MANGA SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

MANGA PILOTS WANTED

TOKYOPOP is looking for creators who can deliver tight, punchy, well-paced Pilots that entertain and introduce a new property. The primary task of a Manga Pilot is to captivate its audience with characters, concepts and worlds. A Manga Pilot may be the first chapter of a planned graphic novel, but it doesn’t have to be. A self-contained side story or a short story may be a better way to introduce the property.

We’re happy to hear your proposals – but since you’re submitting an original property to us, don’t forget to download, sign and turn in a copy of the Submissions Release Agreement with your proposal. 

TOKYOPOP Encourages and Values Manga Creators
Thank you for your interest in submitting your manga stories and samples of your work to TOKYOPOP. If you think you have what it takes to be a manga writer or artist, we want to see what you can do! We are open to submissions from teams and individuals who can create an entire graphic novel. We also accept portfolios from individuals who can contribute to a single aspect of manga creation.  Please review the guidelines before sending in samples of your work.

How to Submit
If you submit an original manga idea and not just samples of your pencilling, inking or toning work, be sure to download and include a completed copy of our Submissions Release Agreement or we will not be able to consider your submission. All original submissions should be available for acquisition.

All submissions should be sent via mail or courier. Please submit photocopies or printouts on 8.5'' X 11'' regular paper only. For printouts, we suggest using a high-quality laser printer. Please do not submit originals because your work will not be returned to you. Make sure your manga page samples conform to TOKYOPOP's mechanical specifications.

Mail your materials to:

MANGA SUBMISSIONS DEPT.
TOKYOPOP Inc.
5900 Wilshire Blvd. # 2000
Los Angeles, CA 90036

For e-mail correspondence send to:
mangaka@tokyopop.com, with the subject line PROJECT SUBMISSION

Because we get a ton of submissions, we do not guarantee a response. While we do review all submissions, please do not expect a reply from our editorial department and do not contact us to ask about your submission. If we are interested in your work, we will be in touch. We do not post deal terms, page rates or schedules. These topics will be discussed only if we're interested in working with you.

Proposal Components

Manga Pages
Four to six pages of finished sequential art (inked, toned and lettered) from any part of the story.

Property Synopsis
A one-page synopsis selling the story concept. This should include a two-sentence "log line" summary, and a story arc explaining how the main conflict plays out. Include the eventual conclusion to your story.

Pilot Chapter Synopsis
One to two pages breaking down the action of one 24-36 page Pilot. Keep in mind that the Pilot does not have to be a first chapter of a graphic novel. It also can be a self-contained short story. It should present the essential parts of your story (characters, concepts and world). If your Pilot proposal is accepted, we will work with you to present these 24-36 pages on www.tokyopop.com as part of the Pilot Program.

Character Descriptions
One page giving us some information on the main characters (name, background, role and personality, as well as how they will develop throughout the story arc, what path they will take and why).

Character Designs
One to three pages with finished character designs (inked and toned) of your three most important characters.

Marketing Points
Five or so bullet points about the target audience appeal, competing stories from other manga-ka or in other media and reasons why we should consider publishing this series

Why This Submission Format?
The reason we suggest this format is that it has worked well for us in the past and gives you the best chance for success. Our team can quickly evaluate your idea. It demonstrates to us how well you have thought out your story and characters. Remember, more is not better. Conveying the general idea economically and making it interesting is the real challenge. We've set aside lots of submissions that were too long and detailed and never got the point across. They're just too overwhelming for a busy editor to read.

Don't forget to include a completed and signed Submission Release Agreement. (Our geeky lawyers made us say that again.)


Return to Manga Pilots home

Continue to Manga Pilots FAQ