Britt Siess
Literary Agent
Britt Siess Creative Management
Founder of Britt Siess Creative Management @BrittSiessCM/ Literary Agent/ Graphic Novels/ Bi (give me your queer stories!!)/ Cosplay/ Cake/ 🇲🇽🇩🇪
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now_grace 🇪🇸 🇺🇸 @now_grace
@BrittSiess Since drawing is so time-consuming, I could see it taking multiple years to go from 10 sample pages to a completed work. Do the advances tend to be enough to keep the author housed and fed for that long?the advance depends on the publisher and the book and a myriad of other details. In my experience, the advance takes into consideration how long it takes to make a graphic novel.
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✨ Gray Aleksi ✨ @Alakotila
@BrittSiess Hi Britt!I've heard that summaries or outlines should contain all story beats including the ending, and not just a hook or teaser. I wanted to make sure that's true?
Do you see the adult market picking up? I love YA too, but I would like to write older characters.
I can't speak for others (I know some agents DON'T want the ending) but I prefer all the story beats and the ending. I think it's up to you if the agency site doesn't specify. I think eventually we'll see the Adult market pick up, but I can't say when (if I could, I'd be rich).
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Sal Figueroa @SalWrights
@BrittSiess Hullo, Britt! Thanks a lot for doing this. I’m mainly a writer and kind of worried my drawing skills aren’t up to par. Should I try just going for it, or would you suggest collaborating with an artist?This is ultimately up to you. If you have reservations about your own art, plenty of writers collaborate with artists. And plenty of artists have their own unique styles. Do what feels right!
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🗽EmiLEE in NYCEE🗽 @ree_emily
@BrittSiess Thank you!Another question: should I be writing my pitch in an academic voice? I started writing my pitch like I was writing a paper and I felt like I lost the magic of the story. I switched to a more colloquial style and it flows much better, but I don't want to make a mistake.
I can't speak for other agents and their preferences, but I'd prefer to have the creator's voice (rather than an academic one). I want to get a sense of the story and it's tone.
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elidasaur @elidasaur
@BrittSiess Hi Britt, What's your ideal pitch packet, format...?I'd love to have the full synopsis, character art, and author bio. And of course, sample pages!
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Ann C. Orlandi (Carrie Ann) @Writer_Carrie
@BrittSiess can I ask a followup for YA mswls? :)I'm particularly interested in seeing YA graphic memoirs! I'd really love to see something, maybe historical, exploring a particular moment or intense situation in a creator's life where we feel so drawn in we're part of the experience.
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Nikki @jeveuxharibo
@BrittSiess 1) If you're just the writer, is it better to query a GN once the script is complete?2) Do writers have any say/get to choose the artist for their GN if they have an idea of the art style they want for their story?
1) Can't speak for others, but I'd prefer the full script 2) Yes
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Ann C. Orlandi (Carrie Ann) @Writer_Carrie
@BrittSiess what are some stories or themes that are on your manuscript wishlist for gns? #askagentI would LOVE to see more contemporary MG OGNs in my inbox that explore themes of identity, coming into your own, and dealing with new situations.
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Daniel Sulzberg @Danvillageart
@BrittSiess Hi Britt, Have you ever taken a graphic novel from one of your clients and then set it up as an animated series? Is that something that you consider?BSCM does handle clients books for film and TV rights, yes. Can't say more at this time 😉
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🗽EmiLEE in NYCEE🗽 @ree_emily
@BrittSiess Hello!In OGN pitch packet guides, I often see ppl suggest plot summaries be 1-3 pages. If you're pitching a 2 book series (duology?) should you still fit your summary in 1-3 pages?
This is up to you. I'd go with your gut. I can't speak for others, but I'd want to see a full synopsis for each book.
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🌸🌵Scotty🌵🌸 @ScottyComics
@BrittSiess Hi Britt, Thank you so much for taking the time to do this! I'd like to ask what a good average of Sample pages would be for a pitch? And how important is it to have a story fully scripted as compared to just a rough synopsis and chapter breakdowns?Every agent/agency is different, so I can't speak for others. I'd like to see abut 10 sample pages. A full synopsis is vital for me. A full script isn't.
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momojiji @momojiji_radar
@BrittSiess Are there stories (with style/tone/approach) that better suit what traditional publishing is looking for, compared to online publishing platforms? If so, how do we make the distinction before we query?Hmmm. I'm hesitant to paint with broad brushstrokes here. In my opinion, it depends on the age range for traditional publishing, which I feel is looking for commercial, yet relatable, authentic stories. I'd look at what someone typically reps/pubs to see if your story fits.
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Ashley @TheArtfulAshley
@BrittSiess For someone who doesn't have an agent and has never had a publishing deal before, what are some important things to look out for?I suggest getting an agent to negotiate a publishing deal. I can't list everything to look out for in a tweet, unfortunately. Off the top of my head, reversion of rights, schedule and payout, deliverables, royalties and sub rights.
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Cynna Ael @CynnaAel
@BrittSiess Yes, exactly.No it isn't harder at all. Many people do all the lettering and coloring themselves. Many don't. Just depends on the person.
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Cynna Ael @CynnaAel
@BrittSiess How difficult is it for someone who seems to be a Jill of all trades? Edits, writes, and letters? I know places love to see a script and sequentials, but I'm curious if they also look at those who'd carry most of the work, too?Not sure what you mean by this. Are you asking if it's harder for someone who would also do the coloring and lettering? If so, no it isn't harder.
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Kevin McCloskey @KevinMcWho
@BrittSiess In your experience what is a typical advance for a GN aimed at middle graders, more or less than adult project?I can't give a figure because it depends on the project. In my experience, the children's market is doing better than the adult market. (Though I do hope that publishers start buying more adult graphic novels soon!)
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Sarah A. Macklin is Nano-ing @killianfantasy
@BrittSiess Do graphic novels usually get picked up as stand alones or series?It depends on the project, so I can't answer a "usually." If the creator has a vision for a series, the publisher will take that into consideration.
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Paul Allor Loves You @PaulAllor
@BrittSiess Any advice about finding an agent as a writer who works with various artists? Traditional publishing seems much more focused on folks who both write and illustrate their own work.Having the full script when querying would make (me at least, can't speak for other agents) the most interested.
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tahni marie @queenofgoldfish
@BrittSiess Thank you for doing this !! 😭1. When submitting script for your graphic novel query how much is too much/too little?
2. Should graphic sample pages be polished ?
3. What to look for in a pitch packet for graphic novels?
4. What to expect when submitting a query !
Glad to be doing it! 1) I'd personally like to see at least 3 chapters 2) Yes 3) Should have story outline/synopsis, character art, author bio at the very least 4) Not sure since I've never queried. Sorry!
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Britt Siess @BrittSiess
@AyanniDoesStuff I knew the market really well and spent A LOT of time reading comics in all formats. I was familiar with the production and more technical aspects of comics. I'd say a combo of a discerning eye and an editorial hand.In addition to working in the industry for a while. I had a lot of internships, worked at agencies, was a bookseller, and worked at book pub.