I am in the process of writing a script for a graphic novel. I have two ideas, one being a significantly longer series than the other. Should I begin with my smaller series idea and see if i can get that published first? would that be a step in the door for my larger series? does it matter at all between a long series or short one?
Start big?
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DannScheid
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I would start out with the smaller story, work on that and see how practical your process is. Promote it, publish how ever you decide and then see about the lengthier story.
If you're aiming to be professionally published, I'd go with the shorter story.
There's nothing wrong with trying out your longer series first, if that's where your heart is, but keep in mind that people like to see small successes before taking big risks. Who would you rather fund a 12-book series for: An unknown creator with no publishing credits, or an up-and-comer with some standalone hits?
There's nothing wrong with trying out your longer series first, if that's where your heart is, but keep in mind that people like to see small successes before taking big risks. Who would you rather fund a 12-book series for: An unknown creator with no publishing credits, or an up-and-comer with some standalone hits?
A shorter series gives you more time to dedicate to the work, polishing every aspect of the story - if you decide to jump in with an ongoing (without prior experience) you might begin to feel the pressure. Having a full and complete story is a boon in an market filled with (literally) endless sagas.
You may wish to consider cost if you plan to hire an artist. Typically (it varies from publisher to publisher) a submission package only requires a few pages of artwork, but keep in mind you'll often be paying out of pocket even once accepted. Longer projects can often be more difficult to find an artist for, especially if you have to go with low or back end pay.
Personally, I'd do both but focus upon the shorter idea, because it'd provide a completed example of your storytelling and scriptwriting abilities. So start writing, and (if you've not done so yet) you can post some of it in Share Your Work for critique.
Personally, I'd do both but focus upon the shorter idea, because it'd provide a completed example of your storytelling and scriptwriting abilities. So start writing, and (if you've not done so yet) you can post some of it in Share Your Work for critique.
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Definitely start with a smaller story first. Major publishers are having a hard time getting new series to last over 6 issues, so the little guy may have just as much if not more trouble. Also, you don;t want to get into the middle of a story then have to call it off for one reason or another.
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Start small if you're looking for someone else to publish it. Most of the larger comic companies don't take unsolicited submissions anymore which means you need to already be established somewhere before they seek you out and ask you to pitch. Sometimes have a few smaller stories that you can present at conventions and show your variety/skills is the best way to allow an editor or publisher to see what you can do.
Start with the best one first, then make your second one better that that. It's a popularity competition, not a work by piece job.
How do you know which is best? Have people read both and ask which is strongest. Then, you may find one is more popular than the other. Work that one to the bone. Good luck!
How do you know which is best? Have people read both and ask which is strongest. Then, you may find one is more popular than the other. Work that one to the bone. Good luck!
Start with quality, but remember that any artist is likely to want to be paid for their time and effort. With digital comics getting acceptance more and more, you can get out there with short pieces. Traditionally short stories and anthologies have had pretty limited opportunities in comics, where longform serial storytelling has been the dominant mode for a long time.
Paradoxically, it's easier than ever to get your work in front of people, but the larger companies have become harder and harder to get into.
Paradoxically, it's easier than ever to get your work in front of people, but the larger companies have become harder and harder to get into.
I remember reading somewhere that publishers are only willing to so big of a risk on new authors. For books there was a certain page limit that some had wanted for a first book. I assume the concept is the same for graphic novels. I am trying to get published for the first time. I was in the same scenario, and I decided to go with the smaller one for the reason listed above. I also split it into two graphic novels (Vol. 1 and Vol 2.) In printing everyone page costs them money, and there is no guarantee that it will sell. If you have been published before and have a name it is different story.
I am not the final answer though, I would say do what you feel is best. I just wanted to give my two cents.
I am not the final answer though, I would say do what you feel is best. I just wanted to give my two cents.
Which story are you more excited about? Whichever it is - go with that one first. If you're passionate about the idea, you'll find the process of writing the script a lot easier, and since it's your first shot working with comics, the easier the better. Scriptwriting is a lot different than prose, and can be difficult for some 
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