Getting Your Writing Published by the Big Two
By Ramsey Rusef

So you want to write superheroes? The two biggest companies are in New York. They're Marvel and DC. You can't just walk up and be published. You have to jump through the hoops that they lay out for you. The hoops are there for a reason. First, editors just don't have the time to read through long scripts. They need the facts and only the facts. Second, if you can't follow simple instructions, what good are you?

I've condensed what the companies want. These guidelines are available at the individual websites: http://www.dccomics.com and http://www.marvel.com. The two companies are very specific in what they will take.

These are their rules:

Send Your Work To:

DC Comics: You need to determine the editor of whatever title you're submitting your work to. If you want to write to Flash, you'll see Joey Cavalieri's name in the credits. (insert name of editor) DC Comics 1700 Broadway New York, NY 10019

Marvel Comics: Darren Auck, Submissions Editor 387 Park Avenue South New York, NY 10016 * You can send work to individual Marvel editors, but there's no guarantee that the editor will ever get it back to you.

What You Need To Send:

DC Comics: Send copies of your work, no originals please. Send a one page, double spaced synopsis of your story called a springboard. Think of the back cover of a paperback novel. Use it to sell the story. The springboard needs five elements: a beginning, a middle, an end, a hook, and reader identification. The hook is what makes your story unique. It's why you're writing it. The rest should be self explanatory.

Marvel Comics: Send a one page synopsis of your plot. Again, make it double spaced. The one page should tell the essentials of the story, establish the characters and the situation. You also need to introduce the conflict and show the resolution. In other words send a beginning middle and end. Make it exciting.

Both: Send them your name and address on the submission. Marvel wants it on every page you send. Include a SASE (Self Addressed, Stamped Envelope) for anything you submit to any company. Companies will throw out anything without an SASE.

Who You Can Write About:

DC: You can create your own character or property, or you can write a story about one of the established DC Characters. You CANNOT write about Superman or Batman characters. Again, send the springboard to the appropriate editor. If you write your own character, send that to the editor whose titles look most like yours.

Marvel: You can write about any character who has his or her own book. Do NOT write your own creation. Marvel will not accept that.

Make Sure:

Both: Get a feel of the character you're writing about. Don't kill off major characters, retcon the characters, or write character out of continuity or character.

Look professional. Use spell and grammar check. If you don't you won't get published. I promise you that. This is a job. Dress your work appropriately. Type your work, either on a word processor or on a typewriter.

Put your name, address, and phone number on every page. That will ensure your work won't get lost.

Never, Ever:

DC: Send originals. Call the editor to see how you're submission is going. (I would use that same practice with Marvel.) If he or she likes your story, you'll know. Expect an editor to read your work with a whole lot of patience at a convention. Instead, leave a copy with him or her. Send scripts. The editor needs to approve them. Write Superman or Batman and expect a response except no.

Marvel: Send your script without getting the editor's approval. You may be excited, but you shouldn't rush someone else. For every ten comic fans, there's probably a wannabe writer or artist.

Other Good Tips:

Both: Read books on how to create. Will Eisner's Comics and Sequential Art and Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics are the "bibles" of the industry. Take classes on writing and movie criticism. Learn the dynamics of visual media. Take creative writing or journalism classes. Don't use comics as your only resource. You'll just be recycling old comics stories.

Ramsey

Redoubt is Copyright © 1999-2000, Ramsey Rusef. All articles contained inside are Copyright by their original authors. All characters and comic books reviewed in Redoubt are Copyright and Trademarked by their respective owners.