publishingpitchingcreators

Pitch Package Checklist: How to Sell Your Graphic Novel IP to Producers and Agencies

rreadings

2026-01-30

10 min read

Step-by-step checklist and templates to sell your graphic novel IP—loglines, decks, sample pages, rights, and transmedia plans inspired by The Orangery/WME deal.

Hook: Stop sending vague ideas—sell your graphic novel IP like a pro

Too many creators get ghosted because their pitch is fragmented: a great comic but no clear adaptation roadmap, missing rights paperwork, or a weak visual deck. If you want producers or agencies to option your graphic novel IP, they need a focused, studio-ready pitch package that answers two questions in the first minute: "What is this?" and "How can we monetize it across screens and platforms?"

“Transmedia IP Studio the Orangery, Behind Hit Graphic Novel Series ‘Traveling to Mars’ and ‘Sweet Paprika,’ Signs With WME” — Variety, Jan 16, 2026

That headline from early 2026 is your playbook in microcosm: agencies like WME are actively signing focused transmedia studios that present ring-fenced, adaptable IP with clear commercial paths. Use this article as a hands-on checklist and templates kit—shaped by what studios and agencies are buying in 2026—to build a pitch package that producers actually open, read, and option.

Why this matters in 2026: trends shaping pitch success

Industry shifts in late 2025 and early 2026 make a strategic pitch package essential:

Agencies package IP: More agencies (like WME) sign transmedia studios to control supply lines of ready-to-adapt IP.
Transmedia-first buyers: Streamers and networks want expandable worlds—IP that supports film, series, podcast, game, and merchandise.
AI-assisted production: AI tools speed up concept visuals, but buyers still price originality and clear rights ownership higher than AI-only art assets.
Global markets: International co-productions are standard; include localization and multi-territory plans.

The Complete Pitch Package Checklist (At-a-glance)

Start here. This checklist is the spine of your submission to producers or agencies.

Loglines: 1-line high-concept, 25-word, and 100-word versions.
One-page one-sheet: Key art, specs, target audience, comps, contact.
Visual deck (10–15 slides): Mood, characters, world, arcs, comps, transmedia map.
Sample pages: Best 6–12 pages (high-res + web-optimized).
Script excerpt / adaptation treatment: Pilot episode outline or 3-act film beat sheet.
Rights & chain-of-title packet: Contracts, co-creator releases, trademark notices.
Transmedia expansion plan: Priority expansions, budget ranges, audience strategies.
Team bios: Creative resumes and relevant credits.
Contact & next steps: Clear call-to-action and availability.

Step 1 — Nail the Logline(s)

Producers scan. A killer logline opens doors.

Three-layer logline template

One-line (7–12 words): Use when subject lines or lead-ins demand brevity. Template: [Protagonist], a [descriptor], must [goal] before [stakes].
25-word version: Adds setting and obstacle. Template: In [setting], [protagonist] must [goal] when [inciting incident], forcing them to [core conflict] or else [stakes].
100-word pitch: Briefly outline story, tone, major twist, and why it’s commercial now.

Example (inspired tone): One-line — “A botanist fights corporate terraformers to save a rogue orchard that can rewrite memory.” 25-word — “In a near-future Italy, a botanist discovers an orchard that edits memory; pursued by corporations, she must protect its secret or lose human history.”

Step 2 — One-page One-sheet (Your elevator pitch packet)

Design a single PDF that a producer can drop on their desk. It should answer the basic business and creative questions.

One-sheet essentials

Top: Title, logline, tagline, hero image.
Left column: Short synopsis (50–100 words), audience demographics, tone keywords, running time/issue count.
Right column: Comparable titles (2–3), why this IP is timely (market hook), ask (option/purchase), contact.
Footer: Rights you control (global/territory, media, merchandising).

Step 3 — The Visual Deck: Slide-by-slide template

Keep decks tight — producers won’t read a 40-slide stream. Aim for 10–15 slides, visually focused and easy to skim.

Slide structure (recommended)

Cover: Title, one-line logline, arresting image.
Hook: The commercial or emotional promise in one sentence.
Tone & Visual References: 3–5 images/comp titles (films, series, games).
World/Setting: Key rules, stakes, and timelines.
Main characters: 2–4 cards with motivations and arcs.
Story arc: High-level beats (season or film acts).
Sample page visuals: 3–5 spreads or full-page images with captions.
Target audience & comps: Who will watch/buy and why.
Transmedia map: Priority extensions and revenue streams.
Production roadmap: Development stages, attachments, and estimated timeline.
Team & creds: Director/producer/writer bios linked to past successes.
Ask & next steps: Option terms, budget band (if relevant), contact.

