LOOKING FOR A COACH IN COMICS? Personalized Comics Portfolio, Project, and Career Mentoring
If you’ve ever sent me a submission -- as Editor-in-Chief of Top Shelf Productions -- you hopefully received a polite and encouraging response (as I always try to get back to everyone). But it may have been frustrating that I wasn’t able to go into a lot of detail about what the particular strengths of your work were, and what areas I had constructive suggestions. Or, maybe you’ve had an idea for a comic, or written or drawn something, but didn’t know if it was any good or what to do with it.
I occasionally visit Universities to speak and answer questions about the business of comics and to also give one-on-one portfolio/project reviews, but in the age of Zoom, why not do it on a more personal basis? So, a few years ago I set up an after-hours/weekend service to provide personalized advice in the following areas, tailored to your needs:
-- A detailed editorial review of your project... along with answering:-- How to make your submission more attractive to publishers-- What makes comics unique & the key elements of good storytelling-- Self-publishing through social media, press, crowdfunding, & conventions-- How money is made in the business/financial planning-- Publishing contracts and agents-- Hollywood exploitation, management, and contracts-- Careers in comics (creative and business)
Basically, to go into depth on where you are creatively, and to answer any long-standing questions you might have about the industry or what you might do next. Practically speaking, it would start as a one-on-one, one-hour, $199* (PayPal or Venmo) consultation via Zoom (or phone) to potentially aid you in furthering your goals. But trust me, we can cover a lot of ground in an hour. Please note – by signing up for my advice you are acknowledging that (i) the advice that I provide is solely my own as an individual comics enthusiast and not as an employee of Top Shelf Productions or IDW Publishing (“TS/IDW”), (ii) any opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of TS/IDW, (iii) I am not your lawyer, agent or manager, nor would I be if you were to ever present your materials to TS/IDW, and (iv) TS/IDW may have access to and/or may create or may have already created materials and ideas which may be similar or identical to your materials and you would not be entitled to any payment because of the use by TS/IDW of any such similar or identical material.
If you’re interested, hit me up via email (chrisstaros@gmail.com) and we’ll set something up. Let’s get your projects and career moving in the right direction! Your friend thru comics,Chris *25 pages of comics max. It would be $299 for a full graphic novel review (up to 150 pages), or $399 for a full graphic novel script review (up to 15,000 words). If project is larger than this, just contact for a custom price. Prices and availability subject to change based on evaluation of requirements and circumstances.
Basically, to go into depth on where you are creatively, and to answer any long-standing questions you might have about the industry or what you might do next. Practically speaking, it would start as a one-on-one, one-hour, $199* (PayPal or Venmo) consultation via Zoom (or phone) to potentially aid you in furthering your goals. But trust me, we can cover a lot of ground in an hour. Please note – by signing up for my advice you are acknowledging that (i) the advice that I provide is solely my own as an individual comics enthusiast and not as an employee of Top Shelf Productions or IDW Publishing (“TS/IDW”), (ii) any opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of TS/IDW, (iii) I am not your lawyer, agent or manager, nor would I be if you were to ever present your materials to TS/IDW, and (iv) TS/IDW may have access to and/or may create or may have already created materials and ideas which may be similar or identical to your materials and you would not be entitled to any payment because of the use by TS/IDW of any such similar or identical material.
If you’re interested, hit me up via email (chrisstaros@gmail.com) and we’ll set something up. Let’s get your projects and career moving in the right direction! Your friend thru comics,Chris *25 pages of comics max. It would be $299 for a full graphic novel review (up to 150 pages), or $399 for a full graphic novel script review (up to 15,000 words). If project is larger than this, just contact for a custom price. Prices and availability subject to change based on evaluation of requirements and circumstances.
