Writing Comics - How to Break into the Comic Book Industry with Brandon Montclare & Grace Randolph

[@alinaisyou]

My first comics writing gig came through blogging. I would review/write copy about books I loved which led me to interviewing writers, artists and, most importantly, editors. That gave me my in. I scratched their backs and they scratched mine in return. Like everything else, though, it was years of work to build those relationships.

[@TonksMoriarty]

This was definitly helpful. I'm currently planning out a story for a web comic, being optimistic by planning far ahead and currently have it planned out to a point where the primary story changes. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone who can draw and who won't try to take my story for themselves.

[@MrTheSmash]

i'm the in same boat friend and what i'm doing which requires some humility is that you need to be willing to make an announcement at your school, college, workplace, whatever.

[@Gekoelrec]

Thank you so much for this show. I have recently started reading. I found the whole different universes really confusing and I never knew where to start. So Thank You really love your comic Supurbia

[@tw1ztid1]

i don't have a desire to write comics, but i always thought it was easy... then i got the 30 Days of Night paperback and inside they show part of the script for the comic. i had no idea there was so much detail in writing a comic. it was like a movie script where you have to frame scenes and so on. i have a lot more respect for comic writers now

[@cmccleese112]

Excellent Video! Great advice! I will take heed of this when I talk 2 editors to promote my comics.

[@awideman5981]

wow Grace saw you doing some stuff with Indy Mogul and was like, "who's this broad???", but now I really respect you after the fact of knowing you're a writer and you've written the comics that you've written. This was super helpful. I'm trying to try my writing chops out in the Graphic Novel world

[@sebastianvelcro]

Do you have anything about comic layouts on this show? Thats the hardest part I find about making a comic, figuring out how to put things on a page. Thanks!

[@jonawill92]

I have this very cool story I've been thinking about for a while now, and want it to write it into a comic, so what do I do now? I have the story and the characters in my head, but how do I get on paper? very short: how do I start?

[@michaelrashad9720]

So excited you posted this vid..im only 15 but ive always wanted to learn more on comics so i could create my own though i never really had any inspiration untill now...so thanks!!!

[@LaliyahShabazz]

I hope that you created a comic book.

[@UnhappyAlienFTW]

love this video, between the pages are always really fun and informative. i have one question though; what do you think the biggest killer of new writers is in the comic industry? what makes a newish writer want to stop trying to break into comics?

[@THINKAboutTheINK]

@MrTosha8 I made this video to help! You've done the first thing, written something, so now you should follow the next steps that we outlined. Good luck! Everyone has to start somewhere! :) - Grace

[@Coldspider801]

This was really helpful Thanks and I can't wait to read Supurbia.

[@VGAMESnMOVIES]

Great video Grace. I really like these How-To's videos their really informative. I'm an aspiring writer and I'm looking to educate myself about the comic book industry, before coming to San Diego. I'll be very appreciative of you if you make more videos like this one.

[@404nonexistent]

Look up script writing processes. Back in 2007 I purchases "DC's Guide to Writing Comics" and in it was a nice intro to certain writer's styles for scripts.

[@scofisticated]

thank you Grace and Brandon. i really needed to hear this

[@DeathBlackWish]

If I had any of those to do so at I would. I only have the internet at this point. But I hope you have success and good luck.

[@nicholasfowler62]

thank you very much, I am at the moment writing a script.

[@BrothaDoug]

Nothing comes easy, so I'll continue to work hard. The vid was awesome by the way.

[@BoyNamedSue4]

Great video Grace. If I could add my own advice it would be not to have your sights set too high when first starting out. The big two are not going to hire someone with no record to work on their A-list characters. If you ever look at an interview with any of the big names in the books they started out with some indie title no one has ever heard of. Start there and get a reputation would be my best advice

[@dryanpinney]

Grace, Great video. You both bring up a lot of points that aren't often openly discussed. You both say that you should "know your editors". I've been publishing short fiction for a while and find the listings and descriptions of editors in publications like The Writer's Market to be invaluable. Do you know of any such resource for the comics world? Thanks! -Dustin

[@deadkennedy66]

Is there a certain age you should be? Because im 15. Im a huge comic book fan and have wanted to write them ever since i started reading them, should i wait to talk to editors until im a little older?

[@chettfitzgerald]

Very interesting, will have to keep this stuff in mind.

[@rumshah]

I was wondering how to write a comic script? You mentioned 'spec scripts?' Can you give examples on the writing? Also do you have to have the drawings colored and all before giving it to an editor?

[@isartart]

Thanks for being cool and helpful.

[@StevenScott6592]

Do you by chance attend and conventions besides the ones in the new york area

[@backpagecomics]

Thanks for the advice! Good to know I'm at least headed in the right direction!

[@ravendan968]

Hey Grace: Awesome Vid!! Do you think that meeting artists and writers at cons is a good way to start making connections?

[@antivenomeddiebrock]

Are there any comic conventions in the UK?

[@megatronsass999]

I have a pretty thrilling plot written out with 7 unique characters atleast, however my main worry is being ripped of :P if im gonna pitch a story to a company or even create a web comic, what's to say no one will steal my ideas? I lack the knowledge behind what must be done to keep your own creation safe?

