What are Graphic Novels?
There is no precise definition of a graphic novel, but the general idea is that graphic novels are a complete comic story. Comics can be like soap operas with new narratives each month, but graphic novels are a complete read.
Currently, graphic novels have the best growth rate in sales with young readers.
Connection to Comics
Why comics have such a bad name attached to them?
Comics have a bad name because they were considered disposable art. The history of comics starts in the Middle Ages when illuminated manuscripts were used extensively since most people were illiterate.
The comic industry started to boom in the 20s and 30s, covering many ideas and topics. However, most comics became G-rated in the 50’s as they were thought to be corrupting the youth.
The general appeal of comics is that any type of story can be told in comic form where pictures show the story as much as the words.
The Future of Graphic Novels
Right now, graphic novels are in the “baby stages” of its development. In the future, graphic novels will be more specialized. Instead of writer/illustrators, writers will write graphic novel stories and illustrators will illustrate as in the same vein as the picture book market.
If you have written a graphic novel, it is important not to look for an illustrator. The publisher will match you. Your job is to write a good story. If you are illustrating, you really must know the story and know where to hit the beats.
Graphic Novel Contract
It is good to know what the standards are in a contract—what rights you keep, what rights you don’t, and what rights are negotiable. It’s best not to go into contract negotiations being difficult. You might end up losing an opportunity.
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