Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Personality Goes A Long Way

Retweeting some of my own posts as everyone else seems to be doing it too. :) Edited and expanded a bit here though to clarify and correct my shitty Twitter spelling and grammar...

Talked with a writer today who's been getting some buzz in the indy world & trying to break into the Big Two (Marvel & DC Comics). Thought I'd share a little.

One critical "x-factor" that rarely comes up when talking about breaking in (to comics) but is extremely important is personality.

It's of the utmost importance, especially for writers, that you're able to get along with your editor, mainly, but also with other creators.

Comics is a very collaborative medium. Especially with the Big Two, where we're all playing in a shared universe with numerous characters.

Editors talk to their writers in great detail, often several times a week, and they need to have an instant bond and shared sense of trust.

An editor has to feel comfortable when hiring a writer, no matter how good he or she is, and know they're going to get along....

...both professionally AND personally. Proving you're going to be easy to work with is almost as important as turning in a great pitch.

7 comments:

Anansi(Kedd) said...

Thanks for the advice C.B., but I have a question for you. People say that the best place for aspiring writers/editors to get in touch with established editors is at conventions, but how do we stand out and get their attention in a good way? I had the chance to meet Axel Alonzo at Wondercon this year, but I'm pretty sure I didn'tmake much of an impression and I didn't get a chance to sliphim the mini-comic Imost recently completed. Is there any way I can be sure I don't gaffe on an oppurtunity like that again?

JimmyGlenn711 said...

Hey C.B. all your advice on Twitter and here has been great and really helpful I appreciate it.

JohnP1732 said...

I have 3 page of a script. I know I can't pitch worth anything, but I want to know if the 3 pages I have are up to snuff. Are they clear enough, do they provide enough info to the penciller? Can the editor follow along and not make (too many) red pen marks on each page? And if it does work, would it entertain the reader?

So what's the easiest way to have the 3 pages looked at?

JohnP1732 said...

and of course, I misspell a word or two...

[headdesk]

Anansi(Kedd) said...

Want me to take a look at them John P? I offer the full rage of my limited story editing skills to you :)

manyhats76 said...

That is so true. I try and get a long with my editors and co-workers. I try my 1000000% best to get things right. I hate messing up and I think they know that.

EastEndParanormal said...

Do you think that a working journalist has a leg up because we are at least somewhat proven to know how to write and work with editors?