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

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)

NEW! Creator Resources – Awesome site with information on the profession of comics, compiled by Stephanie Cooke

Creator Resources – Awesome site with information on the profession of comics, compiled by NEW! Tips on all kinds of things from Jesse Hamm

Script Formats

Pitching

Ebooks

Make Comics Like the Pros: The Inside Scoop on How to Write, Draw, and Sell Your Comic Books and Graphic Novels by Fred van Lente and Greg Pak by Fred van Lente and Greg Pak

Craft

Getting Noticed

Surviving

Crowdfunding resources

Todd Allen’s Kickstarter Diary

Greg Pak’s Kickstarter Primer

Exhibiting/Marketing Skills