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Where to Find a Job Writing Comics?

One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a writer is seeing your words in print. Aside from the money part, which is great, becoming a published author feels fantastic. However, without a publisher, your work will never reach an audience. Fortunately, self-publishing has made a world of difference and allowed any author to successfully put out a book. It may not be easy to find a job as a comic writer, but it is definitely possible. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss where you can look for work writing comics, the pros and cons of each option, and a few helpful tips along the way.

Look Online

This may seem like an obvious answer, yet many people forget about the huge wealth of opportunities that the internet provides. Whether you are a seasoned writer or just starting out, the web is filled with helpful information on just about any subject you could think of. When it comes to writing comics, the internet is literally brimming with options. There are plenty of websites that will connect you with all kinds of professionals who need people to write for them. All you have to do is click and you will be taken to a page filled with potential opportunities that interest you. From there, all you have to do is type in your qualifications and you will be given a list of jobs that you can apply for. You don’t even have to leave the page; the website will send you an email whenever a new job opens up that fits your qualifications. It’s a great way to find work, as long as you aren’t looking for a scam and ensure you are dealing with a reputable company. 

Scam Watch

While most websites will connect you with reputable companies who are looking for writers, it is still possible to encounter a scammer who claims to be a publisher seeking talent. These individuals usually operate in teams of two or more and will often contact you via email. They may even ask you to pay for an analysis of your unpublished work to determine whether or not you are suitable for their publication. While it is certainly tempting to agree to their terms, be advised that you are signing away your copyright and you may end up owing them money. Additionally, this could be the start of a long and frustrating legal battle. If you do decide to work with a scammer, be sure to keep your paperwork and communication as organized as possible. This will make it much easier to refute any accusations of fraud later on.

Find An Independent Publisher

If you don’t want to deal with any scamsters, then your best bet for finding a job is probably through an independent publisher. Sometimes referred to as a small press, indie publishers usually specialize in publishing work that is often experimental, diverse, or both. Since they are mostly smaller operations, they will often have more flexibility when it comes to hiring and, sometimes, will even give you partial ownership of your work. A common practice among indie publishers is to pay their contributors a royalty on each book sold. This can vary, but it’s usually somewhere around 10% for literary fiction, 8% for comics, and 2% for children’s books. If you have a specific genre in mind, then use the website Goodreads to find publishers who focus on that type of work. You can also contact smaller publishers directly to see if they have any openings. Alternatively, you can check for work at major publishing houses, as many small publishers will usually submit material to the big guys to see if they will take it on. If the big guys pass, then the small publisher can usually be found on the internet seeking new contributors.

Try Magazine Trough

If you have a specific type of comic in mind and want to write for a certain audience, then try Magazine Trough is the platform for you. It’s an independent website that specializes in comic review and has a section specifically for pitching writers. You can browse through the reviews to find a specific comic and then submit an application. If they choose to take you on, they will usually give you some sort of editorial position, from which you can write the reviews. While the pay isn’t great and can range from $500 to $1000 per month, it’s still a significant amount of money for a beginning writer. It’s probably not for everyone, but it’s worth noting that some of the most successful and popular creators started out doing reviews for this site. If you are looking for a steady gig, then try Magazine Trough is a good place to start.

Consult A Literary Agent

If none of the above seem like a good fit, then it’s time to consult a literary agent. A literary agent will negotiate on your behalf with publishers, ensuring you receive the best possible deal. They will also be able to advise you on whether or not a particular project is a good fit for your skillset. Usually, literary agents will require a significant amount of material to review, so be sure to save this for when you’ve exhausted your options. Most agents will also require you to sign a contract, which you can then send to the publishers for consideration. Make sure you are aware of any exclusive agents out there; they usually sign up professional writers and often charge a percentage of the sales price.

Working as a writer for comics can be a really enjoyable and rewarding experience. Seeing your work in print and being able to make a living off your passion for writing is something that not many people can say they do. As you’ve seen, there are numerous options out there for those looking for work in comics, from magazine or website reviews to pitching manuscripts for independent publishers. It may not be easy to find the right fit for you, but with a little bit of research and maybe a pitch or two, you will definitely find success as a writer for comics.