions BxW .. and IC being cream of the crop .. will defiantly start smaller
@creatorowned851 Ай бұрын
Good luck! 🤘
@boreddude73 4 ай бұрын
thanks for this! i've been hopeful for a major publisher that accepts writer only submissions similar to a literary publisher as i'm sure bigger publishers would be able to facilitate this and ease the financial difficulties a writer faces when trying to put a project together but it doesn't seem to be a thing, the only one i've seen from a somewhat well known publisher is humanoids, might be interesting to take a look at that
@creatorowned851 4 ай бұрын
Literary publishers at least pay you an advance of $50,000. However, this standard has not changed in decades, it can be very difficult to make money as a published author unless you’re an industry giant. Comics are definitely far more down the road of the expense is on the creator, but the caveat is you get to own your work and it’s success which is a good trade off (in my mind anyway)
@Bobo-lk3qg 3 ай бұрын
hey man! Great video I loved all your insight but I had a question! I'm unclear on if like you need to pay image for some kind of funding when they accept your submission. Is the only thing you need to worry about if the book is already fully finished just getting accepted or is there some finances you have to consider?
@creatorowned851 3 ай бұрын
Image prints and distributes your book and takes a portion of the profit. They have the business relationships to get the book into stores and it’s essentially a “seal of approval” / they likely have a number of books retailers expect them to introduce each year. What they are unlikely to do is take your idea and pay you to make the book, it should basically be done already because they have NO stake and no ownership other than book sales. Dark Horse however *might* operate differently because they seem invested in the licensing side of things (movies, games, etc)
@Rtombooksart Ай бұрын
Ive been planning to pitch and this has veen helpful, but i had a doubt, just last day i read that you have to pay for the costs like printing and stuff huge amounts like 5-10 grand IF image decides to publish and what you're essentially getting is the brand on your book and ... Niw i understand that they don't pay page rates..and a lot of the profit depends on your book success Is this trye or is there like different contracta for each..?
@forkillerbscarface 3 ай бұрын
Comic book industry needs to start paying better. People need to be able to devote their entire time to this craft, not have to hold down 2nd and 3rd jobs.
@creatorowned851 3 ай бұрын
In terms of creator owned comics (Image) you will be the one making all of the profits for your work, and just paying them a portion of sales for their retail relationships. Image does not invest in creators and pay them to make a book. You approach image with a finished product and they print and distribute it. You basically have to run your operation entirely independently after that. As for Marvel and DC idk what they pay but I hear it ain’t much. Most people do a few years there to make a name and then pivot to their own IP.
@jackmcentee 2 ай бұрын
You're great at breaking this information down. I'm subscribing to follow your journey! I've had writing a comic in the back of my head for years and the information feels very scattered. If you have the time/experience/knowledge I'd love to know about finding an artist as a writer. Where to go to see examples of work, how to approach payment, etc. From what I've read paying upfront per page is a necessity (which is totally valid, I live with a digital artist and know how much artists get screwed over) but then how do you negotiate revenue share and such? If I got paid $1500 for an issue that holds millions of copies I'd be pretty upset. Anyway, thanks for sharing. Keep it up!
@creatorowned851 2 ай бұрын
Thanks so much! These are all things I am looking to address. In an upcoming video I mention how most of this is “work for hire / gig economy stuff.” IMO you should pay 50% upfront 50% upon completion so no one gets burned. Even then it can be tough. Some artists are not super concerned with the “what happens next” phase (because it rarely does generate profit) but yeah as a writer you are often the one putting all the investment in which to me means you should get the lions share of the revenue. I’ll do a little more research on this.
@jackmcentee 2 ай бұрын
@@creatorowned851 No problem! Looking forward to what you find
@TheKomiksSenter2809 2 ай бұрын
I have a story but I don't have an artist, can I still pitch the idea
@MichaelAGrant-vu4uc 4 ай бұрын
Great vid 👌. Could you do a video on a dark horse digital comics pitch?
@creatorowned851 4 ай бұрын
I’ve been thinking about it yeah, going to do some research!