NOW BOOKING JAN & FEB! * 444 SESSIONS COMPLETED TO DATE! * HERE'S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
“Thanks so much for your invaluable advice! Your suggestions have really opened my eyes to what the story needs and has given me a clear direction for the next pass, which I can't wait to get going on. As we say in Dublin, ‘You're a legend!’” — Robert Cullen
“I wanted to say thank you for our mentoring session last week. Lots of food for thought, and I appreciate your insight and honesty. I am excited about a new direction for the story that may address the concerns we discussed. I hope our paths cross again later down the road!” — Dawn Brown
“Thank you so much for the incredibly helpful and validating conversation today. I really appreciate how you took the time to read my book and give me notes on how to improve it. I had high expectations going into the meeting, and you exceeded all of them. Thanks again.” — Sarah Morton Taggart
“I just wanted to send a quick email and let you know that I enjoyed our call the other day. It was lovely to meet you and the time and energy you poured into reviewing my pitch, giving advice, and more, meant a lot to me! I already started making the changes you recommended.” — Arin Bray
"Thanks again for last night! All your ideas, notes, and suggestions were very helpful. It was really cool to talk about my script with someone who read it and got into the intricacies of the story. That kind of mentoring is truly priceless especially for writers like me who are just starting out. Appreciate your time!" -- Kari Cureton
"I have been so lucky to have your time and insights about Evil Eye. Thanks for reading everything carefully, giving thoughtful feedback and motivation. I hope I find clever ways to incorporate your suggestions." -- Ozge Samanci
"Just wanted to give you a shout and tell you I finished my graphic novel and my hard copies arrived yesterday! I'm really excited about how it turned out. I know we only met once for an hour, but that time really made a huge impact on my story and my outlook on storytelling." -- Jared Throne
"Just wanted to say thanks so much for our consultation yesterday. I am always amazed at how much very helpful knowledge you manage to impart in an hour!" -- Laura Waddington
“Just wanted to say thank you again for looking at my work and your advice. I’ll definitely go through things again and see how I can improve this and any future books. Definitely good to hear I’m on the right track, I can definitely see the things we talked about today helping me with future projects.” -- Keith Noordzy
“Alyssa and I would like to thank you for taking the time to review our project. We really appreciate the time and effort you put into looking over the pitch and providing feedback. Your pointers and advice were insightful and will help us improve and move one step closer to getting this book published. You also gave us both a much needed confidence boost, too! We will keep in touch, and will gladly schedule more review sessions later down the road. Again, thank you very much for your time and patience.” -- Lorelei Shannon and Alyssa Delehoy
"If you’re looking to acquire in-depth analysis of your work by a professional editor who has years of industry experience, I highly recommend booking Chris and his one-on-one mentoring sessions. He provided valuable insight into my work and helped me understand areas that could be improved. I came away feeling inspired, motivated and with a new sense of direction. Book him now, you’ll be glad you did." -- Michael P. Glover
"I just wanted to send a quick email to thank you for meeting with me this evening. I always get nervous and a little embarrassed when I talk about myself and ideas, you made me feel very at ease and comfortable. You gave a lot of good advice that I’m eager to put into practice. I really hope that we can continue to have conversations in the future." -- Sally Scott
"I just wanted to say thank you again for your critique. It was so valuable. I have been reading over my notes all day and thinking about the project in a new way. I’m having fun doing the project although it had ground to a halt. Given my inexperience, I really needed a fresh eye. There were a few things I think I was afraid to dive into, like character development and dialogue, and you gave me a nudge with that. You have also helped me cut out unnecessary elements and focus on expanding other parts. I would love to book another critique in due course when I have made some more progress, if you have the time. And patience!" -- Rachel Coad
“Wow. @chrisstaros is the hardest working man in comics! He also has fine creative and business acumen and great taste as shown in the wealth of graphic novels he produced as founding publisher of Top Shelf. Plus he's a lot of fun to be around. You'll learn a lot from him!” -- Karen Berger
"Thanks again for the coaching session -- it was just what I needed. I now know what's lacking in my projects and what to focus on, it was a really positive experience." -- Pete Taylor
"Lindsay and I want to thank you again for our session a couple of weeks ago. We really got a lot out of it and it has been so helpful as we've continued developing our project!" -- Jenny Ziomek
"Chris, thank you for such a wonderful mentorship session! It comes with no surprise that your many years of experience have proven extremely valuable as a reliable coach and mentor. Your suggestions and advice were both helpful and motivating, a huge asset to my professional development as a writer in this industry. Looking forward to continuing the discussion in our future sessions together." -- Dan Silveira
