The list below builds on those resources and highlights British comics publishers, followed by US and others.
We strongly advise you to check the links posted below and read the current submission guidelines for companies you intend to pitch to. Each and every one has a different way of dealing with unsolicited submissions (some by email, some not) - and some no longer accept them.
Research the publisher. Don't pitch what they don't publish.
UK Publishers
• 2000AD/Rebelllion
(Publishers of 2000AD, Judge Dredd Megazine)
Writers - Send ONE short Future Shock plot outline (no more than a page), along with a full script or published story to show you understand comic book format. Do not send in proposals for new series unless you are an established professional. New writers begin by submitting Future Shocks five-page science-fiction stories with a twist ending.
Artists -send copies of your work. Pencillers should submit 4-6comic book pages in order, showing the progression of a 2000AD-style story through a series of pictures. Don't send pinups and paintings. Inkers should submit photocopies of both your inks and the pencils you have inked, so that we can compare the two. Colourists should submit 4-6 pages of fully coloured comic-art on CD or Zip disk. All 2000AD colouring is now done on computer using Adobe Photoshop, except for fully painted art.
• Blank Slate Books
(Graphic Novel Publishers)
Accept submissions by email or letter for graphic albums.
• DC Thomson
(Publishers of The Beano, Dandy - online only - Commando)
Submission policy varies from title to title. See our 2008 interview with Commando editor Calum Laird for notes on Commando submissions
• Titan Publishing
(Publishers of a wide range of licensed books and magazines)
Titan takes submissions under a number of different categories.
• NON-FICTION ART & COMICS REFERENCE: They are looking for strong proposals for these titles, preferably creator or character-led. They prefer writers who have a proven track record in this area, and good contacts in the art & comics world. They also have a number of licensed publications already contracted.
• COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS: The majority of their graphic novel titles are licensed from overseas publishers or acquired through agents but do publish a growing number of originated graphic novels. You can send initially a brief synopsis and covering letter only, not a full manuscript.
• Markosia
Publishes a wide range of comics - no online submission guidelines but they have a major resence at most UK comic conventions.
• Moonface Press
Moonface Press is an independent publisher of British comics and graphic novels set up in 2002 by writer Andy Winter. It's first three releases were all graphic novels featuring the part-human, part-demon character Devilchild. Aintitcool.com, SFX and Comics International were just three of the places that gave the books terrifically positive reviews.
Takes artist submissions. No Pay. Send some photocopied samples of your work to the address on the 'Contact Us' page, at least two pages of which should be fully-inked sequential comic art pages.
• Orang Utan Comics Studio
Currently recruiting writers by invitation only. Orang Utan Comics is currently looking for pencillers, inkers and colourists for their various projects, and their Studio.
• Print Media
As of May 20123, not accepting submission. Print Media publishes STRIP: The Adventure Comics Magazine
• Scar Comics
(Publishers of Madam Samurai)
Working hard to bring exciting creator owned comics and high quality publications to a readership that demands the best. They are always on the look out for original stories from talented creators, who wish to get their own book published. They pay for the printing and marketing of the book. You provide a completed graphic novel and they can help with design if this is not to your strength. Once the book is published, and the costs incurred by Scar Comics are made back through sales, they split all profits with the creator/s 50/50.
• Time Bomb Comics
Publishers of a wide variety of comics from a wide variety of genres - cience-fiction, thriller, mystery, romance, horror, superhero, adventure - and they want to build up a team of committed writers and artists to help achieve that. Writers send in a fully scripted 5-page story.
Artists send in 5 pages of sequential artwork.
European Publishers
• KrazyBov ComicsAn anthology looking for completed black and white strips of any genre and any length, be it three panels or four hundred pages. The comic has a very international flavour with contributors from Europe, South America and Indonesia. Stories are welcome from every continent but must be in English. Don t be shy, send it in. A downloadable template is available on the submissions page. Completed strips to be delivered by email. The comic is freely distributed in London with adverts to cover the printing costs. Contributors receive a copy of the book.
US Comics Publishers
• Dark HorseSubmissions Guidelines Page:
www.darkhorse.com/Company/Submissions
• DC Comics
Submissions Guidelines Page:
www.dccomics.com/about/?action=submissions
• Image Comics
Submissions Guidelines Page:
www.imagecomics.com/submissions.php
Creator-owned material only. Image does not pay page rates: they take a small, flat fee off the books they publish and the rest goes to that comic book s creative team. How that profit is split up is entirely up to the creators involved.
• Marvel Comics
Not accepting unsolicited submissions
• AdHouse Books
As of August 2012: Not accepting submissions
• Alterna Comics inc.
