I guess the problem is I’m in this mode where I have running dialogues going with dozens of papers, and every week I think, “well, these guys have ALMOST decided, and if I just get one or two more that’ll up my chances…”

And so I wait. Indefinitely.

But you’re right, I need to stop playing for time and submit it.

…soon :)

He’s speaking from years of experience in the business, and so every piece of advice he’s offered you above comes from that perspective.

On the other hand, I can tell you that just over 7-years ago, I was younger (and still in college) and under the mistaken impression that an editor is like a boss. Since then, I’ve gained new experiences, and so, I understand much better now what Wiley is trying to stress regarding syndication being a partnership.

At the same time, you mentioned that you do not like rejection. The truth is, no cartoonist does. But without having the guts to submit your work and receive a form rejection (i.e., a photocopied “no thank you”), you will not allow yourself to grow as a person/cartoonist. Aside from your own mother telling you that your work is terrible, there is nothing more humbling than being told that you’re not ready yet, and/or someone is not interested in your work.

What you do after that will define whether or not you’ll continue in the business. Will you just give up and say, “Oh well, that’s all I’ve got.” … Or will you allow yourself to mature (over a few years, if necessary)??

When I was in university, I had a strip that I was selling (for money) on a regular basis. But when I submitted it to the syndicates, I got a form rejection. I later abandoned this feature for several reasons, but my point is that if you’re in this for the long haul, you’ll work on the bigger picture, as Wiley has advised, AND realize that what you know and are drawing today will not compare to what you’re doing a few years from now …

So long as you stick with it and learn from your mistakes and rejections.

And you’re right, I’m thinking ahead, but unfortunately that’s what I always do. Which is why I chose to get into papers before approaching syndicates – a strategy which I hope will work, but obviously is far from certain.

Anyway, thanks for responses up until now.

But you are putting the cart before the horse is even born yet. You really don’t need to concern yourself with this aspect yet. If you are really interested in doing a syndicated comic strip, you need to work up a package to submit to the syndicates consisting of a minimum of 6 weeks worth of dailies and 4 Sundays. Should you get their attention where they want to take you on, then you deal with the terms of the contract. All contracts are negotiable. You should never just take their boilerplate contract. Once you have signed a contract, you will then begin to work on producing much more material for the launch as well as working with the syndicate on the sales kit. This is when you begin asking questions on just how they work and what you need to do to help them sell the feature.

So first things first. Don’t waste your time with the details yet. You need to create the big picture first.

You see, I’ve been concerned with creating my marketable feature for a few years now. And now I’m concerned with syndication. That said, any inside information you can give me at this point would be extremely valuable.

And yes, Jason, with shiny contracts and everything.

At this point, you need to only concern yourself with creating a marketable daily feature.