Although Comic Con season is a few months off, you may be thinking about getting ready to pitch your work at one. Read this article first:
Comic conventions are a prime venue for meeting key people in the industry – artists, writers, and even editors.
These are people with the experience, sway and even the full-blown decision-making power to help you get a foot in the door at a comic publisher.
However, does this mean that conventions are a great place to pitch your work?
Well, in a word – no.
For a moment, put yourself in the shoes of a high-profile comic editor appearing at a comic con. He or she may be attending to promote their company or to get valuable feedback on their books from the fans. They won’t be there to host an American Idol-style audition involving endless pitches over the 2 or 3 days.
But that is often what they end up with.
So how do you get acquainted with the big guns without them putting up the shutters?
Firstly – don’t pitch your ideas. By all means introduce yourself as an ambitious creator, along with a brief overview of your work so far, but leave it at high-level. Don’t pitch. Don’t gush. Don’t do anything that will make you come across as a jerk, or even worse, desperate.
Prior to the conference, you should have found out about books they’ve edited, which will give you the insight to talk to them about why they’re there in the first place. If you show a valid interest in their work (which you should have if you want to work with them in the future anyway) they’re more likely to reciprocate that interest (even if a little).
End the conversation by asking if you can submit some sample work to them after the con. If the publishing house has made submission guidelines available, review them prior to the con. Confirming to the editor that you know what they are will help mark you out as serious and professional.
Finally, ask them for their business card. They may ask for yours, in which case provide it (I’ll write a blog post on business cards in the near future). However, if you leave it to the editor to contact you first, you may be waiting a long time. You want the power of first contact after the con to be with you.
Once you’ve got their card, say that you’ll be in touch and thank them for their time, then don’t hassle them for the remainder of the con. If you happen to bump into them at the bar later, remember not to pitch. Talk to them about sport, TV, their hobbies – just don’t talk shop.
A couple of days after the con, submit your best work to them, following any submission guidelines, and include a reference to your conversation. If possible, include a web address where they can view further examples of your work online.
Hopefully you’ll get a response, maybe you won’t. But you rest assured that you did all you could to maximise the chance of a positive one.
Good luck
Phil Hampton
The Comic Academy
Phil Hampton founded The Comic Academy to help comic and webcomic creators market their work and achieve success in the comic book industry. Get your FREE exclusive report ‘The 7 Steps to Comic Creator Success’ at http://www.TheComicAcademy.com
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Years ago I did attempt to pitch a comic series while at Comic Con. Most people weren’t willing to look at it or hear the pitch, which I completely understand. But one company did take it, and then months later called me up to talk about it further. We actually had some real interest, but eventually it was rejected. Not long after that the company went out of business. That comic pitch became FLYING GLORY AND THE HOUNDS OF GLORY.
Comic Con is best for networking not pitching. Wish it was, and wish I was better at networking. But it’s a great experience.
Hi Kevin
Thanks for the comment. That’s a good story.
One thing I forgot to mention was that it’s worth taking a self-published comic to comic cons just to ask the opinion of established creators or editors. If you’ve gone to the effort of publishing a comic, even if it’s only 10-12 pages, it at least marks you out as a serious player. Some people have had success handing out copies of a self-published comic to editors, but always be prepared for those copies not to leave the room…
It’s usually best to part with the promise that you will send in your work to them later, outside of the hullabaloo of the comic con.
All the best,
Phil
I was just at the Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle last weekend and I can’t even imagine trying to pitch an idea in that atmosphere. Not only was it loud and insane, but you can easily tell how overwhelmed some of the booth people are. To you, they are just one person behind the table but to them, you’re one of a 1,000 that they’ve seen today.
I’d agree with you that the best way to handle the situation is to make a low key contact and then fallow up on it later when the con is over.
Dustin´s last [type] ..Jonah
I think it’s important for people to remember that most comic-cons are really trade shows. They are an opportunity for the vendors to put their wares before the buyers, and the folks there from those vendors, whether they are doing stage talks, panels, signing autographs, or just hanging in the booth are there to serve that business goal.
I’ve worked a number of trade shows in various industries. They are grueling marathons for the booth reps, where you always need to be smiling, friendly, engaging, and focused on pushing your own product (without looking like you are pushing your product).
In my experience, business connection opportunities in that atmosphere are very likely between booth workers. If you have the resources to get a booth in the con, do it. It establishes you as “real” and in real business. Some shows I’ve looked into actually prohibit you walking the floor with your own book without a booth space.
Booth space can be expensive, especially at a major convention, but it’s a legitimate marketing technique and will mark you out above and beyond the throngs of “wannabes” standing in line at the other tables. You may, in fact, find people coming to pitch YOU.
Hi Larry
Thanks – some great comments and tips there.
Yes, having a booth can establish creators as being an authority figure in their niche, especially if they’re sharing the area with those who have already ‘made it’. And coming across as an authority will help give people confidence in the quality of their work, even if it’s the first time they’ve ever laid eyes on it (‘Authority’ is one of the ‘Six Principles of Influence’, created by Dr. Robert Cialdini).
Kind regards,
Phil
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