PROPOSAL AND SCRIPTING
GUIDELINES FOR WRITERSAspiring writers, do you need some guidance on how to format
your script? Download our script format guidelines in
Microsoft Word format or
PDF format.
To submit a written proposal to Dark Horse, the following
material must be included:
1. SIGNED SUBMISSION AGREEMENT
Dark Horse has the highest regard for creators and for the
ownership of original properties, and this agreement should in no
way be misconstrued as license for Dark Horse to appropriate your
creations. This agreement protects Dark Horse from any liabilities
involving coincidental similarities to works-in-progress or other
submissions. It is only required for original stories, scripts,
series proposals, and characters. You do not need to sign it if you
are only sending art samples or previously published script
samples. Story proposals or scripts arriving without a signed
agreement will be destroyed without review. Obtain a copy of the
agreement here. A new agreement must be submitted with each new
idea, proposal, script, etc. and must be signed by all involved
creators and copyright holders. Please note that Dark Horse does
not review unsolicited scripts, story ideas, or proposals
pertaining to properties currently published by Dark Horse or any
property not owned by the submitter. Such material will be
destroyed without review.
View or
download a copy of the Submissions Agreement
2. COMPLETE SYNOPSIS
Succinctly tell the entire story: beginning, middle, and end,
omitting unnecessary details. A short-story synopsis should be no
longer than a page. A synopsis for a series (limited or ongoing) or
graphic novel should be about two to five pages. Indicate issue
breaks where applicable. A synopsis should say exactly what happens
and how, noting plot and character specifics. Do not leave the
resolution of the story in question. This should be the most
straightforward presentation of the story as possible, as the
synopsis is often the make-or-break point for a proposal.
3. FULL SCRIPT
You must include a full script for any short story or single-issue
submission, or the first eight pages of the first issue of any
series, unless you are a published professional, in which case, you
should include samples of previously published work. You can
download our Script Format Guide on which to base your script
format on here. If the work is already completed, story,
art, and lettering, copies of this may be sent instead. When
preparing to send your story, consider the following questions: Are
my characters believable and consistent throughout the script? Is
the plot clear and easy to follow? Is all the necessary
information?including subtext, symbolism, essential background
detail, communicated clearly to the artist? Does the script allow
the pictures to tell the story rather than relying on captions or
other forms of exposition? Does the story work as a comic book,
taking into account the conventions and the language of the
medium?
Notes:
# Do not send scripts or story proposals for any title currently
being published by Dark Horse. Dark Horse's agreements with its
licensors and creators prohibit Dark Horse editors from reading
such submissions. Such submissions will be destroyed unread.
# Please send submissions to:
Submissions
c/o Dark Horse Comics
10956 SE Main Street
MIlwaukie, OR
97222
# We do not publish page rates. If an editor is interested in
working with you, you will work out a financial deal at that
time.
# If a submitted project has an artist collaborator, samples of the
artist's continuity work (not just pin-ups or character
illustrations) must be included.
# We accept proposals for both limited series as well as ongoing
series.
# Do not send samples/proposals via facsimile (fax) or email. All
such submissions will be destroyed without review.
# Do not make telephone follow-ups to check on the status of your
submission. It is now Dark Horse?s policy to respond to submissions
only if an editor wishes to hire the creator.
