LAST UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

Late in 2008 I was curious about which comic companies were still accepting submissions. In an act of pure masochism your friends at Optimum Wound visited the websites of every known comics publisher over the past two months. Back in 2004 Tom Spurgeon over at The Comics Reporter had posted an insanely useful resource page on getting published in comics. It’s still highly recommended reading. It’s been over four years and we wanted to see what had changed. To our surprise we found over 50 places that you could still send your writing and art samples.
We compiled this list from several issues of Diamond Previews and a couple of publisher directories.

A few points of order:
1. Be sure to click through the links and review each set of guidelines thoroughly to see if you should be sending samples there and if you’ve put your package together correctly. Some places accept emailed submissions while others are strictly by mail. I’ve attempted to provide a brief description for each company.

2. Due to the economic downturn some of the publishers below may stop accepting submissions and worse, close their doors for good. We’ll try to stay on top of it. ***Note: Marvel and several others have already stopped accepting open submissions.

3. I probably missed a number of publishers and will be happy to add them to the list if contacted.

4. Although a lot of major book publishers have thrown their hat into the graphic novel publishing game you would require an agent to even get reviewed. And here is an amazing list of Literary Agents Who Represent Graphic Novels.

5. Writers are going to have a tougher go of it as usual. The majority of companies out there are looking for artists but there are still a significant amount of them that will accept writing proposals.

6. I decided to break this down into several categories. The BIG 4 comic publishers, the independents (further broken down into 3 categories: arthouse, genre and misc.), manga publishers, book companies, adult category and finally magazines.

7. DO YOUR RESEARCH before deciding to submit to a publisher. Seek them out in Google, check out comic forums. Are they a reputable publishing house? Would your book or style fit in with their’s.

THE BIG 4 COMIC PUBLISHERS

DARK HORSE still welcomes your submissions, and all submissions will still be reviewed. Dark Horse has one of the most detailed and elaborate submission processes out there. They mean business. You’ll need to download the Submission Agreement and make sure you send in a signed copy along with your other materials. Be sure to read through all of their submission pages as there’s an amazing amount of useful info on there.
Writers will need to send in a synopsis as well as the full script for a short story or the first 8 pages of a full-length series. Artists should send in 5-6 consecutive story pages. Same goes for inkers. Dark Horse will provide sample pages to ink if you send in a large 11″x17″ self-addressed stamped envelope.
Colorists need to send in 5 pages of sequential art. They want to see how you handle different types of storytelling. Letterers can submit at least 5 pages of story to show diversity of balloons and sound effects, as well as font choice. In addition, please show examples of italicized and bold text.

DC COMICS has an annual TALENT SEARCH? They only look at artists and you need to hit up either the New York Comicon or the San Diego Comicon. The DC TALENT SEARCH program is designed to offer aspiring artists the chance to present artwork samples directly to the DC Editors and Art Directors. The process is simple: during your convention visit, drop off photocopied samples of your work. If DC like what they see, a time is scheduled for you the following day to meet a DC editor personally to discuss your portfolio.

Sorry writers – no dice. At this time, DC Comics does not accept unsolicited writing submissions.

IMAGE COMICS only publishes creator-owned material! Only submit original material, not something utilizing existing Image characters. Image Comics accepts only PROPOSALS for new comic series or graphic novels, etc. For writers DO NOT SEND your script or your plot unaccompanied by art — it will be discarded, unread.
They DO ACCEPT inking, pencilling, lettering, or coloring samples. They’ll keep them on file if they’re interested for future consideration and may hook you up with other creators if and when the occasion presents itself. The books Image publishes are creator owned/creator generated properties and they DON’T PAY PAGE RATES. It will be up to you to strike a deal with whomever you end up working with. Image takes 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.
A PROPOSAL should contain A typed, ONE PAGE, synopsis of the ENTIRE series or story arc. Send photocopies of fully INKED and LETTERED pages (any size). AT LEAST five pages that are fully inked and lettered. Color is OPTIONAL. Include a cover mock-up.

MARVEL COMICS is still no longer looking at submissions.

Their original guidelines paraphrased as they were listed in early 2009 : Writers send an inquiry letter, detailing your writing experience and why you would like to write for Marvel. Based on your inquiry, they may ask you to submit a sample of your work.