[@BokanProductions]

Did you write the blogs in script form?

[@THINKAboutTheINK]

@TheReelSketchman Yes! I'll have the artists' end for you in 2 weeks! :) - Grace

[@Curtmine]

Really good information. I am in the process of creating my own super human characters for a series I came up with called "The Diaries of Black."

[@SimbasGuardWT]

Great show.

[@lostPhantom666]

this was great ! thank you!

[@lawless130]

Too many people want to write comics to get into Hollywood your not gonna be successful that way I want to write Comics because I Love Comics

[@sudarshankamble5113]

Dan Lawless of course me also I wanna make comics..

[@SefniAsheforr]

Dan Lawless I would honestly prefer to write comics/graphic novels myself. I prefer the format first and foremost, and on top of that, I am much more keen on the idea of my work being mine (or mine and the artist's), rather than selling my script and letting the director do what they want with it. Your work speaks for itself and you can still work another person to make it come to life even more with the artwork. Big paydays aren't something I care too much about. Getting paid to write is a dream, even if it doesn't land me in anything other than a studio apartment.

[@cmaprice]

LOVE.

[@era-me1eg]

Why it is age restricted ?

[@hollowjocker]

grace think for putting this video up because I'm writting a comic call NO more hero:injustice have the charater and the set up just need a little help on the layout please help me.

[@boenakamura2802]

REMANENT Stand did you finish your comic book?

[@Timeforthaunted]

Wow, informative! I read Fearsome Four because of She-Hulk... Well...it was ok, I guess lol Great video!

[@TheReelSketchman]

Great video and I love this channel. Could you do an interview on the artists' end?

[@sirfrunky]

this is awesome advice thank you.

[@xela1221]

didnt know you wrote comic, pretty neat.

[@CookiesDZN42]

I would love to be a comic writer!

[@Havs690]

how old do i have to be to start writing for companies or to self publish?

[@DeathBlackWish]

I have an awesome idea for a comic series. The problem is I don't have any drawing skills whatsoever. So where could I find a willing artist to work with me and not expect much profit until hopefully the comic gets publicity?

[@gavinbridwell4858]

I can draw

[@animationenema]

great vid!!

[@Druguzu]

Thanks this was really helpfull

[@404nonexistent]

Thats why you stick with big name companies and see what you can do as far as putting a Copyright on your work, that way say, You write a Batman story, DC will keep the rights to Batman, but your script for it remains your own original work ;) I'm in the same boat as you, paranoid as hell when it comes to idea stealing.

[@SuperJmoney92]

Grace, I would like to write Comics

[@JustASmokingSnorlax]

I really want to be an indie comic writer.... I have so many ideas and stories. But other than how hard it is to get started in the industry, sadly my art style does not go well with my stories AT ALL.

[@joaopauloduartedasilva4101]

Find a partner! A lot of artists can't write :)

[@ajg3733]

The Fur Monsters hey, I realize this was posted a year ago, but if you're still struggling, maybe we could talk?

[@Naqvioski]

Still looking for artists? This is a year old.

[@AVERYochang]

There is a website that uploads Indie comics, art and short stories to promote aspiring writers and artists. The url to their site is in their twitter: twitter.com/CaptionComix. Email them if you want your work featured on the website.

[@THINKAboutTheINK]

@Chibichibipause I'll see what I can do! - Grace

[@koarts1005]

Nice

[@MrTosha8]

@THINKAboutTheINK i am a big fan of this channel and btt it made me want to read comic books and go into the industry i wrote a very nice super hero story which could be a big hit i wish it could be a comic book if you could help me ( please say yes ) i also am a big movie fan of movies i have a strong belief that on one day i will be something in the movie industry

[@rooktheangelproductions9167]

grace u look great in this video

[@RichardApperition]

Ohhhmygawwd i had no idea u were interested in Warcraft

[@ThePudin124]

That guy has awesome voice

[@UtimateGuyver]

I know how ya feel I`m a writer too...without an artist.

[@404nonexistent]

Google is your friend, look for various writer's Scripts and see what works for you ;)

[@arimill1045]

How about making a video about becoming an Editor!? I keep hearing that its a team of three, but you apparently just ARE an editor or your NOT??

[@marceliusbyrd9162]

I'm a really great artist and I'm pretty good with storytelling as well I would love some help

[@thesnapshot3745]

Marcelius Byrd age? that doesnt matter to me but email me

[@marceliusbyrd9162]

Well I don't have your email and I'm 25 email me at [e-mail]

[@droidjunkie1]

WHY ARE YOU ONLY TALKING ABOUT WRITING?????? COMICS ARE 2 THINGS AT ITS CORE, STORY AND PICTURES. SO TELL US MORE ABOUT THE ART PART! HOW DO WE BREAK IN THIER?????

[@rustcohle3803]

There's like another video for that, also artists can easily break in as assistant inkers. Check out image comics website. They give you clean details about what they look for in writers and artists or both

[@Loftproductions1]

this is way too underwatched #

[@justinrichards1124]

She doesn't credit colorists or letterers, she doesn't even know the proper name of the company that is publishing her book (BOOM Studios, not Boom comics) and she talks over the person she's interviewing the whole time. Pretty shitty team player of you ask me.