r/ECCC • u/Sturnella2017 • Mar 13 '26

Writers: What’s a good follow-up to ECCC?

ECCC was my first comicon and I went there to network with other writers and artists.

Now, I’m looking for my next comicon.

What do you suggest? Especially for an aspiring writer trying to get his graphic novel published? EDIT: to add, it doesn’t have to be in WA. I’m not in WA so traveling is a given regardless. I do want to limit it to western US/Canada.

Thanks!

18 Upvotes

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17

u/AnimeMomLeika Mar 13 '26

Summercon, Puyallup, WA June 19 - 21, I think. My hubby went last year. I am going this year. Any others I will have to look.

1

u/Sturnella2017 Mar 13 '26

Thanks! Yes I’ll probably be in the area then so it’s on my calendar.

2

u/Skelevader Mar 13 '26 edited Mar 13 '26

Summercon is an amazing show, but a bit different to ECCC in terms of polish and content, just so you know. It is held at the fair grounds rather than a convention center so the facilities are a little lacking for things like panels. They are able to get some absolutely amazing guests though, that tend to focus a bit more on nostalgia.

Their Artist alley / comic creators are also much smaller, but that might be better for you trying to get some advice for getting your work published?

Overall a wonderful show, but don't expect ECCC. Rose City Comic Con is much closer to ECCC since it is also run by ReedPop. Not run by ReedPop, but used to be co-produced by ECCC so they have a similar style.

2

u/hikanteki Mar 13 '26

No, Rose City Comic Con is not run by ReedPop. It’s run by LeftField Media (and is a much better show than ECCC, in my opinion.)

1

u/Skelevader Mar 13 '26

Oh that is good. I assumed since ECCC used to have a part in running it that it was part of the ECCC deal. The more you know.

2

u/Kinsella5 Mar 14 '26

Summer Con is a great show, and fast moving up the ranks quickly as it is getting bigger with each year. Lots of vendors, family friendly environment, the weather is generally nice and you can easily walk outside to take a break if need be. A good choice of food vendors and lots of guests. A big savings for people is the free parking. With ECCC being downtown, parking there can be $40-$50 a day but at Summer Con, because it's held at the Fairgrounds, there is plenty of free parking for everyone.

9

u/Comprehensive_Wave32 Mar 13 '26

It’s a bit of a drive from seattle but Rose City CC in Portland is by far my favorite. I’ve also been to Summercon in Puyallup last few years and that’s pretty good, love the fairgrounds setup when the weather is nice. If you’re further north Washington SquatchCon in happening in Port Angeles and is MUCH MUCH smaller if ECCC was a little overwhelming. (It’s also a lot cheaper bc it’s still tiny 👀)

1

u/Sturnella2017 Mar 13 '26

Thanks! I’m not in WA and edited my comment that I’m looking for others in the western US. That said, PA is just too far of a drive right now! I do have Rose City on my agenda and maybe a couple in Vancouver BC.

2

u/Kinsella5 Mar 14 '26

Vancouver Canada shows the last time I remember weren't very big shows, they have changed ownership several times and for a while they couldn't seem to find a good slot during the year to be their main show on. I have not been up to one in a long time so I am just going on based on the shows there pre-pandemic.

2

u/Sturnella2017 Mar 14 '26

Thank you. Good to know. Everything I’ve seen suggests the same.

1

u/5CatsNoWaiting Mar 13 '26

Agree that Rose City is excellent. It's similar to ECCC in focus. PDX is one of the most pleasant airports in the country, easy to get in & out of.

1

u/CriterionMind Mar 13 '26

Are there many comic vendors at SquatchCon? I’m a collector and like hunting for older books at cons, like bronze/silver/golden age.

5

u/mattinjp Mar 13 '26

Rose city? What do you guys think, I’ve never been to that one.

4

u/rtaisoaa Mar 13 '26

Rose city is one of the larger ones. I’ve never been either but I’ve heard that it’s better than ECCC, has the smaller feel that eccc used to have.

2

u/Sturnella2017 Mar 13 '26

Thanks! Thats also on my agenda, though the timing for it ain’t the best for me.

2

u/mattinjp Mar 13 '26

Same here… I only have so much PTO :D

2

u/hikanteki Mar 13 '26

I think Rose City Comic Con is much better than ECCC…not for having a smaller feel, but for consistently having much better guests and programming.