• Blurred Books
• Drawn & Quarterly
Drawn & Quarterly welcomes submissions for consideration in a number of their publishing venues. They have a new talent forum (Drawn & Quarterly Showcase), their regular anthology (Drawn & Quarterly), and a seasonal selection of general graphic novels, comic books, and comic book series. They do not review scripts.
• Fantagraphics Books
• Gestalt Publishing
As of August 2012: Not accepting submissions
• NBM
• New Reliable Press
As of August 2012: Not accepting submission
• Secret Acres
• Top Shelf Productions
• Amaze Ink/Slave Labor Graphics
• A.N.A. Comics
• APE Entertainment
Their page last updated November 2010: Ape Entertainment is continually seeking new talent and projects for our print and online endeavors. Before submitting to, please read their submissions guidelines thoroughly and prepare your samples accordingly. Ape Entertainment receives dozens of submissions a month from aspiring creators. The easier you make it for them to evaluate your work, the easier it is for them to give your work the attention it deserves.
• Approbation Comics
• Arcana Studios
• Aspen MLT Inc
As of May 2013: Aspen is a small company and our standards are high. They have very few openings for artists in the course of a year, but do not be discouraged. Keep submitting. They look forward to seeing your work. Please send only hard copies (photocopies/print-outs) of your work. Links to websites/virtual portfolios are acceptable as well. No computer or compact disks or other unsolicited media will be accepted. Please include a self-address, stamped business sized envelope or current email address if you wish to receive a reply from us. All materials submitted become the property of Aspen MLT, Inc. and will not be returned.
Always use only recognizable, published, trademarked characters. They would like to see our characters used, but it is not necessary. Never send us original characters or concepts.
• Asylum Press (scroll down on the left until reaching SUBMISSIONS )
As of May 2013: Asylum Press is not looking for artists. If they have any job openings in the future, they will advertise them on the Digital Webbing job forum and on their submissions page.
Asylum Press does not accept any unsolicited story ideas or scripts from writers, and they don't normally hire outside writers for any of their existing properties, most of which are creator-owned.
• Atlantis Studios
• Avatar Press
• BloodFire Studios
• Catastrophic Comics
(The Greatest American Hero)
Always open to great artists, inkers and colorists.
• Cellar Door Publishing
Specializes in the publication of high-quality illustrated literature and graphic novels. They're looking for all genres and age groups. They encourage creators to experiment with format and content, though it is not required. They accept a limited number of submissions for books without illustrations. This is generally reserved for books that are either unique in content or controversial in nature, or literary projects that can be released in a serialized format.
They currently accept unsolicited submissions via online submission form and comic book conventions only and NOT through traditional mail.
• Committed Comics
(Publishers of Jackrabbit, Java!)
An independent comic book company who accept entries from pretty much every category including writers, pencilers, inkers and digital colorists and letterers
• Creator's Edge Press
Continually seeking new independent talent and projects for their print projects. They're always on the lookout for independent artists for our comic book projects. All artistic styles are welcome. CEP's primary interest is in publishing stories from pre-assembled creative teams. They are definitely in the market for one-shot comics, mini-series, graphic novels and web comics. But are not looking to publish an ongoing series at this time. But What about Writers? They are not hiring writers who are not already attached to a creative team.
• D. E./Dynamite Entertainment
(Publishers of Death Defying Devil, Battlestar Galactica, Highlander and more)
WRITERS: send an inquiry letter, detailing your writing experience and why you would like to write for Dynamite Entertainment.
ARTISTS: Please submit no more than 5 pages of sample artwork.
PENCILERS: Just send pencils. Do not send inked, colored or lettered pages.
COLORISTS: Don't send samples colored over your own line art.
PAINTERS: If you are submitting samples of fully-painted (traditionally or digitally painted) cover work, keep in mind that Dynamite Entertainment covers tend toward iconic shots of single characters rather than groups of characters or storytelling elements.
• Dare Comics
Does not accept unsolicited submissions. Always send an introductory email first and we will let you know if we re interested in seeing your work. You can contact Dare at info@darepictures.net
• Dark Elf Designs
Accepts new story submissions on a creator / contract based payment system. Sean new artist submissions via E-Mail and add a link to where they can find your artwork somewhere on the web. Or send hard copies. Dark Elf Designs publishes ONLY creator owned properties and do not hire paid freelancers at this time. They are also willing to look at writing proposals.
• Digital Webbing is a huge community of creators, fans and publishers. This is a link to their collaborations section. And here s the help wanted section.
