The illusive "pitch" process in comics isn't all it's cracked up to be. It would be so much easier if it could be some perfect equation that anyone can follow. But it never is. So much is by chance. If your idea first gets to the right people to even be seen and read is the first major hurdle. And then if it's at the right moment when they like or need it being the other factor. Like anything, too much is left to chance. That's for the 99% of us. For the others that are the top guys at any company, all it takes is a chance conversation over lunch at a con or a tweet, and that's usually enough to greenlight it. Ahhh to be king of the mountain.
A project I'm attached to, that was actually talked about and pitched a few years back, is only now going to finally happen. It can be nerve wracking. Sometimes you pitch and hear back immediately (that's always good). It means, they need something NOW! And that's also why it's rare that happens. Someone might be late on an issue or schedules have changed around leaving an opening. And through dumb luck, you contacted them at the time they needed you most. But usually, you can pitch to write for an established title or pitch an entirely new project and it might sit forever. Never get seen. Put into the trash for all you know. The stories of pitches by well known "name" artists and writers that don't even get a once-over consideration, would make for an interesting published book all on its own. You end up seeing and hearing about those online, sometimes posted from those responsible. And after you see what they turned in, it only riles up the fan community wishing the powers that be would've greenlit it. But that's how it is. Taste and timing. You just never know.
By the time people find out the next project I'm on that gets released at the end of this month, they'll probably slap their heads and go "FINALLY!" Just know…we the people working on it, feel the exact same way.
A project I'm attached to, that was actually talked about and pitched a few years back, is only now going to finally happen. It can be nerve wracking. Sometimes you pitch and hear back immediately (that's always good). It means, they need something NOW! And that's also why it's rare that happens. Someone might be late on an issue or schedules have changed around leaving an opening. And through dumb luck, you contacted them at the time they needed you most. But usually, you can pitch to write for an established title or pitch an entirely new project and it might sit forever. Never get seen. Put into the trash for all you know. The stories of pitches by well known "name" artists and writers that don't even get a once-over consideration, would make for an interesting published book all on its own. You end up seeing and hearing about those online, sometimes posted from those responsible. And after you see what they turned in, it only riles up the fan community wishing the powers that be would've greenlit it. But that's how it is. Taste and timing. You just never know.
By the time people find out the next project I'm on that gets released at the end of this month, they'll probably slap their heads and go "FINALLY!" Just know…we the people working on it, feel the exact same way.
This whole thing reminds me of the "I'm Just a Bill" song from Schoolhouse Rock.
ReplyDeleteMan it sounds tough to get your ideas out there. I'm glad you got some luck going your way though.