poetry and graphic · writing guide

Graphic Novel & Comics

Tell through sequence, composition, dialogue, silence, and page turns—not illustrated prose alone.

For: Readers seeking visual narrative, performative pacing, character, and immersive sequential storytelling.

Browse every genre

Reader expectations

  • Panel action is drawable
  • Page architecture controls pacing
  • Words and images do different work
  • Scripts identify assets and revisions clearly

Common weak points

  • Overdirecting camera minutiae without purpose
  • Dialogue repeating the image
  • Ignoring lettering and trim constraints

Subgenre shelf

  • Literary
  • Superhero
  • Memoir
  • Manga-influenced
  • Fantasy
  • Nonfiction
  • All-ages

Voice palette

visual · economical · rhythmic

Original style example

PANEL 1 — Empty station platform. A paper crown rolls through frame. PANEL 2 — NIA catches it with her shoe. NIA: You're late.Original illustrative sample: drawable action, visual question, economical dialogue. This demonstrates craft characteristics, not a living author’s voice.

Editable starting structure

  1. 1. Visual contractMove the reader through visual contract with a clear change, question, or discovery.2,200 starting words
  2. 2. Sequence and interruptionMove the reader through sequence and interruption with a clear change, question, or discovery.3,200 starting words
  3. 3. Expand the pageMove the reader through expand the page with a clear change, question, or discovery.3,200 starting words
  4. 4. Silent reversalMove the reader through silent reversal with a clear change, question, or discovery.3,200 starting words
  5. 5. Full-spread consequenceMove the reader through full-spread consequence with a clear change, question, or discovery.3,200 starting words
  6. 6. Closing imageMove the reader through closing image with a clear change, question, or discovery.3,200 starting words

Questions before drafting

  • Can every beat be staged visually?
  • What earns a splash or silent page?
  • Are art, lettering, and creator rights documented?

Publishing and metadata

  • Classify by audience and subject, not format alone
  • Credit all creators
  • Lock trim, color, and bleed requirements early

Confirm current BISAC/Thema codes when publication metadata is finalized; genre language and retailer classifications change.