Tips on how to become a (Graphic) Novelist? ?

Question

for either a graphic novelist or just a novelist in general.

From what I gather already it is good to

+ have a background in english and/or art. possibly as a major/minor. take some college classes and such.

+ go to seminars

+ practice. practice. practice.

+ gather up a good portfolio.

but I want some advice on how to gather up a network of people. (because I know it's all about who you know nowadays.)

is it highly recommended to become familiar with the japanese culture if you're doing manga/anime? maybe even learn the language?

or any other advice from experiences that you know of?

please and thank you ^_^

Answer 1

If you're focusing just on Manga that's an incredibly small field with a huge number of excellent artists already in it.  VERY hard to break into.

Widen your base, you don't need to limit yourself to one niche market.

But definately learn good written English, check out what's already published to see how others have done the work.  Examine HOW they did it, look at their technique and 'camera angles' and how a story is told without words.  See what the competition is doing as well.  Any good large comic book store is excellent to use to see what's being published.

Get onto some comic illustrator bulletin boards or forums.  CHeck out the forums over at www.drunkduck.com and participate.  Who you know is secondary to what kind of work you can do.  Quality stuff will always rise to the top.  

Look at the independents also,some are online, some do self publishing.  If they're past two issues, they know their stuff.