Graphic Novel Making Contest

FAQs

• Who is able participate in the Graphic Novel Making Contest?

  Any amateur comic creator in the age ranges of 0-7, 8-9, 10-12, 13-17, 18+!

  San José Public Library staff members are not eligible to participate.

  San José Public Library reserves the right to refuse submissions that are not appropriate for a general audience.

  This contest is open to all California residents.

  Unfortunately we do not have the resources to host a contest that would allow for entries submitted from outside of California. All eligible participants who want to receive their participation gift and any awarded prize will need to be able to claim their prize from a San José Public Library Location or at the Awards Ceremony location on the day of the Ceremony, in-person. Awarded prizes cannot be mailed. 

  Related Pages: Graphic Novel Making Contest

• What do you mean by 8 pages, single-sided, including a cover page?

  Your entire comic or graphic novel should not be longer than 8 total pages, single-sided.

  If you include a cover page, that page counts towards your 8 pages. Meaning the rest of your comic or graphic novel can be only 7 additional pages. 

  What about a back page? 

  You can also have a back page to your comic or graphic novel as long as it also counts towards the 8-page maximum of your comic or graphic novel. 

  Since the rules say that you can use a maximum of 8 pages, does that mean we can use the front and back? 

  For paper entries submitted in-person, we require single-sided pages so that when we scan your entry on your behalf, images from one side of the paper doesn’t appear on the other. To ensure the quality of your submission, do not use both sides of paper to create your comic or graphic novel. 

  Related Pages: Graphic Novel Making Contest

• Can my graphic novel or comic be less than 8 pages?

  Yes!

  You can use up to 8 pages to tell the story you need to tell. Lots of comics and graphic novels have received high praise from judges at fewer than 8 pages. 

  Related Pages: Graphic Novel Making Contest

• Can I submit a comic that isn’t 8.5”x11” and letter-size and still be eligible for award in my age group?

  No.

  To be eligible, your entry must have the dimensions of an 8.5”x11”, letter-sized page. Your artwork and storytelling do not have to take up the full space, but each page should meet the dimensions listed in the guidelines. 

  Can my submission use A4 or legal-size paper? 

  No, the Guidelines for submission are strict on paper size. Only standard letter-size, 8.5” x 11” paper can be used, with a maximum of 8 pages, single-sided. 

  Related Pages: Graphic Novel Making Contest

• Can my submission be in book format?

  No, submissions should not be bound together except using paper clips or binder clips.

  Please do not fold your comic into a book. We discourage the use of staples or other bindings that will create permanent stress or damage the pages of a physical submission. 

  Do not create a book or booklet to submit your comic or graphic novel. Do not staple any of your pages together if submitting a paper entry. Paper clips are preferred. 

  Related Pages: Graphic Novel Making Contest