• Gemstone Publishing
(Publishers of Uncle Scrooge, Walt Disney Comics)
Requirements are character-specific, so confine submissions to material relating to Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, Uncle Scrooge, and their supporting casts.
• IDW Publishing
Accept submissions from pencilers, inkers, colorists, painters and digital artists. No dice for either writers or letterers.
• Imperium Comics
Currently accepting submissions for Trailer Park Of Terror. Writers send in full scripts of 5-8 page self-contained horror stories. Pencillers, Inkers, and Colorists: submit at least 3 pages of sequential art.
• NETCOMICS
(100 PERCENT PERFECT GIRL, ADVENTURES OF YOUNG DET)
Will take work from aspiring creators. If the editors think that your work is at least worth a try, they will publish your work on their web site as online content. If responses from users and reviewers prove to be good, they can publish your work as printed book and have it published in overseas.
• Nifty Comics
Taking submissions. Page rate for finished artwork is $15/page. They pay half of the total art fee once half the artwork has been turned in and the remainder upon delivery of final art. All work is work for hire. Writing proposals should be no longer than five pages. Pencilers, Inkers, Letterers, & Colorists can send photocopies of original illustrations.
• Papercutz
Looking for artists versed in the manga style as well other comics styles good for kids! If you are ready for prime time and to become a star on one of our properties, send us a couple pages either as 72 dpi jpegs or mail hard copies. To a lesser degree they're looking for for inkers, colorists, letterers and scriptwriters.
• Penny-Farthing Press
Accepts writing submissions. Pencillers are to provide 3 to 5 consecutive penciled pages showing your story telling skills and versatility. Inkers can submit at least 3 to 5 samples showing interior page work and any other work that shows your ability. Include copies of the pencils with your samples.
• Red Handed Studios
Publishes a very small number of comics. They ARE looking for talented creators who can meet deadlines and would like the chance to play their characters. They do not accept unsolicited writing (that is plots, scripts, whatever) samples! This means if you're a writer and you want to take a shot at writing for Red Handed Studios, you need more information. They do accept inking, pencilling, lettering, or coloring samples. Send in 4-7 sequential pages to help them decide. If you re an inker, make sure they know that and send in the pencils you inked as well.
• Red 5 Comics
(Atomic Robo, Neozoic, Zombies of Mass Destruction)
Publisher of both in-house and creator-owned comics. They're looking for talented freelance pencillers, inkers, colorists and letterers. Submissions should include at least five (5) pages of your best sequential storytelling art, not just sketches or pin-ups. Initially, they want to see your work online.
• Ronin Studios
Not a publisher but in fact a non-profit independent publishing label. Their regular titles are creator owned and operated. Please include a brief synopsis of the book and sample script, pages and concept art. They also have an anthologies section.
• Rough Cut Comics go to CONTACT
(Rose Black and Society)
Accepts inquiries from artists, but be warned they'll tell you what they think.
• Septagon Studios
(Scorn, Masks)
Looking for quality creator-owned projects from all genres; however, they are not interested in the classic or typical superhero genre at the moment. They strongly recommend having a creative team (writer and artist) already assembled.
• Shadowline Comics
Jim Valentino's division of Image Comics. Don't submit projects that have already been submitted to Image Central. They prefer 3 to 4-issue mini-series. 1-Shots or OGNs will also be considered. They want books that are DIFFERENT from what they are already publishing. Send in 5 fully completed pages, and a cover. Include a one-paragraph synopsis of what your story is about.
• Studio 407
Accepting submissions for original, completed comic or graphic novel projects. They are only considering completed projects. All genres are welcome except. Final artwork must be press quality and able to be printed on standard comic book size/format. You can send your book in .pdf format.
• Transfuzion Publishing
Publishes primarily graphic novels and anthologies. No periodical comics. For the graphic novels, they are looking for collections of previously published material or original graphic novel material. The material must be presented as ready to print . For the anthologies, they are seeking only completed stories. All books are owned by the creators.
• Tumble Creek Press
Looking for pencillers who also ink their own work, penciller/Inker teams and inkers, letterers, and colorists. Sorry writers, no dice
• Ultimate Comics Group
Accepts artist, inking, colorist and cover/pinup submissions. Five or six consecutive story pages is adequate. Colorists need only send in three.
• Visionary Comics
Now only looking for finished books, meaning a complete stand-alone one-shot, graphic novel, or mini-series that is essentially ready for publication. Visionary still will provide editorial guidance on making changes to the book however, we want to see a team effort to get the book done before we will get involved.