Artists – If you have a website with your work on display, please send us a link to your website using the Marvel Art Submissions email address. Submit no more than 5 pages of sample artwork. If you submit by mail, send clean 8 1/2″x11″ photocopies of your sample pages.
3 or 4 pages of sequential action, 2 or 3 pages of character-driven storytelling and 1 page of cover art or iconic character poses.

For Inkers: Don’t send samples inked over your own pencils. Send copies of the original pencils along with your inks so they can see what you started with. Use samples done over several different pencilers. For Colorists: Don’t send samples colored over your own line art.

**UPDATE - Marvel has now posted the following on their submissions page:
Due to an unprecedented number of unsolicited art and writing submissions, Marvel has altered its open submissions policy effective immediately. Marvel has remained the only major publisher to continue accepting open submissions, however that practice has been halted as we review our strategies for accepting future submissions.

comic company submission guidelines

Independents Part 1.) Arthouse & Literary Comic Publishers

ADHOUSE BOOKS is a small press outfit and are pretty selective in what they choose to publish. Your work would have to “feel” like an AdHouse book. Only submit finished or near (75%) complete work.

Blank Slate Books (WE CAN STILL BE FRIENDS, SPARKY O’HARE) are always looking for new comics material. They’ll accept submissions by email or standard mail.

BLURRED BOOKS is seeking experimental, alternative and/or underground work by both emerging and established artists operating at the intersection of art and comics for the “online comics” area of its website, for its Blurred Vision series of printed anthologies, and for its annual Blurred Vision group show at the ArtLexis gallery in New York City. Submissions may be anywhere from one page to twenty-eight pages in length, and should not have been previously published (with the exception of self-publishing, which is fine). Submissions may be made via email, via an emailed link to an existing website where the work is displayed, or via photocopied submissions.

DRAWN & QUARTERLY (LOUIS RIEL A COMIC STRIP BIOGRAPHY, OPTIC NERVE), welcomes submissions for various publishing venues. The new talent forum (Drawn & Quarterly Showcase), the regular anthology (Drawn & Quarterly), and a seasonal selection of general graphic novels, comic books, and comic book series. They do not review scripts. They accept email samples and mail in submissions.

Fantagraphics Books (LUBA, LOVE AND ROCKETS, EIGHT BALL, BLACK HOLE, USAGI YOJIMBO) want to see an idea that is fully fleshed-out in your mind, at least, if not on paper. Please submit a minimum of five pages of completed art (high-quality reproductions only, please — no original art!) so that they can get an idea of what you deem a finished. Also include a synopsis of your storyline and, if a serial, a brief note stating approximately how many issues you have in mind.

Gestalt Publishing (#UPDATE: Gesalt is not actively seeking submissions at this time) is an independent publishing house in Australia with an eye for quality in content and production. They are are not actively seeking submissions at this time. HOWEVER if you would still like to send an unsolicited submission for their consideration, be sure to check out the books they’re publishing. If you honestly feel your work is of the same (or better) standard then feel free to submit.

INSOMNIA PRESS (BURKE AND HARE, CANCERTOWN) is a young UK indy publisher and we are currently accepting submissions from writers and artists – independently or as teams. They publish complete graphic novels and art portfolio books and all of their books are creator owned. For most of their books they put creative teams together. Their books are aimed at teen/mature readers and most have an 18+ age rating. With each book they look to publish something which is unusual, literate, challenging and thought provoking.

NBM (LITTLE NOTHINGS, NO PASARAN) is recognized as one the highest quality graphic novel publishing houses in America. We launch 1 to 2 new artists a year. They are interested in most everything from fantasy to humor, including erotica, mystery, general fiction. NO superheroes.
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 .

NEW RELIABLE PRESS (#UPDATE: As of  May 2010 New Reliable is not taking submissions) is a small press publisher based out of Vancouver, Canada. Submissions can be mailed in and they will look at works in progress as long as you send in a minimum of 10 completed pages.

SECRET ACRES is a cool little site that takes submissions and also distributes mini-comics.

TOP SHELF PRODUCTIONS takes on complete projects. Just send them a xerox copy of what you’d like them to look at. Don’t send image files to their email addresses. Also don’t they cannot accept scripts or plot synopses, unless they are accompanied by a minimum of 10-20 completed pages (i.e., fully inked and lettered comic book pages).