Design tips: Use large visuals, legible type, short captions. Create a print-ready PDF and a lighter web PDF for email. Tools: Figma, Canva, Adobe InDesign. Note on AI mockups: Leverage AI mockups for quick moodboards, but disclose AI use and retain original art where possible—buyers value original art and clear rights.

Step 4 — Sample Pages: What to include and how to format

Sample pages sell tone and voice. You should present both story pacing and art quality.

Selection rules

Include the first 6–12 pages. Opening scenes show voice and stakes.
Pick pages that contain a strong twist, character reveal, or visual set-piece.
Add captions explaining any non-linear pages or world-building notes.

Technical specs

High-res master: 300 dpi TIFF or PNG, CMYK for print if requested.
Web preview: RGB, 72–150 dpi, compressed PDF (under 10 MB preferred).
Include a readable script excerpt in plain text for accessibility.

Step 5 — Adaptation Materials: Treatment & Pilot Excerpt

Producers want to see the adaptation potential. Offer a short TV pilot treatment or a 3-act film outline.

What to include

Pilot logline + tagline.
Episode-by-episode map for season 1 (6–10 episodes typical for streaming).
Short pilot scene (5–8 pages) or a 2–3 page beat sheet.
Why this adapts well to screen: tone, visual motifs, and economy of plot.

Step 6 — Transmedia Expansion Plan

Inspired by The Orangery’s transmedia-first strategy, present a prioritized expansion map. Agencies sign studios that can turn IP into a franchise—show how your graphic novel becomes a multi-platform property.

Expansion map template (priority order)

Core adaptation: Limited series/feature film—main adaptation and format rationale.
Audio serial: Serialized podcast or audio drama treatment (low-cost entry).
Interactive/VR experience: Key mechanic and scale (optional for high-concept titles).
Games: Mobile tabletop adaptation, narrative-driven indie game pitch.
Merch & publishing: Art books, special editions, translations.

For each stream include: required budget band, timeline to prototype, audience match, and 3 KPIs (revenue, downloads, viewership). If you plan to build audio-first pilots or monetized micro-podcasts, see best practices for micro-podcasts and membership cohorts when prioritizing low-cost proof points.

Step 7 — Rights, Paperwork & Chain of Title

Nothing kills a deal faster than unclear ownership. Lock this down early.

Essentials to prepare

Signed co-creator agreements and work-for-hire confirmations.
Assignment or option templates (clear term, territories, media).
List of existing licenses (serializations, merch deals, foreign rights).
Copyright registrations (where available) and proof of first publication.
Trademarks, if any, especially for franchise names.

Nothing replaces clean provenance. Study how seemingly small evidence can affect ownership claims—how a clip or log can validate (or wreck) provenance is worth reviewing in your packet: how a parking garage footage clip can make or break provenance.

Hire an entertainment attorney for the final packet. If you’re new to this, a properly worded option agreement template is a worthy investment—producers expect clean transfer of necessary rights.

Step 8 — Packaging the Email and File Delivery

Producers and agents prefer minimal friction. Follow these delivery rules.

Email and file best practices

Subject line formula: Title — One-line logline — [Graphic Novel Pitch Package].
Body: 2–3 short paragraphs: 1) Who you are and why you’re writing, 2) One-line logline + one-sheet attached, 3) Clear CTA (request a 15-minute call or ask if they want the full deck).
Attachments: Attach only the one-sheet and contact card. Host the deck and sample pages on a private link (Dropbox, Google Drive, or an agency-preferred portal). Producers prefer links over big attachments.
File naming: Title_Type_Version_Date (e.g., ORCHARD_ONE-SHEET_v1_2026-01-16.pdf).

When you’re optimizing outreach, remember how personalization and subject line experiments changed after new inbox AI features—review frameworks for email personalization after Inbox AI when you write subject lines and micro-copy.

Step 9 — Outreach Strategy & Follow-up

Persistence beats one-shot blasts. Use a 3-touch cadence.

Initial email with one-sheet and link.
Follow-up in 7–10 days: add a new asset (e.g., a fresh concept sketch or a short podcast pilot pitch).
Final follow-up at 3–4 weeks: concise reminder and invite to a 15-minute call.

