We get a fair amount of requests for submission guidelines, and more than a few unsolicited submissions. Our standard answer is thanks for your interest, but we’re just not doing that. We’re a group of creators who are publishing ourselves, and that takes up most of our time.
Over the years at cons I’ve seen folks even smaller than we are hang signs saying “We are hiring!” and stare at portfolios while stroking a chin and talking about muscles. I always thought that was a bit dishonest. In the most egregious cases, I have been in a position to know that there is no pay waiting for anyone that might be accepted, and saying that you’re hiring tends to suggest the opposite. It’s just a case of hoping you’ll trip over some genius who will draw your masterpiece. But oh, the things I’ve heard.
Many moons ago at Mid-Ohio Con, Jeremy and I sat next to a fellow who clearly looked at Rob Liefeld’s art and felt there simply weren’t enough broken lines to make it awesome. He sat very purposefully with a mechanical pencil making feather-light strokes on a large board, and every fifth or sixth one he’d frown, set down the pencil and get out one of those electric erasers, a huge one that looked like it was stolen from Flash Gordon. Rn-rn-rn-rn-rn-rn-rn the eraser would go, obliterating the line. Then it would begin again. Many times young folks would come up to his table, eager to show their skills. When, in response to a young man lamenting “Yeah, my art teacher says I need to draw from life”, the fellow behind the table became enraged. He barked “YOU do not need to learn to draw from life. You know who told me that? Todd f*ckin’ McFarlane!!” really loud. The young artist nodded and left, and I had to prevent Jer from killing the guy. When I get emails asking if we’ll look at people’s stuff, I think about this.
There is an urge to steer people from bad advice. There is an urge to print every good book you see. Even with POD, there’s just not enough money to do it. If you agree to look, then say no for no other reason than you can’t pay the guy or gal, then you’re doing them a disservice. That’s why we don’t accept submissions, currently.
We appreciate everyone who takes the time to ask. Sometimes we’re not so appreciative when there’s a 25 meg attachment, but enthusiasm is a good thing. You’ll definitely need it if you want to make comics.
–John