Making a graphic novel is a truly epic project. It takes a firm commitment. You can break up the planning, writing and revising according to your own schedule. It is possible to make a graphic novel if it is something you truly wish to do. You are responsible to make this dream of yours a reality, and it's time to get started.
Instructions
Planning the Story
1. Brainstorm a bit. Think about what you want to write about and why. Think about what inspires you in the graphic novels, movies and stories that you love. Jot down whatever comes to mind.
2. Decide who you are writing for. Decide if your graphic novel is a message to someone you know, or a statement about something you believe in. It could be both of those, or it could be neither. Even if it is just a good story that you want to tell, think about who might like to read it.
3. Think up a few main characters. Briefly describe their personalities, mannerisms and striking physical characteristics. Think about where they are from and what their relationships are to the other characters. Most importantly, think about their motivations and the roles they play in your story.
4. Write a synopsis. In paragraph form, describe the story from beginning to the end. This part can take some time. Be patient with yourself as you discover your own story.
5. Divide the story into episodes. Find natural breaks in the storyline to break things up. This will make it easier for you to write (and to market, if you decide to).
6. Find an artist to work with. Ideally, find a friend with a style you like. If you are an artist yourself, take on that task in a different way. Make sure to think visually.
7. Have the artist do some sketches for you. Have him draw some of the principal characters and settings. Talk them over and, together, decide on any changes. You can do this all yourself if you've decided to go that route.
8. Write the story, one episode at a time.
Writing an Episode
9. Find a comic book style guide and stick to it. It really doesn't matter what you use, as long as you format your comic clearly and consistently.
10. Double check your synopsis, and make sure you don't need to make any changes.
11. Decide on the number of frames on your first page and their layout. A good rule of thumb is to use six to eight frames per page, but comics can use as few or as many as the writer and artist wants.
12. Describe what the artist should draw in each frame. Put in as many details as you need to tell the artist what you want.
13. Write dialog, sound effects and narrative for each frame of the page.
14. Repeat steps 3, 4 and 5 for the next page until you have finished the episode.
15. Rewrite the script, making sure that everything is perfect.
16. Give it to the artist to draw.
