Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror: Story Consultant, Editor, Writer in Comics, Video Games and Fiction
Comic Writer’s Guide
As of June 2022, all online purchasing now goes through the secure store page on my member site, StoryToScript.
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If you purchase the book, coming back to this page and leaving a review at the bottom of the page is always appreciated.
The Working Writer’s Guide to Comics and Graphic Novels is a 90 page, graphic novel sized paperback, filled with supplemental images that showcase the concepts discussed.
The Digital Edition of the The Working Writer’s Guide to Comics and Graphic Novels is a 173 page PDF. The digital edition contains everything in the print book, plus a number of the articles from the website, as well as some new edits and additions.
Here’s reviews. They’re all real. No reviews have been omitted.
I don’t pester people about reviews, heck I don’t even ask anyone anymore.
REVIEWS
“Clear.Concise.Essential. A much-needed, must-have compendium for aspiring comic book writers.” — Dan Berger, Former Managing Editor, Heavy Metal
“This book provides aspiring comic book scripters with all the tools they need to create compelling, dynamic stories with an emphasis on visuals. Clear, concise tutelage, advice and guidance. These are the building blocks, heroes! Follow Nick to produce exciting comic book magic.”– Chuck Dixon, Punisher, Batman, and a few others
“Read this, take a look at what you’ve written and see it with new eyes.” — Jim Shooter
“Buy and read this book, and learn something. I did!.” — Howard Mackie, Ghostrider, Spider-Man, and a few others
“A must read. For anyone looking to refine their skills as a comic writer.” — Martin Chuzz, Owner Convict Comics
“This book was great. Broke down the process in a way thst was easy to understand. I read a lot of books on story and comics to keep my mind fresh on things but also to adapt my process. I wish Nick's was one of the first i read because it was very newbie friendly. I even used his script template on my last draft and it worked well.”
“This book was great. Broke down the process in a way thst was easy to understand. I read a lot of books on story and comics to keep my mind fresh on things but also to adapt my process. I wish Nick's was one of the first i read because it was very newbie friendly. I even used his script template on my last draft and it worked well.”
“Nick gets straight to the point and hits all the bases with this book. Whether you are a professional comic writer or a novice like me, you will find the expert advice and tidbits to help you take your comic to the next level. Highly recommended.”
“I am only a few pages in and I have already learned more from this book than any other source material I have picked up. I have read two books on comics that I hold close very dearly and while those books try their best to help out writers, they are mostly geared toward artists. Which most to the comic book industry is geared toward. So it's nice to find a book that has the writer in mind and concentrates on how the writer can improve his or her craft. Before other writers have asked me for tools or books they can refer too to help them out and I didn't have an answer before, but I have one now!”
“An insightful and practical guide that focuses on the essential aspects of scripting for comics. Recommended to all aspiring and working writers looking to improve their craft.”
“I've been very intimidated as an artist/writer for a long, long time but I've always wanted to partner up with someone and produce a graphic novel. Its definitely oneof those "My whole life!" sort of deals, but, I had no idea where to start and how to, at that. Most books about comics tell you only a few things that arent precisely illuminating. A little on pageflow, a tiddlywink about panel variation-- and that's it. I thought I would have more information to really get it going for myself when I picked up the SCAD book on wrting comic scripts. After, it still left out a big chunk of the picture. I thought I might never get answers to the questions -I- needed so I could make the book I want to and get it done right. So I got Nick's book on a lark for both myself and my writing partner and it's been a bit like the scenes at the end of 2001: a space oddyssey. Mind blowing. Every question I have has been answered and even some I didnt think to ask. Finally, I have the material I need (along with much more on Macari's website to go along with it for free!) to get started on my dream. Anybody who wants to make comics either as a writer or artist should grab this book.”
“Nick is a teacher's teacher. I say this because I've taught elementary and secondary students. Despite my profession, I still take classes and look for any opportunity to further my knowledge in the arts. Nick's approach is so approachable and practical that I felt a sense kinship reverberate through the text. You would definitely do yourself a disservice if you didn't pick up his book. A successful instructional guide should not dole out information but entertain readers and make them feel like they can do it. Nick's book accomplishes this expertly! A+”
“A straight-forward, step by step guide for comic writers; quick to read, but worthy of multiple reviews to refresh your memory. It made the seemingly mysterious "structure" accessible to me and crystallized some vague ideas for me.”
“Eight pages in I KNEW, without a doubt, that this book was well worth the price. Nick Macari writes like a writer for other writers, conversationally, like he's lounging with you post-convention with a cool beverage in hand. The entire book is filled with practical tips, illustrated examples, and the kind of advice that could only come from someone who's been there. Just about every page either revealed mistakes I've made in the two graphic novels I've published thus far, or things I did right, both revelations boosting my confidence and spurring me forward. Thank you.”
“I purchased this via Nick’s site. I am a budding comic writer and editor. This book was a tremendous amount of information and useful for my own writing as well as editor for others scripts. I had some questions Nick had not written into this book such as formatting a double page spread. He replied to my email and explained it clearly so that I could write my script in a clear and professional manner. Great book for any wannabe or existing comic writer.”
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James Creviston
A good book for your graphic novel and comic reference shelf
“No-nonsense, boiled-down book on scripting sequential art stories. Includes specific tips for comics and graphic novels. The best information I picked up was combining scripting and describing the panels in a manner that tells the other half of the story visually. The biggest problems I've seen with graphic novels is the urge to tell the story with words and toss in some images to make it look pretty. I've picked up several books in this genre but I will keep this one on the shelf as a good reference. Recommended.”
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Grey-bearded Reader
the Working Writer’s Guide to Comics and Graphic Novels discusses:
The 10 fundamental rules to comic scripting.
The 4 key elements to every single comic panel.
Script format (my template is available for dl in the writing craft section).
Core writing elements necessary for good script execution (Jeopardy, tension etc.)
The story beat and pacing.
Characters and dialogue.
Things to remember, things to avoid and a Q&A section.
Sample breakdown taking part of a comprehensive outline to comic script.
Visual reference guide of camera angles and shots.
Guide to Comics and Graphic Novels—everything you need to know to take your outline to successful script.
If you buy the book and have any questions on the material presented or on some other aspect of comic writing, drop me a line. I’m very active in supporting the book and answering reader questions.
After all, I write these books to help folks. So, whenever I have a free minute between projects, I’m more than happy to respond to questions, either here on the site in a post or directly in email. I also spend more time than I should on social media (those green buttons somewhere on the right).
SAMPLE PAGES
Want to know exactly what you’re getting in the book? Here’s a sample PDF of a few randomly selected pages from the book.