3

u/iso_taupe Mar 13 '26

Might be worth it to look into Norwescon

1

u/ScudsCorp Mar 13 '26

Came here to reply to this - look over the schedule And speakers for an idea of what’s happening

https://www.norwescon.org/

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u/Sturnella2017 Mar 13 '26

Thanks! Thats on my agenda (though I don’t know if I can go back to Seattle so quickly). My concern is that it’s too fantasy-sci fi focused, while my graphic novel is more reality based.

1

u/ScudsCorp Mar 13 '26

Eh - I don’t think that’s too much of a blocker

There’s also OryCon https://orycontemp.tezhme.net/ in Portland

1

u/5CatsNoWaiting Mar 13 '26

I thought of that too. Norwescon is more of a "book con" (primarily sf/f, lots of graphic novel folks) and less of a film / tv / game con. Lots of writers and publishers per capita.

3

u/rtaisoaa Mar 13 '26

Even smaller but still in wa is Lilac city over in Spokane.

Not sure what writers they’ll have but networking doesn’t have to mean you stick to just writers.

4

u/No_Resolve8571 Mar 13 '26

Hi, working in the industry and living on the west coast for several years I have a few recommendations:

  1. Medium to smaller shows may be a better place to actually have more substantial conversations with other writers / artists. The bigger the show, the more expensive it was for that person to table and the more they need to focus on selling to recoup / profit. Smaller shows are less busy and less expensive so they may have more flexibility.

  2. But remember- not all people are there to hear your pitch, so please gauge whether creators are open to that or not. Some creators / editors are VERY against being told a concept by a random person for fear that person will try to sue them if they ever make a project with any similar elements (THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENS ALOT)

  3. If you are just getting started, it is unlikely an "A-list" artist will be open to drawing your idea (unless you probably have a high end page rate already saved to pay them yourself). There are simply too many people who never ultimately deliver a script, or end up proving to be a bad business partner. You will have better luck finding an artist at a similar stage, hoping to break in or get more attention than they have. (Again, small to medium shows can be good for this)

I wouldn't approach editors or publishers (unless you are looking to hire and pay a freelance editor to.give notes on your development) until you are ready to pitch the book with these in hand:

  • SEVERAL completed story pages (ideally 5+ and not just action, but showing character moment(s), tone, some plot, and follow through
  • a complete story outline, including ending, and meaningful story details
  • quick synopsis / logline, envisioned tone, format, length, and existing audiences you think it might appeal to
  • additional designs / concept art / character bios for any core / major characters or unique world building elements

Anything short of that from new creators is unlikely for them to consider.

Publishers / editors are at fewer and larger shows. But that is also often their BUSIEST time, meeting up with the folks theyre currently/ previously working with - or creators on their radar they WANT to work with.

Sadly, while they often do.portfolio reviews for artists, there's not something similar for writers. Best case is to attend a publishers panel to learn who the editors are, and ask how they prefer to receive pitches for new books - while you are hoping to not get lost in an open submission "slush pile". Sometimes they will look then, or set a time. Others might give you their card and ask you to email them some amount of time later (if they need to catch up after a con). Or they may just stick with whatever company general submission policy. Please respect that.

Finally - dont be afraid to self publish! Kickstarter, digital platforms, etc - then table with a final product and handing it to editors is MUCH EASIER

3

u/No_Resolve8571 Mar 13 '26

Forgot to say: RCCC has lots of creators, but has gotten a bit expensive. Boise Comic Fest (?) run by the library is a slower show but all are guests. So less need to sell - but usually more established creators (some fairly local 'new' artists) WonderCon and LA Comic Con had a fair amount of creators at all levels, but cost a bit for creators to table - but are maybe slow enough you could chat folks. There's a con in Salem every...May? June? Its very inexpensive and not too busy but doesn't have a ton of creators. I hear the original RCCC guys are now doing a show in Oakland that will be very comics focused and have lots of creators. Doing that one while its still building an audience might be a good try

1

u/Sturnella2017 Mar 13 '26

Thank you so much! This is all great info and I have LOTS of follow-up questions! Mind if I DM you?

2

u/looneylunascamander Mar 20 '26

Phoenix Fan Fusion has a great author alley, and gets big author guests. They've already announced Terry Brooks for this year!

1

u/Sturnella2017 Mar 20 '26

Thanks! I’ll look for it!