Question 1

What do I get for Writing Services?

Accepted Answer

The writer will sit down with you to go through your ideas, notes, character details, etc in order to help find the voice and feel of your story.  The idea is not to take over - this is your project.  You're essentially just borrowing my pen and my time.  You'll receive a written piece in accordance to the signed contract.  This will come properly formatted for a comic book/graphic novel in a PDF file.

Question 2

Types of Writing Credits

Accepted Answer

Depending on the method Jessie Desmond is hired, the writing credits will be as follows, unless otherwise agreed upon:A full writing capacity will list Freelancer as “Written by Jessie Desmond”;A typical ghostwriting capacity will list Freelancer as “Written by [Client Name] with Jessie Desmond”;A co-writing capacity will list Freelancer as “Written by [Client Name] and Jessie Desmond”;A true ghostwriting capacity will require an NDA from Client.  No writing credits will be given to Freelancer.  The Freelancer will not be able to list the work in their portfolio.  The Client holds all writing credits.

Question 3

Do I need a Story Development Package?

Accepted Answer

If your idea is super rough or if you feel that you need help with developing a better story (character arcs, story hooks, more depth to characters, world building, etc), then you might want to have a story development package. This would be something you can use yourself or take to anyone else for use on your project.It includes: Character development, (up to) 12 issues of story outline (roughly a page per issue), pre-pitch documentation, story development, and basic world building.If you would like character designs, I suggest reaching out to Chris Staggs (http://www.staggsart.com)

Question 4

What is Pre-Pitch Documentation?

Accepted Answer

Includes: Logline, long synopsis, short synopsis, genre details, and pitch letter 90% ready.  If the client needs additional inclusions, please let the freelancer know ahead of time and it will be included.  This is aimed to get you one step closer to having a perfect pitch packet.  I keep it at 90% so you can tailor it, add names of artists or colorists or letterers, add your contact details, etc.If you have an idea of the specific things you require for a pitch, like some places ask for an issue by issue synopsis, please ask for it.  I can include it at no extra charge.It is part of the Story Development Package, so if you get that you DO NOT need this as an additional charge.

Question 5

How do I find an artist and/or colorist and/or letterer?

Accepted Answer

For art, you can reach out to whoever you want to, as long as they're open to commissions.  I'm going to recommend Chris Staggs (https://www.staggsart.com), but I can also help you find some other artist options.If you need an artist or colorist or a letterer, you can probably find someone through instagram or linkedin.  Talk to people at comicons too.  The key here is to start networking with people in the industry.  Just ask about their rates and availability.

Question 6

Who is Chris Staggs?

Accepted Answer

I mention Chris Staggs all through my Commission page.  I went to the Joe Kubert School with Chris and he's a fantastic artist with a substantial portfolio and working-artist background.  I work really well with him, which is useful if you're looking for a writer-artist team.Chris Staggs - http://www.staggsart.com

Question 7

Do you pitch the work for me?

Accepted Answer

No.  I don't pitch the work for you.  I can provide you with a list of places to submit pitches to.  I can help you get your pitch ready with the Pre-Pitch Documentation and I can send you a list of places to pitch to.  Writing up inquiry letters and stuff can be a real pain in the ass when you have never done it before.I really want to stress to everyone that some companies do not take unsolicited materials.  They toss out anything that comes their way.  If you're hoping that Marvel or DC or a larger publisher picks up your stuff...sorry.  Pitch your work to a smaller press.  If those larger publishers like your stuff, they might approach YOU.  Make connections because that can help them reach out.

Question 8

I pitched the work and now have a deal with a publisher!  What’s next?

Accepted Answer

The more you check out submission policies with comic book publishers, the faster you're going to realize that they want the pitch team to be on the produced comic book.  I am more than happy to work with you.  We'll discuss this during the contract set up phase.  I can stay on with you up to the first 12 issues.

Updated: 10/24/2026

Jessie Desmond

Commission Work

Process

Frequently asked questions