• Wild Wold Entertainment (click on 'Submission Guidelines')
Currently accepting submissions for all Comic Book Genres but must be over 40 pages in length. Include a Short Synosis of the overall plot , at least 5 finished pages (both Penciled & Inked ) You will retain ownership of you plot and art submissions.
• Zenescope Entertainment Inc
Currently accepting artwork submissions. Pencilers mail 3-10 COPIED pages of artwork (no originals). Inkers mail 3-10 inked pages (no originals) along with copies of the pencils you have chosen to ink. Colorists mail color copies (no originals) of 3-10 colored pages. These pages should not be lettered. Letterers mail copies (no originals) of 3-5 lettered pages.
Indian Publishers
• Campfire
• Liquid Comics
New Zealand Publishers
• DMC
Comics
Has been publishing the anthology New Ground on a bi-monthly
basis. They take submissions from New Zealanders only. Manga
• Antarctic Press (GOLD DIGGER, LAND OF OZ, NINJA HIGH SCHOOL)
Prefer you to be an artist versed in penciling, inking, and writing. As publishers, they prefer creators who can do it all. If you can't ink your own work, but they like your pencils they'll team you up with an inker but the royalty will now be spread between you and the inker. The same deal applies if you work with a writer. If you can do it all, then it's better for you and for them.
Submit ONE COMPLETE ISSUE (22-30 pages) of rendered (penciled, inked) SEQUENTIAL art. They tend to prefer a MANGA / ANIME style but will review your work regardless.
For writers submit 1- to 4-page typed STORY SYNOPSIS and/or TREATMENTS.
• Kitty Press
People are free to send submissions at anytime. They are not actively taking submissions for inclusion in the Kitty Universe, but may in the near future. They keep all submissions on file in case they start to hire at a later date. Accepting submissions from writers, pencillers, inkers, and colorist, or combinations of these.
• Lime Media
(HAWAII STAR MANGA PROJECT)
Looking for new, original comic/manga stories for publication. They welcome all comic creators, especially Hawaii's artists (and former Hawaii residents) to submit story proposals for consideration. They respect Creator's rights, and use only CREATOR OWNED properties. They are currently accepting proposals for comic projects, illustrated fiction, and non fiction such as convention coverage or manga/comic/game and other product reviews.
• P2 Manga LLC
A small Manga company started up in July, 2008. If you'r e submitting an artist package, they are looking for 10-20 completed pages both inked and toned.
• Seven Seas Entertainment
Looking for talented Manga artists for future projects, so if you are an artist 18 years of age or older send them a link to your portfolio. WRITERS - For legal reasons, Seven Seas Entertainment will not accept any unsolicited series proposals and/or manuscripts.
• VIZ Media
Original Publishing Department welcomes professional pitches for original comics submissions. Don't submit anything based on any of their titles. Only submit high-quality photocopies or discs with digital files Download a Submission Release and mail your work and the signed Submission Release in.
Adult Publishers
18 Years and over• Class Comics
(RAPTURE)
Always looking for quality creator-owned projects. Their goal is to broaden the line of Class Comics titles to include works by other creators. Your project should feature a strong Gay overtone, but does not necessarily have to be adult-rated.
COLORISTS send samples of your work via email and please make certain that the files are at least 1200 Pixels wide by 1800 pixels high at 100 dpi. ARTISTS If you have a web page or online gallery of your work available, sending a link to that is generally a good place to start.
INKERS Class Comics is currently looking for inkers with a smooth style, and with the ability to follow a penciler 's line, while being able to make technical and critical decisions.
• Eurotica/Amerotica
(FIRST TIME, SHADOW & LIGHT, SPIDER GARDEN)
Has the same policies as NBM.
Eurotica is recognized as one the highest quality graphic novel publishing houses in America. They launch one or two new artists a year. They like complete packages and do not match writers with artists. They have no need for illustrations alone including covers. They do need translators from French, Spanish and occasionally Italian and computer letterers
Send a one-page synopsis of your story. For the art, send copies of a few finished pages or pencils for the project or at least of previous work in the same style you plan on using. Don't send a complete finished.
• Last Gasp
(Publishers of Barefoot Gen, Sweet Wishes)
Specializes in unusual and extraordinary high-quality books in the fields of pop culture; pop surrealism and lowbrow art; comics and graphic novels; erotica; photography; and poetry and literary fiction.
Last Gasp does not generally accept or publish unsolicited submissions. However, if you would like to send a proposal, read their guidelines. Writers send a proposal, including outline, introduction, illustrations list, sample captions, and text/sample chapters Artists send duplicates of sample illustrations or photographs.
• Radio Comix (Submission Guidelines not live as of May 2013).
