AboutBob Buethe Expertise Can answer questions about American (and some European and Asian) comic strips, cartoonists, and comic books. Also well-versed on topics related to cartooning techniques, composition, and art supplies.
I don't consider myself an expert on animation, or on the collectibles market (i.e., how much old comic books or cartoon artwork are worth). If asked, I'll try to answer questions in these areas, but you can probably get equally good answers from Wikipedia or Google.
Experience Forty years reading and collecting comic books. Over twenty years as an amateur cartoonist. Extensive library of cartoon- and comic-related reference books.
Expert: Bob Buethe Date: 7/11/2008 Subject: Publishing my comic strip
Question Good Afternoon:
I was wondering if you could guide me in finding an agent for my comic strip. I have received my copyright from the Library of Congress.
I do not know how to go about this so any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Mary Pearson
(618) 616-0618
Answer Hi, Mary --
Congratulations on actually putting your comic strip together! Many, many aspiring strip cartoonists never get past the "idea" stage.
I have never heard of a comic strip being sold through an agent. Cartoonists generally submit their strips to the syndicates directly. There are few enough comic strip syndicates in the world to make that a relatively easy job.
Registering a copyright is an expense that most don't bother to go through until they've actually gotten an offer from a syndicate. Syndicate editors get hundreds of submissions every year. None of them would risk stealing an idea from a newcomer when they've got so many options to pick from.
But if you do get a syndicate interested in your strip, don't sign any contracts until you've hired a lawyer who's familiar with the newspaper field to review it for you.
I strongly recommend you read at least one of the following books:
"Your Career in Comics" by Bill Nordling; several cartoonists, syndicate editors, and newspaper editors discuss the ins and outs of their jobs. This is probably the best book for you at this stage.
"Artist's & Graphic Designer's Market"; an annual directory listing markets and advice for freelance artists. It has a chapter on "Syndicates & Cartoon Features."
"The Cartoonist's Workbook" and/or "Cartoonists' & Illustrators' Trade Secrets," both by Robin Hall. The first one is a light, easy to follow book for beginning cartoonists, with a final chapter on how to submit your work for publication. The second book is a more serious and detailed book with a lot of advice you won't find anywhere else.