Keep messages short, polite, and always offer an easy out. If an agency like WME has been signing studios, reference similar representation cases only if accurate and relevant (e.g., “inspired by recent transmedia signings like The Orangery/WME, Jan 2026”).

Step 10 — Negotiation & Option Terms (Practical defaults)

Understand typical option structures so you don’t get surprised.

Option term: 12–18 months with one optional extension (6–12 months).
Option fee: Low-to-mid hundreds to low thousands for indie authors; higher if packaged by an agency.
Purchase price: Negotiated if project goes forward; include backend participation (producer credit, profit share) if possible.
Reversion: Clear reversion triggers if the buyer fails to meet development milestones.

Always have a lawyer review option/purchase agreements before signing.

Real-world example: Lessons from The Orangery’s WME deal

The Orangery’s early-2026 deal with WME (reported by Variety) shows what agencies are buying: curated IP catalogs with built-in transmedia plans and a team capable of executing. Three lessons to emulate:

Curate multiple IPs: Having several commercially-viable titles increases agency interest.
Present a transmedia roadmap: Don’t just pitch a comic—pitch a world that supports a limited series, audio serial, and merch.
Team and infrastructure: Agencies want to know the studio can manage licensing and co-productions, not just hand over art files.

(Source: Variety, Jan 16, 2026)

Templates & Practical Copy You Can Use Now

Email subject lines

ORCHARD — Memory Orchard — Graphic Novel Pitch Package
Logline: A botanist defends an orchard that edits memory — Graphic Novel + Adaptation

One-line email pitch (50–75 words)

Hello [Name], I’m [Your Name], creator of [Title] (graphic novel). It’s a [tone] story about [protagonist] who [core conflict]. I’ve attached a one-sheet and can send the deck and sample pages on request. Are you open to a 15-minute call next week to discuss adaptation potential? Thanks, [Name] • [Phone] • [Link]

Follow-up email (short)

Hi [Name], Wanted to check if you saw my note about [Title]. I’m happy to send a short pilot treatment or 6 sample pages if that’s useful. Best, [Name]

File checklist & naming conventions (quick reference)

ORCHARD_ONE-SHEET_v1_2026-01-16.pdf (one-sheet)
ORCHARD_VISUAL-DECK_v1_2026-01-16.pdf (deck)
ORCHARD_SAMPLES_1-12_v1_2026-01-16.zip (sample pages)
ORCHARD_PILOT-TREATMENT_v1_2026-01-16.pdf
ORCHARD_RIGHTS_PACKET_v1_2026-01-16.pdf

Advanced Strategies for 2026 (what top creators are doing)

Data-informed comps: Use streaming audience data to justify comps (genre growth, demo insights). For guidance on mapping topic signals and audience data, see keyword mapping in the age of AI answers.
Prototype audio pilots: Low-cost audio pilots convert interest faster; producers listen to packaged ideas.
Localized pitch decks: Create a version emphasizing regional appeal for non-US buyers—crucial for co-productions.
IP ring-fencing: Separate and document IP that can be licensed (e.g., characters, logos) to preserve value in deals.
Creator-friendly contracts: Negotiate reversion clauses and backend participation up front.

Actionable Takeaways (Do these next)

Create three loglines (1-line, 25-word, 100-word) today and put them at the top of your one-sheet.
Assemble 6–12 sample pages and optimize for web (single-page PDF under 10MB).
Build a 10-slide visual deck in Figma or Canva with a clear transmedia slide.
Get a preliminary chain-of-title check from an entertainment attorney before outreach.
Reach out to one targeted producer or agency with a tailored 2-paragraph email and attach only the one-sheet.

Closing: Your next move

The Orangery/WME example shows that agencies want structured, adaptable IP and creators who think beyond single-format publication. A disciplined pitch package—clean loglines, a tight visual deck, sample pages, and a defensible rights packet—moves you from inbox black hole to negotiation table.

Ready to convert your graphic novel into an option-ready pitch? Download our free editable pitch package template (one-sheet + deck + email scripts), or join our monthly creators’ clinic to build a personalized pitch in 4 weeks. Click the link below to get started.

Call to action: Download the Pitch Package Template now or book a 15-minute review session with our editors to refine your deck and loglines.

readings

Contributor

Senior editor and content strategist. Writing about technology, design, and the future of digital media. Follow along for deep dives into the industry's moving parts.