Independents Part 2.) Genre and Pop Comic Publishers

Unfortunately, AAM MARKOSIA (RITUAL, STARSHIP TROOPERS), is no longer accepting submissions without an invitation. However…if you are a colorist, letterer, penciler or inker…they have a number of talented creator-owner/writers who are always looking for a artist team to work with. If you don’t mind back end deals, try contacting one of the writers through their forums and maybe you can get together on something that way, which is one of the best ways to get published anyway.

ALTERNA COMICS INC. (JESUS HATES ZOMBIES) would like you to send 5 or more sequentially completed pages as well as a series/issue summary to Peter Simeti, Publisher. You retain 100% of your creative rights. They only acquire publishing rights in order to get your book out there. Creators receive back-end royalty pay for their works (no page rates) and the profit split is 60/40 with 60% going to the creative team.
Alterna Comics publishes black and white books with color covers. Alterna Comics carries all kinds of books and is welcome to every genre; big and small. They promote aggressively online and each creator promotes locally through signings, shows, and conventions. They’re looking for books that are original in story and art.

AMAZE INK/SLAVE LABOR GRAPHICS (JOHNNY THE HOMICIDAL MANIAC, GLOOMCOOKIE) accepts unsolicited submissions by mail and email. They only review projects. They do not accept scripts without artwork, or art samples without a story. If you are only a writer or only an artist, you need to find someone to work with BEFORE submitting your project.

A.N.A. COMICS is continually seeking new talent and projects for their print and online endeavors. They’re always on the lookout for pencilers for their in-house comic book projects. And although we don’t hire as many inkers, colorists, or letterers as they do pencilers, they occasionally hire for those positions. All artistic styles are welcome. A.N.A. Comics books are a varied lot, so they’re not hooked on one style of art. For Pencils and inks you should send in at least 4 pages of sequential art;
AND THE WRITERS? Currently A.N.A. Comics is looking for creators that have Web-comics, or creator owned projects they would like to have help developing and put out under a united banner. That being said, we are not hiring writers who are not already attached to a creative team.

APE ENTERTAINMENT (SCARLET VERONICA. SISTA SAMURAI, WIND RAIDER) is constantly on the lookout for fresh new talents and projects. Ape Entertainment employs freelance talent from all over the world. They are always on the lookout for pencilers for their in-house comic book projects. They occasionally hire inkers and colorists. Ape’s primary interest is in creator-owned properties. We publish a number of properties that come to us from outside sources. They’re in the market for one-shot comics, mini-series, and graphic novels. All genres are considered, from “all-ages” to “mature readers” and all points in-between.
They’re NOT currently hiring writers who haven’t already assembled a creative team of their own.

APPROBATION COMICS (CHAOS CAMPUS SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES) are currently accepting submissions from talented Pencillers, Inkers, Colorists, Painters, and Letterers. Send 3 to 8 pages of sequential art. Submit samples showing your ability in one discipline only. If you’re selling yourself as a penciler don’t send inked and colored pages.

ARCANA STUDIO (GAUZE, GREATEST AMERICAN HERO) will accept FIVE-PAGE SUBMISSIONS FOR A COMICBOOK that you want to find a home for. They do not accept ‘pitches’ or scripts but only completed books that are professional looking.

ASPEN MLT INC (ASPEN SHOWCASE, FATHOM, SOULFIRE) is a small company and have very few openings for artists in the course of a year, but do not be discouraged. Keep submitting. They want to see your work. Send only hard copies (photocopies/print-outs) of your work. Links to websites/virtual portfolios are acceptable as well.
PENCILERS, inkers and colorists: Submit no less than 3 pages of consecutive sequential storytelling.
WRITERS: Aspen Comics does not accept unsolicited writing submissions, synopses, or scripts. Any unsolicited writing submission sent will not be read.

ATLANTIS STUDIOS (CRYSTAL WAR, TALES OF LARA CROFT) primary business is the creation of work-for-hire science fiction, fantasy, and action-adventure sequential art for a variety of clients such as publishers, film makers, video game developers, advertising agencies, and not-for-profit organizations.

