Resources: How To Break Into Comics and Survive Once You’re There

So many times I’m asked “How do you break into comics?” especially as a writer. I’ve created the following constantly updated list of resources for creators in all ends of the business, from the mechanics of pitching to the psychology of surviving, how to exhibit at shows, crowdfunding basics and more. Please feel free to contact us with additions and updates.

— The Editors

The Basics

How To Get Into Comics Once You're There

Literary Agents Who Represent Graphic Novels by Niki Smith
The Comic Book Writer’s Guide
Comics Economics: How To Earn A Living With A Comics Degree
“How Do I Break In” by Jim Zub
Kelly Sue DeConnick on how to get started as a comics writers
Discussion of comics economics and page rates
Zander Cannon on how to make money tabling at shows
Comics Survival Kit a Tumblr developed by Gail Simone spotlighting creator resources
Molly Crabapple’s 14 Rules for success in the digital age

Mari Naomi’s Illustrated Guide To Writing People of Color
Ben Towle on publishing a longform narrative webcomic
The Ormes Society on What a Young Artist Should Know
Natalie Nourigat on Advice for Aspiring comics Artists age 14-18
Faith Erin Hicks Master List of Making Comics Posts
Ben McCool on  Breaking Into Comics As A Writer: 4 Rules All New Talent Should Follow
Kieron Gillen’s Comics Writer Masterpost
Steve Lieber on How to Launch a Self Published Comic
Ron Marz on The Seven DOs and DON’Ts of Writing Comics
Neil Gaiman’s writing advice
Rachel Gluckstern on So You Want To Write a Comic Book
Chris Oatley on How to Write a Comic Book Script
Melanie Gillman on How to Pitch to a Comics Anthology
Jim Zub on How to Find an Artist
Ramon Gil on Breaking and Entering
Ramon Gil on Seven Things You Can Do Towards Becoming a Comic Creator
Kurt Busiek on Breaking in Without Rules
Noah van Sciver on Breaking In To Comics “There is no Short Cut”

General Resources (Updated 2019)

 

Script Formats

Pitching

 Ebooks

Online Resources

Colleen Doran’s Creator Resources (There are lots, I’ll break it down more in the future.)

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Print 

How To Draw Comics The Marvel Way by Stan Lee and John Buscema

Craft

Getting Noticed

Surviving

Crowdfunding resources

Todd Allen’s Kickstarter Diary

Greg Pak’s Kickstarter Primer

Exhibiting/Marketing Skills