The
Application
1.
Applicants may submit either a 1500
word story in prose or 12 sample script pages along with their name and contact
information to dcmuadmin@gmail.com.
Applicants MAY use previously submitted
work, but preferably in the superhero genre.
2.
Edit, edit, EDIT. Your sample should be as close to a final product as possible. We will
be looking for correct grammar, proper usage, spelling, and all that good
stuff. Applications rife with typographical errors will be looked upon unfavorably.
3.
Plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated. Misrepresenting
someone else’s work as your own is grounds for immediate dismissal of your
application. This does not extend to parodies, homages, etc.
4.
We’re just trying to gauge your
facility with the language and ability to write engaging plotlines and
characters, so don’t worry about using characters that are already in use. Your sample may be
completely unrelated to the story you want to write for DC/Marvel United.
The Pitch
1.
If the selection committee decides
to bring you aboard as a writer, you will be allowed access to everyone's
reserved lists, highlighting which properties are not available without
request. After conferring with that, you'll present a pitch to the
group, identifying what characters, teams, and objects you want to
work with and showing us your vision for your ongoing or limited series. We’re
looking for originality, depth, investment, and understanding, while still
being grounded in the DC and Marvel experience.
2.
DCMU
writers are limited to 24 reserved
properties for their first book. Reserving a keyword person, place, or
thing from either Marvel or DC Universes entitles you to first and final say on how your reserved property will be
introduced and handled in the DCMU. Therefore, only the most important properties should be reserved. You may use
any other characters from the common pool, including those that have appeared
in other books, as long as their portrayal is consistent with past continuity.
3.
Profanity, sexual acts, and extreme
violence in stories are acceptable as
long as it serves a story function and is NOT gratuitous. This should go
without saying.
4.
Original characters are strongly
discouraged, particularly in lead roles. There is a wealth of characters to
draw from, from both companies. Staffers will assist you with your research
needs, if necessary.
5.
After a pitch is approved, new
writers will enter a probationary period where they will queue up two months
worth of material before debuting on the site. This is to protect against any eventualities
and ensure that new writers can meet deadlines.
In closing,
we're a fine and friendly bunch to work with, and want writers who are fun,
witty, and creative on our staff. The sandbox is large and there's plenty of
room to play, so good luck with your application!