AVATAR PRESS INC (CROSSED, ANNA MERCURY, DOKTOR SLEEPLESS, NO HERO, NIGHT O/T LIVING DEAD) is a leading independent company which publishes a wide variety of comic books. Avatar is always looking for talented freelance artists, and often has a range of work in a wide variety of subjects and genres available. If you have a web page or online gallery of your work available, sending Avatar Press editor-in-chief William Christensen a link to that is a good place to start.
WRITERS  – Sorry Avatar is not generally seeking script-only submissions at this time.
Avatar Press is always looking for quality creator-owned projects. Much of what they publish is creator-owned. The ideal submission will include an overview of the story, a detailed plot synopsis, sample script pages, character designs, and sample art pages (panel to panel continuity).

BloodFire Studios is taking writing and art Submissions. Inkers do not ink over your own pencils. Have someone else pencil some pages for you or buy sample pencils from your local comic shop and ink over those. Make sure you include copies of the pencils with your package. Submission can be sent via email but ONLY AS HYPERLINKS.
Writing submissions should be submitted in a script format like a play or movie (novel and short story formats are usually passed over). BloodFire Studios is looking for new colorists.

CAMPFIRE (INVISIBLE MAN, MOBY DICK) began publishing in 2008, under the Campfire imprint, with the vision of creating graphic novels of the finest quality to entertain and educate readers. Graphic novels are published under four categories; Classics, Originals, Mythology and Biography. They have two basic competitions where writers can script a page and artists can illustrate a page.

Catastrophic Comics (The Greatest American Hero) are 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.

COMMITED COMICS (JACKRABBIT, JAVA!) is 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 is 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 (DEATH DEFYING DEVIL, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA CYLON WAR, BOYS, RED SONJA, HIGHLANDER, LONE RANGER)
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.

DMC Comics Lld has been publishing the anthology NEW GROUND on a bi-monthly basis. They take submissions from New Zealanders only.

GEMSTONE PUBLISHING’S (UNCLE SCROOGE, WALT DISNEYS COMICS & STORIES) requirements are character-specific, so confine submissions to material relating to Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, Uncle Scrooge, and their supporting casts.

IDW Publishing will accept submissions from pencilers, inkers, colorists, painters and digital artists. No dice for either writers or letterers.

Pencilers send in a variety of work but especially show that you can handle sequential storytelling. Inkersshould send in samples of at least 5 inked pages with accompanying copies of the penciled pages they were inked from. Colorists send good clean scans or printouts from a good quality printer. Same goes for paintersand digital artists.

Moonface Press (click “About Us”) 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.

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 is 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.

Orang Utan Comics Studio is currently recruiting writers by invitation only. Orang Utan Comics is currently looking for pencillers, inkers and colourists for their various projects, and their Studio.

Papercutz is 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.

REBELLION (2000 AD, 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 4-6 COMIC BOOK PAGES in order, showing the progression of a 2000 AD-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 2000 AD colouring is now done on computer using Adobe Photoshop, except for fully painted art.

RED 5 COMICS (Atomic Robo, Neozoic, Zombies of Mass Destruction) is a new 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.

ROUGH CUT COMICS go to “CONTACT”(Rose Black and Society) accepts inquiries from artists, but be warned they’ll tell you what they think.

SCAR COMICS (Madam Samurai) are 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.

SEPTAGON STUDIOS (Scorn, Masks) are always 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 is 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 is 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.

Time Bomb Comics publish a wide variety of comics from a wide variety of genres – science-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.

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 are 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 is 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.

WARPTON COMICS (MESSIAH, REVENANTS) has been publishing comics since 2000. They accept  proposals from writers and submissions from artists.

WILD WOLF ENTERTAINMENT (click on “Submission Guidelines”) are 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 is 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.

Independents Part 3.) Anthologies, Studios and Related Sites
ASYLUM PRESS (scroll down on the left until reaching “SUBMISSIONS”) IS LOOKING ARTISTS for their annual horror anthology THE ASYLUM OF HORRORS. If you draw in the style of Berni Wrightson, Tim Vigil, Kyle Hotz, Kelly Jones, Mike Mignola or have a dark and moody style please send small jpg samples. See page for specifications. If you have a website of sequential art samples send them the link. Jobs are for two to ten page horror stories that must be penciled, inked and lettered (using a digital comic book font). Completed pages will need to be delivered on disc as 300 dpi PSD (Photoshop) files.

