As the school bell rings, we pick up our bags and run
across fields, towards friends, and into trouble…
What are we chasing with all that teenage fire within us?

Send us your stories now.

We’re looking to publish graphic novels that:

• Are original fiction or non-fiction across any theme or genre
• Are targeted at readers aged 13 – 18
• Are inspired by Southeast Asia
• Are written in the English language (Where integral to the story, the use of non-English languages in dialogue or as sound effects is welcome)
• We also accept original unpublished graphic novels or previously self-published comics, digital or print (Please indicate when it was previously published and through what channels)

Plus!

Aside from potentially getting your story published, creators who submit pitches that wow us may also receive these extra perks:

• A one-on-one editorial feedback session with us
• An invitation to our next industry social event

Submission Requirements

Creators must be:

• Living in Southeast Asia
• Of Asian descent
• Aged 18 and above upon submission

Your fiction submission should contain:

• 50-100 word bios of each creator
• Description of the target readers
• One-page story synopsis including the conclusion
• Character bios
• Rough sketches of characters and settings (Of proposed work)
• Sample comics pages (From prior work)

Your non-fiction submission should contain:

• 50-100 word bios of each creator
• Description of the target readers
• One-page proposal of topic
• One-page explanation of interest in topic, relevant qualifications (including lived experience), and research done or planned
• Rough sketches of art (Of proposed work)
• Sample comics pages (From prior work)

Please do not send us:

• Hard copies of your submission
• Your script without art samples
• Your illustration portfolio without a draft script
• Your full script or finished comic art until we have requested for it
• AI-generated content (Difference Engine reserves the right to request to view working files in cases where a submission is suspected to include AI-generated content) 

Important things to note:

• All pitches will be treated with the utmost confidentiality
• If a pitch is successful, creators will be offered a publishing contract with DE. Creators will retain copyright of their project
• Individual creators should only submit a pitch if you are able to take on both the roles of writer and illustrator (including lettering and colouring)
• Group applicants should apply as a complete creative team that is able to take on all aspects of writing and illustration (including lettering and colouring)
• Difference Engine will not be able to pair writers up with illustrators or vice versa

Please email your submission as a single PDF file (maximum 10MB) to submissions@differenceengine.sg by 6 January 2025, 11.59pm (GMT +8)

Selected applicants will be notified by March 2025.