The publishers of Furrlough and Genus male. They only accept proposals from complete creative teams. They do not assign writers to artists, or vice-versa. All stories are fully creator-owned. They don't publish any color comics. Radio Comix publishes anthropomorphic, independent, and adults-only projects in all genres (except superheroes). They prefer creators to submit stories for their anthologies before publishing stand-alone series.
• White Lightning Productions
Will only consider *COMPLETED* artwork for comic or webcomic publication. They do NOT accept sample pencils or uncompleted pages. Blind submissions for comic publication should have the first thirty pages completed for graphic novel publication, the first ten pages completed for webcomic publication, or the entire short story completed for anthology publication.
• YAOI PRESS LLC (Not accepting submissions at this time as of May 2013).
Yaoi Press books are printed from left to right. Most books published by Yaoi Press are designated 'Mature Readers - meaning they must be appropriate for readers aged 16 and older. They seek to publish more Adult Only books in the future and are no longer seeking 'Young Adult ' projects.
They are seeking artists for their Adults Only and Mature Readers art books. Artists In addition to demonstrating solid manga-style sequential art skills, artists must be able to draw beautiful men.
Writers - Queries are open. Please query info(at)yaoipress.com with a short synopsis of your project before submitting a full proposal.
Book Publishers
• Arthur A. Levine Books
Won't accept unsolicited manuscripts for novels but they will look at picture books, the first two chapters of a novel and illustration samples. They look for strong writing, beautiful artwork, authentic emotion, and ideas or perspectives not seen before, and they enjoy working with debut authors and illustrators.
• Sterling Publishing
Write a proposal explaing your idea. Enclose an outline and a sample chapter of the proposed book along with sample illustrations where applicable. For Children s books, please submit full manuscripts. No e-mail submissions.
• VEI Press
Accepts both manuscripts and art samples. If you have a manuscript and/or a set of art that you believe would fit with their portfolio, then contact them. They pledge to back to you quickly with thier decision to either pursue the project or not.
• Verso
Looking for maximum 10 page proposals and not complete manuscripts.
Magazines
• HEAVY METAL MAGAZINEWill look at artwork. The majority of their featured stories are reserved years in advance for established European artists. They are mainly looking for short stories between two to eight pages. They'll look at any Heavy Metal-esque ideas you have, but short stories have the best chance to get in and be placed quicker.
• TWOMORROWS PUBLISHING (Write Now!, Back Issue, Alter Ego, Rough Stuff & The Jack Kirby Collector)
A magazine publisher that could be a really could place for a writer with passion and knowledge of the comic industry to cut their teeth.
If you have an idea for a book you d like TwoMorrows to consider publishing, e-mail publisher John Morrow. They request you send a 1000 word (or less) proposal, including a detailed description and highlights of the project, who you see as the main audience for it, and a breakdown of the chapters of the book.
For details on submitting art and articles for their magazines, contact each of their editors directly for the submission requirements.
US Comic and Cartoon Syndicates
• Creators Syndicate distributes a great variety of continuing features, such as comic strips and panels, columns and political cartoons, and are constantly on the lookout for quality features. If you have a cartoon or comic strip you would like them to consider, they will need to see at least four (4) weeks of samples, but not more than six weeks of dailies and two Sundays. As a general rule, drawings are most easily reproduced if clearly drawn in black ink on white paper, with shading executed in ink wash or Benday® or other dot-transfer.
• King Features is always happy to look at new comic features for possible syndication. Send 24 black and white daily comic strips. It is not necessary to send Sunday comic strips. If they like your daily comics, they will ask to see sample Sunday pages. You should reduce your comics to fit onto standard 8-1/2 3 x 11 3 sheets of paper.
• Tribune Media Services accepts submissions for comics and editorial cartoons however, they accept extremely few and generally only from already established creators.
• United Media are always interested in new comic ideas. They would like to see 18-24 PDF samples of your work, both black-and-white and color, so that they can judge its consistency. Six strips to a page for dailies is ideal. As a syndicated cartoonist, you ll be expected to file electronically, so this is good practice! For all types of submissions please include a short note about yourself and your work.
• Universal Press Syndicate is always looking for great new comic strips. They prefer four to six weeks of samples of a proposed feature so that they can judge the quality and consistency of your work. As long as the material is clear and easy to read, it may be submitted in any form.
• The Washington Post Writers Group accepts comic strip / panel and editorial cartoon submissions. Send at least 24 cartoons. Use letter-sized paper for your submission.
Additional Links
• Literary Agents Who Represent Graphic Novels (US based)
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