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News from this weekend's panels at the big convention:
straight from www.newsarama.com:
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Epic
A good chunk of this panel was a rehash of the information listed on the site, including the “Charlie X” example and submission guidelines. Rather than go over all of that again, this is just clarifications and new items revealed at the panel.
[I have no idea what the 'Charlie X' thing is. -- HunterWolf]
The main thing Marvel is trying to get across was that they are looking for good stories. Many of the questions were about specific concerns with technique, format, and so forth. Marvel didn't seem very concerned with format, per se, as they wanted to see if the person has talent, not if they know the exact process. Follow the examples, but even they vary from one to the next. Essentially, don't sweat the small stuff. Just write.
Narrator captions from the main character were called a bit cliché, in response to "What are you sick of?"
The target audience, roughly, is the 12-25 age range, 60% male and 40% female, but if something doesn't fall in there submit it anyway. The goal is drawing new readers.
Other companies were given a blessing to steal this idea, as Marvel president Bill Jemas commented that ideas are abstracts, ideas can't be copyrighted, and if this helps others find new talent and great stories, it helps everyone out. It is not Marvel's intention to swindle people out of their ideas.
One-shots are okay to submit. If there's more story there, as was the case on one submission, they'll work with the creator to flesh it out.
[Sounds good for your submission, Imp! -- H.W.]
If submitting an arc suggestion, the beat sheet if for the purpose of establishing a game plan, knowing what you're doing with your story. It can be bullet points, an outline, or whatever, as long as it lets them know you have a plan.
It's fine to experiment with styles and techniques in both art and writing. If it's good, it's good. An artist who can vary their style should reflect that in their submission.
40% of the characters are new characters, 60% are established characters, but that number is based on submissions, not approved books.
There is no set number of books planned for the first year. If they get one good story, they publish one book. If they get a hundred, they publish a hundred. The business model allows a greater freedom and lower risk.
It is allowed to submit an ashcan or the like as an example of finished work if desired. If a group submits a book as a team, they may select one member and not the rest. They want the best possible finished product, and a weak link brings down the overall project.
They are looking for professionalism in the art rather than a particular style, since on book will require a different style than another.
Royalties for a trade paperback will be the same as for a standard writer, artist, etc.
If your work is rejected, you may take the story elsewhere.
Even after approval, they may work with you to further develop and improve the work. They aren't looking for a home run right away. one book in development has been through ten drafts. They want the talent and ideas, and people new to the process will likely need some training, work, and improvement.
General submissions under their previously standing policy will still be accepted.
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