Every year we run a column like this one in the Finish Line. Whether it's a public service or an act of self-defense depends on your point of view, but either way it's clear from the number of submissions we receive that there is a need to get the following information into the hands of the fans.

How to Submit Your Work to Dark Horse

Regardless of whether you want to be a penciller, inker, writer, or towel boy, the first thing you should send us (submissions editor Jamie S. Rich, actually) is a legal-size or larger self-addressed stamped envelope and a letter requesting Dark Horse's submissions guidelines. Be specific about what area(s) you want to work in -- pencillers get different guidelines than inkers, etc. Especially let Jamie know if you have plans to submit a story or series proposal so that he can send you a submission agreement, a release form that tells our lawyers that it's okay for Jamie and other editors to read your story. (Who knew life could be so complicated?) If you want photocopies of pencils to ink, or copies of black and white art to color, be sure to mention it in your letter. Also remember to include adequate postage on your return envelope (postage for 3 ounces should be plenty).

After you receive your guidelines and other materials, simply follow the instructions in preparing your art or proposal to send to Dark Horse. I always advise people to take their time and do their absolute best work. Show your submission to a friend or relative who you can trust to give you honest feedback before you mail anything. Once you're satisfied you're presenting your best, most professional work, photocopy it and send the copies (never send your originals!), along with another self-addressed stamped envelope to Jamie. Don't bother sending multiple packages with copies of the same material to every editor -- it will all end up in Jamie's hands anyway.

Two other pieces of advice: 1) There's really no need to protect your photocopies with fancy padded envelopes, mailing tubes, or multiple layers of cardboard and tape. Really. Don't do it. They're just copies. 2) Don't fax or e-mail your submissions. I'm serious. We'll just throw them away or delete them.

Now comes the hard part. Waiting.

What to do While You're Waiting to Hear Back from Dark Horse

Practice drawing or writing something completely different -- you can't practice too much. Start work on your next batch of samples. Prepare a sample packet or a proposal for another comics company. Discuss your ideas, techniques, and storytelling theories with other aspiring comics professionals. Hang around your local comics shop and tell anybody who'll listen all about your ideas. Read some comics. Read some more comics. Really look at comics and how the writers and artists have told the story. Figure out what works, what doesn't, and why. Now look at your own work with the same critical eye.

Whatever you do, resist the urge to call. Save your money. Jamie will get to your submission as soon as he can, but it will probably be after his work on currently scheduled projects is completed. Besides, it's unlikely that Jamie (or any other editor) will instantly be able to recall or locate your submission from among the hundred or so Dark Horse receives each week.

When you do finally receive a response, don't be too disappointed if it's a form letter telling you that you still require more practice or that your work isn't what we're looking for. Given the volume of submissions we receive, it simply isn't possible to write each person with a critique of their work. If you're looking for a critique, advice, or encouragement, show your work to the trusted friend or relative I mentioned earlier, or track down editors who have specifically set aside time at conventions to do portfolio reviews.

In the meantime, keep practicing. It's the rare person whose work gets accepted on the first try. Good luck!