How Do I Pitch My Comic Book Project?

If you’ve been successful at creating your own stories, and you’ve been self-publishing for a while, then you might think about pitching yourself to one of the big publishers out there — which is why we came up with this guide titled — “How Do I Pitch My Comic Book Project?”

We have a pretty decent list of the major independent publishers, many of whom do regularly accept submissions, and if you think your story has got what it takes to be published by one of the larger indie publishers, then check out the follow steps:

Much like when a person applies for a job, they must have a proper resume which check all the boxes an employer is looking for, the comic book business is not that different. In order to break into a major publisher, you’ve got to give the editors and talent scouts a package of what they are looking for. 

Title

Yes, this might seem like an obvious addition (like including your first and last name on a resume), but you can’t forget to add your Title. Like coming up with the “right” name for a movie (see the story of “Revenge of the Jedi” as a good example of why naming is so important), you’ve got to create a short, but memorable name that gives the audience a quick idea of what your book is all about. It’s here that you’ll give the proper credit to who did what on your title. Meaning:

WRITER: 
PENCILS:
INKS:
COLORS:
LETTERS:
EDITOR:

You may have additional creators who helped get your book made, so make sure you give credit where credit is due.

Logline

Not to be forgotten is the Logline, which is a brief, one- or two-sentence summary that encapsulates the essence of the story. It’s designed to quickly convey the central premise, key conflict, and unique aspects of the comic in a compelling way. The goal of a logline is to pique interest and give the editor or publisher a clear idea of what the comic is about without going into detailed plot points.

The key components of a logline may include a quick description of the protagonist, the goal of the protagonist, the conflict in the book, and the unique point of view — or “hook” — of your story. Check out this example of a logline:

“In a dystopian future where memories can be bought and sold, a rogue memory hacker must infiltrate the mind of a powerful tycoon to recover a stolen secret that could destroy the world.”

This logline introduces the protagonist (a rogue memory hacker), the goal (to recover a stolen secret), the conflict (infiltrating the mind of a powerful tycoon), and the unique element (a world where memories are traded).

A well-crafted logline is essential in the comic book industry because it’s often the first thing an editor or publisher reads and can make the difference in whether they want to learn more about the project.

Description

Perhaps the most obvious part of this list, the Description is no less important. The description should be a 2-3 paragraph summary of what your tale is about. Feel free to spend a little bit more time giving the reader (the editor or publisher) a good idea of what your book is about. Make sure to include key plot points and character arcs.

Characters

When pitching your comic book to a publishing company, it’s essential to present your characters in a way that highlights their importance to the story, their unique traits, and how they contribute to the overall narrative. Here’s the information you should include about your characters:

Full Character Names: Provide the full name of each primary character. If names have special meanings or significance, briefly explain them.

Role in the Story: Protagonist/Antagonist – Clearly identify the protagonist (main character) and antagonist (main opposing force) in the story. Supporting Characters – Mention other key characters and their roles in the narrative.

Character Background: Origin/Backstory – Offer a brief overview of the character’s background, including relevant history or events that shaped who they are. Explain what drives the character — what they want to achieve, what they fear, or what they stand for.

Personality Traits: Key Characteristics – Describe the character’s personality, including their strengths, weaknesses, quirks, and defining traits. Special Powers or Abilities – If the character has any special powers, abilities, or skills (e.g., superpowers, combat expertise, intellectual prowess), describe them and explain how they are used in the story. Limitations/ Weaknesses – Mention any weaknesses or limitations that create challenges for the character.

Setting

When pitching the setting of your comic book to a publisher, include a vivid description of the world, its time period, and key locations that are central to the story. Highlight the cultural, political, and social dynamics that shape the environment, and mention any unique elements like supernatural aspects, advanced technology, or distinctive flora and fauna. Convey the atmosphere and tone of the setting, whether it’s dark and dystopian, bright and hopeful, or something in between. Complement your description with visual references or concept art to help the publisher fully envision the setting.

Outline

In your pitch outline, include a concise summary of the overall plot, breaking down the story into key acts or chapters. Highlight the main conflicts, turning points, and resolutions, focusing on how the protagonist’s journey unfolds. Mention any subplots that enhance the main narrative and contribute to character development. Ensure the outline clearly conveys the story’s progression, pacing, and structure, while also hinting at the thematic elements that make your comic unique. Keep the outline focused and engaging, giving the publisher a clear roadmap of the story from beginning to end.

Sample Script / Pages

Include the first 5-10 pages of the comic script or finished pages. Make sure these pages showcase your storytelling ability.