@oldguyinstanton 2 ай бұрын
Excellent video, and very informative. Unfortunately, since I didn't know what Image Comics did, for me, the information isn't too useful. The problem is that I'm not watching the right video. At 11:00 you mention that Image doesn't accept writing samples. That's what I have. Actually, an entire book (85% completed). It's a somewhat unconventional science fiction novel which I do not think traditional book publishers will be interested in. The thought occurred to me that--for a variety of reasons I won't bore you with (unless you ask)--my novel might make an excellent and quite profitable graphic novel. My KZfaq search pattern was therefore looking for information on how to contact comic *creators* who would be interested in adapting a finished manuscript for publication as a long-running graphic novel. Could you make some suggestions in that regard? Thank you. And again, great video. Thank you for that, too.
@glassofgas8631 2 ай бұрын
You should stick to writing book if already did 85%. Especially since you say your novel might be excellent.
@WatchYeego 2 ай бұрын
I get this whole thing, the only thing I'm confused about is why they accept only art submissions but not only script/writing submissions.
@creatorowned851 2 ай бұрын
If I had to guess it’s probably because you can very quickly judged if someone’s art is up to par, and if so it would be very easy to keep someone in store for filling in on a project. That and when it comes to writing there are legal liabilities if you send someone ideas. This is why Dark Horse has a release form. They’ll just throw away a script if they get it because legally they can’t look at an unsolicited idea.
@fireballfrank9833 4 ай бұрын
Okay so i haven't watched the whole video and i don't know if you answer this later but i really wanted to know does image accept submissions if you are not in America
@creatorowned851 4 ай бұрын
I don’t believe it matters where you are located.
@madbug1965 Ай бұрын
Does Image still require you to pay for the printing costs and Image will handle the distribution? Back in the 90's a friend of mine did a creator owned book but he had to pay for all the printing costs...
@creatorowned851 Ай бұрын
My impression is that they print and distribute and take a cut of the profits but honestly it wouldn’t be too surprising at least if that’s how it was, that is not totally unlike the way the record industry works, which is basically a label fronts you a loan and you have to earn it back
@nikilithamcimbi9391 3 ай бұрын
explain something to me please... on the proposal, the 5 pages to be submitted, should it be a random completed short story like a one shot manga or should it be just a piece the actual story.... e.g: 5 or more pages of lets say the introduction or the first chapter
@creatorowned851 3 ай бұрын
I just put another video out discussing the Dark Horse pitch submission guidelines. You definitely want it to be 5 fully functional pages though it does not have to be a full story. It also does not have to be just the intro / opening to your story. A short story would be fine as long as it’s clear you have more places to go with the universe. I would look into if Image distributes manga or not, it’s possible they do not have an arm of their business that supports Japanese style manga but I’m uncertain there.
@nikilithamcimbi9391 3 ай бұрын
@@creatorowned851 ill check the vid out
@AiRbaL2000 8 күн бұрын
I've drawn and rendered 18 pages of my pitch. Do you recommend I submit all pages or just the best 5 or 6?
@creatorowned851 8 күн бұрын
Send the exact amount of pages they request
@AiRbaL2000 7 күн бұрын
@@creatorowned851 so just 5 for Image? Got it.
@michaelmunster9074 8 күн бұрын
I'm making a comic and also post it to webtoons. Ive been thinking about going to image once im done, but i dont know if my comic looks professional enough for that. Im learning and growing though with is encouraging. Any thoughts?
@creatorowned851 8 күн бұрын
Doing your work in smaller increments like this while you can still gain experience and build a following is definitely the right approach. Image might not accept the book but there’s plenty of smaller publishers out there as well. Having something complete is the easiest way to get it collected and published in a traditional format however. Basically if you have the time to keep doing it on your own, just do it at your pace. There’s a great page called C Cassandra, she does short 4 panel comics on social media but I believe she worked out a book deal with Scholastic, so it’s very much possible that shorts and stories will get noticed if you’re doing good work and being consistent
@michaelmunster9074 8 күн бұрын
@@creatorowned851 Thanks, I appreciate the help. I've been doing it on my own time after work. I have 118 pages done and I'm thinking it will probably be about 220 pages. It's a dinosaur, fantasy, horror comic so definitely have to be a publisher that's okay with some gore.
@creatorowned851 8 күн бұрын
@@michaelmunster9074 I love the fact that dinosaur is part of it, sounds like my kind of comic! The important thing to remember is not every creative project has to exceed our greatest expectations. Let it be part of the journey
@MannySimoneCards Ай бұрын
Can you make a video on other successful indie comic cretors other than Kirkman? Or is he just an outlier? I need more hope!!😅
@creatorowned851 Ай бұрын
Haha I could there are PLENTY of successful indie creators, Kirkman is just perhaps the more notable “modern” success.
