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Comic Book and Graphic Novel Writing

Work in a medium that publishers and studios love

Course is closed.
Comic Book and Graphic Novel Writing

WHEN 4 weeks, November 10 - December 1
Chats Mondays, 9-10 pm ET

WHERE Online. Click here for more information.

LEVEL Intro

PRICE
$350 ($325 for )
more info

Course Details

Spiderman, 300, Sin City, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Oscar-bait like Ghost World, American Splendor, and Persepolis began as comic books or graphic novels. Superstar writers from Deepak Chopra to Stephen King are creating comics, and the paneled world is one of the publishing industry's fastest-growing sectors.

You don't have to be an artist to make the next Batman or Men in Black. But you do have to know how to write comics, attract great artists, get your work published, and make the world notice. This course will show you the entire comics-making process, from devising a proposal and writing word balloons to surviving Comic-Con International and handling Hollywood.

In this class, you will learn:

  • The most popular genres, formats, and styles
  • Techniques and mistakes of visual storytelling
  • How the publishing companies' decision-makers work
  • What publishers do -- and don't -- want
  • The basics of comics contracts and partnerships
  • The power and pain of self-publishing
  • How to market to comics readers and the wider world

By the end of class, you will have:
A plot and script for a short comics story

Admission Requirements:
Please submit a letter of interest (including a brief work history).

The online classroom has several interactive components:

  • Instructors post lectures once a week. You can read them online, print them, or download them at your convenience.
  • Students post completed assignments for feedback and discussion by the instructor and class.
  • Weekly chats allow your class to get together via instant message. Transcripts are available for review if you can't attend.
  • Technical support is available from mediabistro staff.

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Instructor Bio

David Seidman's Courses

Comic Book and Graphic Novel Writing – (Class starts February 2)
Writing Comic Books and Graphic Novels – Los Angeles (Seminar on January 22)

David Seidman
David Seidman is a comics writer, consultant, and publicist. He has written for Simpsons Comics, the nonfiction graphic novel Samuel Morse and the Telegraph, and the photo novel Fantastic 4. He was one of the founders of Disney Comics. As the company's senior editor, he specialized in discovering new talent. He has taught comic book writing at UCLA, marketed comics and graphic novels for Claypool Comics and NBM Publishing, and edited comics for the Los Angeles Times Syndicate. He hosts a monthly networking dinner for Los Angeles' comic book professional community.

David is a writer of nonfiction books and licensed publications (books based on movies and TV). He has also written articles for the Los Angeles Times, the San Francisco Examiner, Publisher's Weekly, and Los Angeles magazine.

Testimonials


If you are really serious about getting into comic book writing, David's course is for you! -- Monica Mueller

"David couldn't have taught a more enjoyable and informative class about comic writing and the comic industry." -- Nancy Carlson

"I recommend David's class not only for writers but for editors as well. He gives plenty of insight on what to look for in good comic writing." -- Shann Dornhecker

"This is a class that every writer should take, regardless of their interest in actually writing a comic book. The practice is incredibly valuable and teaches one to boil their prose down to the bare essentials." -- Alexa Fitzpatrick

"If you want to learn about writing comic books or graphic novels, then you've GOT to take David's course!" -- Bruce Gordon

"David is great. He has a passion to share his craft with others." -- Josh Gloer

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