Graphic Art Submission Guidelines

We welcome submissions of previously unpublished single-panel cartoons, comic strips, and serialized graphic novels, as well as alternative-format works that focus on the visual. We look for excellence in visual artistry as well as in storytelling and characterization. We are interested in traditional forms and innovation alike.

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We accept cartoon portfolio submissions of up to twenty cartoons in a single submission, and we accept graphic story submissions of any length. We accept online submissions only.

Formatting: Your submission must be contained in a single .doc, .rtf, .pdf, .docx, or .txt file. Images should be submitted in low resolution; however, upon acceptance, images must be provided with a resolution of at least 300 dpi, or greater, and as a .tiff or .jpg that can be reproduced at 1,650 pixels wide.

Single-Panel Cartoons and Serial Strips: We look for humor and intelligence.

Longer-Format Strips and Graphic Novels: We look for a range of subjects as broad as the subjects represented by our prose: drama, memoir, realism, tragedy, sophisticated humor. Above all, we look for serious artistry and creativity. We do not publish action comics or works for children.

Alternate-Format, Mixed Media, and Narrative Illustrations: We don’t want to constrain visual storytellers by limiting works to traditional formats. Thanks to the flexibility of online publication, we can publish picture stories and illustrations that would not fit within the confines of a comic strip. If a piece is in an unusual format but still seems right for Narrative, feel free to submit.

Payment: Our rates vary, depending on the length and nature of the work. Payments range from $75 to $200 for single-panel cartoons, from $150 to $350 for short-format comic strips; and from $350 to $3,000 for graphic novels.

Submission Fee: There is a $20 fee for each submission. And with your submission, you’ll receive three months of complimentary access to Narrative Backstage.

Response Time: Narrative accepts submissions in the visual arts year-round. Our response time varies from four to twelve weeks, with the slowest times usually being August/September and December/January.

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Other Submission Categories: In addition to Cartoons and Graphic Art, please review our other Submission Categories for areas that may interest you.