The Pitch

Okay! So you are at the point where you're ready to pitch to publisher or distribution house. They are going to ask you one major question. "What is the 'high concept'?" This means you have to sum up your story by comparing your comic book or graphic novel with a comic book or graphic novel that has made their mark in this industry. If instance, Batman meets Law and Order - "Wind & Fire: The Animated TV Series."

You can also go with the "What If ...?" approach. For example, "What if a serial killer kills according to the stars?" Zodiac. Whatever your project is, you have to make it sound like millions or people are going to watch the show. You have to also make it some like your project will generate tons of money! No studio would like to hear about a project that will be canceled after they spent millions of dollars creating it! They want their money back PLUS interest. It's a business.

People also in this business don't have a lot of time. So your dialog has to be "upbeat and straight to the gut!" You have to throw it at them at full speed. Never drop the momentum of your pitch. If you're not hype about your pitch, then why should they be? You have to set the mood of the pitch. Get them excited about your project. Tell you favorite scene of the book! If you have to act it out, do it! Do whatever you have to do to get the ball rolling.

If you have to be in a room with a publisher or a group of executives, have enough comics or treatments to go around. Pictures and graphs are good to have, but you don't want to clutter up the meeting room. And what if you are the type of person that gets nervous in front of people? Your hands get sweaty. Your throat gets dry, your stomach starts doing summer salts, and you start getting dizzy! Well don't fall out! You use a sheet of paper, an envelope, and a stamp. Or you can e-mail these days ...video e-mail. It's a great way to talk to someone without looking at him.

Your query letter is very simple. It's a one-page letter telling you who you are, what the project is and what you want from them. Remember, they don't have much time to read lengthily letters. And if they like it, they'll ask to see the comic. If you’re pitching just an idea, they'll ask you maybe a treatment. "TIMING IS EVERYTHING!" Your speech, your rhythm, and your high concept must have an energetic beat. Keep them hype and excited about your project and they may let you in the door.

Well that's all the time I have for you right now. But "no worries", hears an assignment for you. You have to write a five-minute pitch on your comic. Below are the points you have to hit.

• Know the Genre you are about to pitch.

• Have an enticing title.

• Give them a High Concept

• Keep your energy up.

• Talk about the main characters and how they connect.

• End the pitch with a bang!

Have your rhythm and pattern sound smoothly. You can’t sound nervous, because that would sound like you’re not sure about your own story. Look them in the eye and KEEP UP THAT ENERGY!