Imperium Comics are 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.

KRAZYBOV COMICS is an 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.

Ronin Studios is 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.

MANGA PUBLISHERS

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.

DEL REY MANGA (#Update – it appears that Del Rey is no longer looking at submissions) (AIR GEAR, ALIVE, FAIRY TAIL, GACHA GACHA NEXT REVOLUTION, PAPILLON, PRINCESS RESURRECTION), are always looking for new creative talent, so they accept and review unsolicited submissions from writers and artists. They will review either proposals for original, manga-style graphic novels or portfolios of artists who are proficient at drawing in the manga style.
If you’re a writer, try to attach an artist to your project. If you’re an artist, send in samples. Del Ray is looking for artists who are capable of executing a book-length, manga-style narrative. Show them some manga pages!
TRANSLATORS: All translation at Del Rey Manga is handled on a freelance, out-of-house basis; They hire both literal translators and adapters, as well as translators who are capable of adapting their own work.

ITCH PUBLISHING is based in the UK, and is focused on the local manga scene. They’re happy to consider submissions from outside the UK though, especially if they’re good. They can’t pay you a lot of money, but they’ll can get you a great looking book.

KITTY PRESS MAKA MAKA says that 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) is 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 is a small Manga company started up in July, 2008. If your’e submitting an artist package, they are looking for 10-20 completed pages both inked and toned.

SEVEN SEAS ENTERTAINMENT LLC is always 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 – NO DICE – For legal reasons, Seven Seas Entertainment will not accept any unsolicited series proposals and/or manuscripts.

TOKYOPOP (*UPDATE – TOKYOPOP is NOT accepting submissions at this time.) is looking for creators who can deliver tight, punchy, well-paced Pilots that entertain and introduce a new property. A Manga Pilot may be the first chapter of a planned graphic novel, or a self-contained side introducing the property. Download the Submissions Release Agreement. All submissions should be sent via mail or courier. They have one of the most elaborate submissions policies so be sure to review all of it.
WORK-FOR-HIRE PENCILLERS, INKERS AND TONERS go HERE. And they also have a helpful page forMECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS GUIDELINES.

VIZ Media’s 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.

INDY DISTRIBUTORS AND MICRO PRESSES

Bodega Distribution (*UPDATE - While they get things in order, they’ve decided to take down the shop for a bit.) is a comics and minicomics distributor. It is run by Randy Chang who used to handle the mailorder for Highwater Books. When Highwater shut down at the end of 2004, Randy decided to take over the remaining stock and create his own comics distro.
Bodega Distribution will accept submissions for minicomics or books for distribution.
They also distribute to retail outlets.

MICROCOSM PUBLISHING (SNAKEPIT) is not so much a publisher but more of a micro-press distributor. Microcosm is a place that may be interested in distributing your mini-comics. But be warned they reject 90-95% of what is submitted to them.

ADULT (18 Years and up) PUBLISHERS

CLASS COMICS INC (RAPTURE) is 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 1 to 2 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 (BARFOOT GEN, SWEET WISHES), specializes in unusual and extraordinary high-quality books in the fields of pop culture; pop surrealism & lowbrow art; comics & graphic novels; erotica; photography; and poetry & 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 (*UPDATE – Submission Guidelines appear temporarily taken down) (FURRLOUGH, GENUS MALE) only accepts proposals from complete creative teams. We 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 our 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 (*UPDATE – SUBMISSIONS ARE CLOSED) seeks to publish yaoi manga graphic novels and art books of the highest caliber. 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 is a book publisher. Write a proposal explaingin 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.

TITAN PUBLISHING 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.

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 is a book publisher that will look at your submissions. They’re looking for maximum 10 page proposals and not complete manuscripts.

MAGAZINES

HEAVY METAL MAGAZINE will 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) is 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.

COMIC AND CARTOON SYNDICATES

CREATOR’S 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 (6) 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 SYNDICATE 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″ x 11″ 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.

and finally Optimum Wound does not accept submission because we’re jerks…and overworked.