Pitching Comics: A Twitter Q and A with Rob Levin

Rob Levin twitter.com/roblevin did a twitter Q&A about pitching comic book ideas to editors. I pasted it here, hoping that it may answer questions some of you have about getting published.

Ericcalderon: Who's buying these days?
Rob Levin: It's always important ericcalderon, to check with each publisher to find out their submission policies. Some take unsolicited ideas such as imagecomics, others won't accept new talent or ideas. It's usually easier to break in at a smaller company doing original IP.

Ian_Austin: is thinking outside the box in how you present your idea welcomed?
Rob Levin: Yes, ian_Austin, original presentation can make a difference. However, story must come first. Presentation is a tool, not a substitute.

ChrisMLawson: When is a good time/place for an unknown to pitch to an editor? Is it cool to ask them if they're open to a pitch at a convention?
Rob Levin: The best way, @ChrisMLawson, is to meet an editor at a con. Introduce yourself, respect their time, and follow up after the show.

Never pitch at a convention. They have too much going on & won't remember it in 20 minutes anyway. Also, they like booze & food. #makecomics

Homelesscomics: What are the MUST HAVES of a pitch package? How much art should be shown? Should a full script be included? Thanks!
Rob Levin: HomelessComics Each publisher wants different things from a pitch. Check w/them about format to be sure. In general, a synopsis, story breakdown (feel free to spoil the ending for them), & if you have GOOD art it can't hurt. A script can be a good idea, but in most cases they may not have time to read. JasonAaron got THE OTHER SIDE greenlit by writing the script, so never say never.

There's a general rule that "Nothing kills a pitch faster than a staple." Be brief & concise, but thorough. Tell the story. #makecomics

One of my favorite pitches, toonboy, was from marcbernardin and MrAdamFreeman for GENIUS. I was sold as soon as I read it. Marc actually pitched it to me at a con, which goes to show there are no firm rules if your pitch is good enough. It communicated exactly what the story was, where it was going, who the hero was, and the tone of it all. @bryanedwardhill also writes stellar pitches.

The best pitches force editors to say yes. The ideas are too good to let them get away. This doesn't mean teasing with loglines. #makecomics

It means showcasing your idea as quickly & as effectively as possible. Rule #1 - Are the most important details in the pitch? They better be

The worst pitches don't even try to tell a story, get lost in hyperbole & film comparisons, & don't inspire confidence in the creative team.

Ramtower: Can you point us to a good sample of what a pitch looks like? (Does someone have a good online example?)
Rob Levin: I'll see, @ramtower, if I can find more, but for now I'll direct you to @JoshFialkov's pitch for TUMOR -> bit.ly/bemAOm notice just 1 page of text, and he tells us that the protagonist dies. It's okay to spoil it for an editor/publisher. #makecomics

More pitches Citizentim's sweet Comic Book Script Archive. PLANETARY bit.ly/9w1hf1 and HAWKSMOOR bit.ly/buvbrB #makecomics

Youfairchild: Two questions: How do you find an artist, get them to work with you, etc?...
Rob Levin: This topic ,YueFairchild, has been covered by @cbcebulski here bit.ly/bYaeun. To get them to draw, pay them or split ownership. Find an artist and get something done, even if it's printed at Kinko's. A finished product will get you taken more seriously.

deantrippe: Whycome I not famouse?
Rob Levin: Perhaps, @deantrippe, your personal brand awareness isn't strong/focused enough. You do good work, so marketing might be the key.

danwickline: You send a pitch to an editor, then he leaves the company, do you submit it to someone else there or assume it was rejected?
Rob Levin: Well, @danwickline, this happens. Try to find out the status from them and ask for an intro to their replacement. Often a project has been initiated solely by an editor and when he's gone, no one else wants to take up the charge. Just keep plugging away. #makecomics

theonlyjonathan: it still uses the film comparisons though--I'd love to avoid that. Better to leave that out?
Rob Levin: The important thing, @TheOnlyJonathan, is to make sure they're not used in place of information. Always use sparingly, if at all.

Film comparisons can be a way to create a touchstone w/ an editor who has a different literary experience than you. But they're just a spice

DeWayneFeenstra: for writers is it better to get a single issue put out or anthology of their stories?
Rob Levin: You know, @DeWayneFeenstra, the idea for topcow's PILOT SEASON sprung from my love of anthologies. If you can tell several different stories that are all strong and show your range (and can get them drawn), that's a very good portfolio piece.  #makecomics

matthewdowsmith: And if you can't convey your idea to an editor, how can an editor believe you could convey that idea to the reading audience.
Rob Levin: Too true, matthewdowsmith. A nice piece of art to accompany a pitch will ALWAYS help. It's the bad art that hurts a pitch. #makecomics

rdhall: is there a protocol for bending an editor's ear to listen? How does someone develop the contacts?
Rob Levin: The protocol, rdhall, is meeting them at conventions and being a professional. Don't push, realize they have other priorities, but that in addition to them liking you, you have to be good. That's the key component, and quality rises to the top (usually). #makecomics

jamiegambell: I have the first of my 4-issue mini printed through POD. Should I send this to publishers as a pitch, or as the horse bolted?
Rob Levin: Realize, JamieGambell, your printed work might be viewed more as a work sample than as a pitch. Be specific about your goals when sending.

raphaelwendt: Do things like writing degrees or competition wins lend any aid to pitches etc? Or is the idea paramount? I understand that the idea has to be solid, but does it add credibility if a person has demonstrated skills? Does it push them past the "wannabe"s?
Rob Levin: Doesn't matter, @raphaelwendt. All an editor wants is a great idea & a writer who can deliver it. Never hurts if they like you. #makecomics

Alright #makecomics fans. I gotta do some writing now. I'll do this again next Wednesday if you still have questions on pitching (or more).