@MannySimoneCards Ай бұрын
@@creatorowned851 Ok thnak you!
@WarLore 2 ай бұрын
Look at that shit, the algorithm found this one. Fuck yeah
@creatorowned851 2 ай бұрын
Hahahaha yes this one has performed particularly well 😅
@RyanGP1203_MemeLord 3 ай бұрын
Dumb question if someone's comic gets picked up by image do they get a physical copy of it for free?
@creatorowned851 3 ай бұрын
Lol I’m sure you would get some proofs of your book before it went to publishing, yes.
@Plebeian398 Ай бұрын
I'd love to speak to you about a comic series of my own.
@jackieboyborden 3 ай бұрын
Are you hiring an artist for your proposal or are you doing the art yourself?
@creatorowned851 3 ай бұрын
Hi Jack! I already am working with an artist. If you’re looking for work check out r/comicbookcollabs on Reddit
@schamon13 4 ай бұрын
|| hi robbie !! ||
@bozoclown2098 5 ай бұрын
Do you want my dreams ?
@ShamanTiers 9 күн бұрын
Image is not indie anymore they mainly only accept dc and marvel alumni their like a retirement home for already established artist to make indie works. submitting to them cold turkey is pointless they most likely won't respond. Also you have to pay upfront for printing cost out of your own pocket no other company is like that.
@Workrofc 4 ай бұрын
these are very unrealistic requirements for us in the third world. we barely make enough to sustain ourselves now we have to pay for a full creative team.
@creatorowned851 4 ай бұрын
You don’t necessarily need a full creative team to make a project worth of image comics. Many artists can do line, ink, and letter / color on their own, and many of the artists I come across are in other countries and are thus charging variable rates. I’m currently working with an artist who charges $75 USD a page. It’s an investment, but I’m also treating the project at the “caliber” of a release I want Image to seriously consider. You can always do a web comic or other something less involved too
@abdullah82m 3 ай бұрын
Cry me a river
@creatorowned851 3 ай бұрын
@@abdullah82m hey I mean I empathize with everyone, I’ll say as someone who commissions artwork I’ve noticed many if not most artists I come across are not US based. Hopefully the currency discrepancies are enough to keep some gainfully employed, or at least treading water!
@Workrofc 3 ай бұрын
@@abdullah82m 😂😂😂crazy
@Workrofc 3 ай бұрын
@@creatorowned851 hello I've been working on a website to help creators find collaborators for their projects. Would you be interested in talking about it?
@cosmiccry6675 2 ай бұрын
Image Central will NEVER even get back about your pitch if you are a no name writer / artist! They only work with high profile names in the biz. So Image this days is only for DC and MARVEL creatives to do side projects. Sucks, but this is the truth! Just look at the names who publish at images for the last 20 years and you can see image is NOT for YOU! It for the Snyders nd Hickmans and Capullos out there. For YOU it is better to do crowdfunding with one completed book!
@creatorowned851 2 ай бұрын
That’s more or less my advice: plan on doing your book with or without Image. If you have a completed book it is POSSIBLE they will pick it up, but if you’re not willing to go the distance then yes your chances are likely near zero. Image and Dark Horse fortunately still maintain an open door policy. BOOM! And DSTLRY are creator owned publishers but you’d had to have some kind of agent or following to be considered by those other outlets.
@centurionstrengthandfitnes3694 3 ай бұрын
Man... so a solo writer without a team doesn't even get a look in. Grim.
@creatorowned851 3 ай бұрын
The great thing about the comic industry is also it’s big flaw- there’s no barrier of entry. As a writer I have learned that a lot of the burden is on you to be the writer / publisher / marketer / accountant for your material. I’m going to investigate this more but somewhere Robert Kirkman started was writing a run of Super Patriot, an Image Comic. These relationships working for other smaller books feels like a way to get a foot in the door.
@centurionstrengthandfitnes3694 3 ай бұрын
@@creatorowned851 Well, the barrier to entry in this case, as you stated in the video, is having completed pages to show, so having a team in place already. In any case, wishing you a truckload of luck in your quest to break in, bro. Get after it!
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