Submitting to Marvel/DC/etc.

[John Henry Irons]

All right. My first post, better make it worthy.

As most people in this guild, I would presume, I have ideas and stories and characters that I want to see printed in Marvel Comics or DC Comics with my name as the writer. Both companies have submission forms and requests. Is this a smart way to try to "break into this business" or is it just a way for the companies to take good ideas sent to them for their own. Furthermore, if I copywright my characters/storylines before sending, will that protect me from the possible subsequent stealing of said characters and ideas?  

[Aidan Glissane]

Marty definitely should be able to help out with this, and I recommend chicking out his guide to whoring. I believe that the applications you can find are ideally there to help find new talent, but they're not the easiest (or most practical) way to go. Definitely send a few in, but then try out some of Marty's practices. Get along with some of the Marvel or DC people, talk to them and such, and mention that you've submitted an application. They might check it out on their own sometime.  

[Ziegfried]

I'd find an artist and put out one or two of your stories as Independant books, with original characters. Copyright your stories,a dn then submitt them to liek Dark Horse and Image. It'll be easier to get picked up if you have some buzz around your name  

[Doctor Harleen Quinzell]

Produce your own stuff first, self publish and sell with the hope of breaking even and without the conceit of a profit. The big companies are looking for creators with built in underground fanbases. Also if you self publish and a big company wants to pick it up, you can sell them the reprint rights and you have the option of shopping around for a publisher for subsequent comics using those characters or settings like the TMNT guys did.  

[Marty Nozz]

If money allows, print your materials up and don't give a damn about making your money back. Odds and too high that you won't, so don't bother. However, this will give you something to put into the hands of publishers and editors.

The cons are your best bet. A face to go with your name is always a plus. Don't go in cold. Take the time to chat your "targets" up, before dropping something into their hands. Remember, you want to make a connection, not a submission. Be ready to hand your stuff over, and be ready for them not to even look at it. They get stuff all the time.

To be honest, and it isn't fair, a good personality and being likable is just as important nowadays as your writing or artistic talent.  

[Celaeno]

John Henry Irons

As most people in this guild, I would presume, I have ideas and stories and characters that I want to see printed in Marvel Comics or DC Comics with my name as the writer.

An admirable but difficult goal.

Quote:

Both companies have submission forms and requests. Is this a smart way to try to "break into this business" or is it just a way for the companies to take good ideas sent to them for their own.

That depends on what you're submitting. If it's an original story, then no, they will not take it. The industry is heavily pitch-based at the moment, and growing more so all the time. Editors do not take concepts and hand them off the writers and artists anymore. 20 years ago it might have been a thing to worry about, but not anymore.
If you're submitting a Green Lantern story, well then who knows. You probably don't have an amazingly-original-never-been-seen-before-concept. Cold? Possibly. But still true. Someone on their staff might have a similar idea. They might like the base cocept (such as, "Green Lantern's ring turns purple") but not like any of your plotting or the end. But then, the chances of them taking that cocenpt and saying, "hey, Miller, do a Purple Lantern story" are slim to nil.

Quote:

Furthermore, if I copyright my characters/storylines before sending, will that protect me from the possible subsequent stealing of said characters and ideas?

Yes. Be forewarned. Sticking you script and designs in an envelope and mailing them to yourself is not copyright. It will not hold up in court. Either you will get laughed at or the judge will look at you pityingly and ask if your mother knows you're out unsupervised. Go out Get a real copyright.

EVERYONE IN THE THREAD: PAY ATTENTION

If you have any sense of seriousness about this industry, go buy this book. If you're an artist, or work closely with artists, this will give you information that you absolutely positively need to know. It ranges from what you should charge for work, what you're contract must include, small basic contracts you can photocopy and use yourself for work purposes.
It will answer many legal questions and give you a frame of reference.  

[Ziegfried]

I'm going to buy that in the a.m.  

[Marty Nozz]

*rolls up the sleeves*

Like many Nightwing fans, I feel the book has really gone to crap. Seriously, the writing is terrible, and I really hate bashing writers. I prefer to just quit buying the book and "vote with my wallet", but it's Nightwing so I'm called to action.

Started writing a Nightwing story arc that I have every intention of placing in as many hands as possible. This is my first effort at writing an established character. Surprisingly, it feels very comfortable.  

[Marty Nozz]

Issue #1 drafted, the typing has begun. ninja  

[raye rei]

Marty Nozz

Issue #1 drafted, the typing has begun. ninja

sounds intriguing  

[Marty Nozz]

Hopefully DC will think so. Have most of it typed, but Word was getting on my nerves so I'll finish it up tomorrow.  

[John Henry Irons]

Alright. To follow up, I now need an artist.

I have three concepts, all looking for artists. Each are different in style and type, and fully-idealized/planned out. I have scripts made for two, with the third one outlined out for quick scripting. I just need the art. If anyone can help me find an artist, or is an artist and wants to tag along, or whatever, my goals are to by the end of this coming spring, have a book submitted, talked up, and published by Dark Horse or Image.

Like I said, I've done what I can, now I need the art. Pencils, inks, and colors. Any help is wanted here, whether it actually be the art, or pointing me to someone who would be willing to help. Soon I'll post up the script for issue one of my current favorite work - Highwayman - for you guys to look over, through, and help me improve.