Hello!
How's it going? I'm making some comics!
We are on our way to creating a fantastic Kickstarter campaign for Don't Push the Red Button. I wanted to talk more in-depth about the results and share some tips for creators when submitting pitches for anthologies based on my experience with this one.
For those out of the loop, from July 4th to August 20th, I opened submissions for an upcoming anthology titled Don't Push the Red Button. I didn't ask for scripts or art, only creative teams and pitches.
In total, we got 127 submissions. I had themes classification; the most repeated was "Drama," with 59 entries. Of those, 14 were what I called Consequences of your Own Actions, which consisted of the protagonist trying to be a smart ass by pushing the button but accidentally getting their loved ones, or themselves, killed. As something that repeated, it made for some expected plot twists. Let's face it: if you develop only two characters during your story, and one kills the other by pushing the button, it's expected. For example, a person killing their partner or a child killing his parent, which leads to my first tip regarding submitting for anthologies!
Think outside the box to make an impact! Even a plot twist can be expected.
When submitting, you will compete against hundreds of other creative teams who we may assume are great at their work. Therefore, you need to be different. Not only do you need to create a great story, but bring something new to the table.
You can always risk it by working to create the best story, which you should, but you can also aim for something different and unique, and you will get that plus. Don't get me wrong, trying a unique angle won't guarantee your acceptance, but it will give you better odds, and you will remain in the organizer's brain as the one who took a chance.
In the context of this project, the usual was a protagonist who got humbled by a dramatic, grim ending, so deviating from that route gave you better odds, even from only a statistical point of view.
I read all submissions and ranked everything while taking notes for the second and third revisions. Having something different will at least guarantee a second look at your pitch. Some stories were not the highest in rank but got into the anthology because of their unique angle, even in recurring themes. Stories that stuck in my mind to the point that some of them didn't make it, but I'm thinking about the creative teams and will aim to work with them in the future. So, your pitch doesn't only matter for this project but will resonate in the mind of the publisher or individuals organizing it. Therefore, it's a chance for people to know your work.
Another category that repeated was Capitalism Critic (12 times). The key to success is twisting an "expected" category. Three stories from this category were finalists:
One was a game show.
One was about a conspiracy.
The other was about the perspective of the people killed by the button.
So it's not just about telling a story where being greedy is terrible but adding to it from an original perspective.
Speaking of game shows, there were many technological stories: four game shows, four apps, four live streaming, two arcade games, and six influencers. So, you can see that these modern themes are also trending right now, and they are not so out of the box as they would’ve been three to five years ago. Still, some great stories came out!
We are living in digital times, and it shows! And I will use this for my second tip…
...which you can read, along with other tips and curiosities, on my Ko-Fi Page for as low as $3, and no need for monthly payments!
On my Ko-fi page, you can also find this FREE 5-page comic book!
Also!!! I’ve got an EXCLUSIVE!!
The pre-campaign is LIVE! Save it, as there will be Early Bird specials. You don’t want to miss this!!!
That’s all for today! See you soon with more information on the campaign, a cover reveal, and MORE COMICS! Stay awesome, and go read something!
I appreciate you giving advice for those of us who's submissions didn't make it. 127 submissions is quite a lot so I have no bad feelings for not making the cut. I look forward to seeing the stories that made it and I will strive to work harder and do better for any future anthologies or opportunities that come my way. Anyways, thank you for taking the time to read my submission and consider it for the anthology.
Great tips! Very excited to see the final anthology.