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Stephanie

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Anyone Know How to Sell a Graphic Novel?

Sun Aug 9, 2009, 6:42 PM

Mood: Optimism
Listening to: iTunes Shuffle
Reading: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Watching: Babylon 5 and Fullmetal Alchemist

A couple hours ago it occurred to me that Soul of the Forest, the story I've been writing just as a free-write, might actually have a greater potential. I believe I could rewrite it as a graphic novel, and that it would work better in that format.

Now, I know how to write in the graphic novel format, but does anyone know where I go from there? Do I need to write the entire thing out first, or would I only need to write the first instalment to get started? Do I need to find myself an illustrator, or would it be better to send the story out somewhere and let them pick the illustrator? Would I be better off doing this online or attempting to go through an actual publisher?

Of course maybe I should be finishing Moonleaf first... But hey, when inspiration hits I've got to pursue it.

UPDATE: It turns out that story adaptation is hard work! (But I do so love the script format...) So yeah, I'm officially working on two projects at once, now.

UPDATE #2: Oh, and I've also just signed up for the National Novel Writing Month 50,000-word story challenge in November.

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*Pixy-Brand Aug 10, 2009, 4:35:41 PM

Damn girl! Try not to overload yourself too much, I don't want to have my MOH go crazy on me.

As for the graphic novel thing... I think it's an awesome idea. I would suggest looking at some of the major comic publisher's websites. I know that it isn't uncommon for western comics to purchase a story and then find an illustrator. The other route to go is see if you can't find someone on dev who would be willing to draw a few pages for you to submit to a publisher. It would be a sweet gig for all involved.

Hell I'd offer my talents but I don't think my art is up to standards for a graphic novel.

--
~Just 'cause I'm cute doesn't mean I'm not dangerous~

~hpets Aug 10, 2009, 8:41:10 PM

Yeah, I think I'll get volume one written (because this will most definitely be a multi-volume thing), and then I'll seek out an illustrator to help me make up a sample piece of a few pages, which I'll submit with the script. And being so familiar with the current popular Western graphic novels, I'll know which publishers to try... Teehee, this is plausible!

What's really confusing now is I'm not sure which writing project to make priority. On the one hand, Moonleaf needs to be done! But on the other hand, I suspect that I can get through the first stage of this project much quicker than with the novel (since I don't have to write the entire story in one go, here... Just about 100 pages). So I could get this organized and sent out and then continue with Moonleaf during the long long wait for word back.

As for your talents, hell yes I love your style! But I suspect this might be a lot of work and methinks you're busy enough as it is right now...

But you are most certainly seeing the script before anyone else! I need someone with the visual eye that I lack to make sure everything's clear and logical.

--
Beware the Evil Spork!