I get a few people emailing me every year to ask me how to become a comics editor. They seem to think that it’s a line of work that is “fun” or “rewarding” or “cool,” and they want in on the glorious words-and-pictures life. They also seem to think that there’s some secret to getting a comics job that is different from getting any other kind of job. But there’s not. If you want to be a comics editor you:
- Have skills that apply to that line of work, like experience reading comics, good instincts for storytelling, a good grasp on spelling and grammar, experience with graphics software, and the ability not to equate your self-worth with your salary.
- Send your resume to comics publishers.
That’s it.
You definitely don’t write to comics editors and ask for advice, get some, and then never even bother to say “thank you.” Because that shit’s just rude. This also applies if you ask for advice about an MFA program.
For the record, here’s my advice for getting into an MFA program:
- Write well. You get an MFA to write work on writing better.
- Submit an application to an MFA program. Don’t tell the professors on the acceptance committee, “I’ve always wanted to be a writer and this will teach me how” in your statement of purpose. Show them what kind of writer you are and why you will be an asset to the program, not just how the program will help you.
That’s it. I have no further words of wisdom.
