What do comic book writers do

Comic book writers create comic books and graphic novels. They basically conceptualize stories and tell them through words which are then put together with suitable illustrations to form comic strips. The writer is responsible for developing the plot and setting, constructing characters, and putting together the elements of emotion, action, and closure.

Comic book writers usually collaborate with pencillers, inkers, colorists, letterers, and editors. The job role of comic book writers depends largely on the type of production. For instance, those working in small press comics may have to write and illustrate comic books, while those with major publishing houses usually handle only one specific task.

The work of comic book writers also varies from country to country. Writers, together with letterers, and colorists are involved in the creation of European comic books. Comic book writers are not required to have any specific educational qualifications in order to pursue the profession. However, it is necessary to be comfortable with the language one chooses to write in, and have a strong hold over grammar. A comic book writer needs to have certain qualities like tenacity and flexibility.

While creating a comic book, one should use a dictionary or thesaurus, and do a thorough spell-check. It is a good idea to proofread everything before sending it out. Also, since the job requires dealing with editors and publishers, comic book writers may often have to change their scripts in order to satisfy these people. Comic book writers who intend to do the illustrations themselves need to know the basics of drawing. There are a number of art schools and colleges that offer courses to aspiring writers and cartoonists.

If you want to get a job writing comic books, you first must treat it like it is… a business. One way to get a job writing comics is to find an artist partner and self-publish your own book.

If you hope to write for an established company, like Marvel or DC, then you need to have some amazing spec scripts and to make contacts with editors as most will not accept unsolicited submissions from writers. Go to comic book conventions and introduce yourself to the industry professionals. Make contacts and keep writing and submitting your material to whoever you can find that will read it.

You simply have to be persistent and really work at it. It is a career after all and not simply a paid hobby. Working for a publisher in an entry level capacity can possibly lead to a transition from office staff to writer as well.

Small independent publishers may pay less, if at all. A: A spec is a script written for an established comic that the writer is not hired to write. You should not expect to ever see this script actually made into a comic. Be sure to maintain and update with your portfolio, and submit it to potential employers and clients on a regular basis. Utilize your best work, and a variety of different pieces in order to showcase your versatility. Ensure that you are keeping track of who you spoke with and when.

They may not hire you right away, but that sort of initiative can pay dividends down the road when they do hire. The Applicable Majors section below shows fields of study relevant to a career as a Comic Book Writer.

You can search for scholarships matched to those fields of study on our Fine Arts Scholarships page. Success Tip: Be sure to apply for any scholarships that you even barely qualify for, as there are millions of dollars of scholarships that go unused every year due to a lack of applicants!