“Thank you for taking the time to review my work and share your feedback with me. I found your insights about my comics valuable and constructive. I'm looking forward to getting back to work and implementing the changes we discussed. If you have some sessions open in the fall I would like to book one to have you look at some new stories. Thanks again for your time and help!” -- Hugh Crawford
"I went into my session with Chris insecure about how I was doing and not very happy with how my career was going. Chris was able to point out the things that I was doing right, and where I could improve. I left my session with him much more confident in my position in the publishing world, and with a plan of attack for the future. I would recommend a session with him no matter where you are in your comics career, even if it's just to get a second set of eyes from a respected expert in the field." -- Russell Nohelty
“Thank you for your time, Chris. That was definitely the most fulfilling Zoom conversation that I’ve had in over a year! I truly appreciated the feedback & advice, and have already begun implementing the story changes we discussed. I’ll reach back out in a month or so to look into scheduling another session.” -- Joe Khachadourian
"Thanks again for taking the time to meet with me. Besides gaining a better understanding of the comic book publishing world, I enjoyed getting to know you as a person. You have a wealth of knowledge that's truly invaluable and you're passionate about what you do. It inspired me even more to continue my pursuit of bringing my story to life and finally completed this series." -- Eli Thomas
"I wanted to thank you for your great feedback and encouraging words. I really needed that push for the last bit of story development. Thank you!" -- Betje Ton
"I just wanted to take a quick moment to thank you for your time and advice yesterday. It is difficult to get honest feedback on comic book work and especially from someone that knows what they are talking about. I soaked up everything we discussed yesterday and am already working to apply it to my work." -- Jaired Messing
"I really appreciate you taking the time to go through my work and provide me with some actionable next steps. Your x-ray vision of my work was really helpful and insightful!" -- Chris Naish
“I heartily endorse this product! Chris spent the better part of 2 hours with me, giving me concrete next steps for my comic and career. It’s well worth the money!” -- Marvelous Patric
"I just wanted to say thank you again for our talk on Saturday. It was extremely helpful, encouraging, and helped me feel like my dream since I was four years old is not crazy and I can do it. I'm working on making layouts for my graphic novel right now and when I'm done I would love to schedule some time to talk with you about it." -- John Mungiello
"Thank you again for our consultation last evening. Your thoughts and advice were encouraging, and I learned quite a lot more about the industry." -- Eric Sailer "Thanks so much for all of your input. Your critique was very helpful to me, as was your encouragement. I look forward to speaking to you soon, and I'm working on the [revised] thumbnails now." -- Joseph Cotsirilos
“Looking to break into comics or to improve as a writer or artist? Chris Staros was instrumental in my development as a creator and now he is offering a great program to up and coming creators. Highly recommended!” – Jeff Lemire
“If there's one guy who knows this industry inside and out - it's Chris!” -- Matt Kindt
“What a fantastic idea! From someone whose sense of humor, intelligence, perception, and background in the business is solid gold… I’d send people to you in a heartbeat.” -- Jennifer Hayden
“Check this out! My brilliant editor, Chris Staros, is available to mentor aspiring comic book authors and illustrators. I've benefitted so greatly from his guidance. I highly, highly recommend.” -- Kimberly Dwinell
“Want to make comics? Learn from the person who gave me my first job in the industry and published my first book. Chris knows the business, he knows editing, and he knows story.” -- Robert Venditti
“I cannot sing the praises of @chrisstaros enough in his help to me over the years. Now you too get to mainline his knowledge...” -- Julian Hanshaw
“As someone who's benefitted enormously from Chris' advice over the past 25 years, I can honestly say there is no one better placed to provide mentoring for your comics career. You'd be daft not to!” -- Gary Spencer Millidge
“My friend & publisher Chris Staros is an excellent mentor. He was invaluable guiding my career in the early days, and I still turn to him for advice often.” -- James Kochalka
“This is amazing! If you’re an aspiring comic book artist, check this out! Chris is one of the best minds in the business. As well as being a wonderful human being!” -- Shawn Crystal
“Hey, if you’re looking to break into comics, or if you just want to up your game, Staros is one of the best people in comics, and is a publishing MACHINE — hit him up, what a great idea, Chris. Put me in, Coach!” -- Dirk Wood
“This is a such a great idea. You're like the Jedi master of comics!” -- Paige Braddock "Chris Staros is braver than I am; a hundred dollars for a one hour Zoom call and $249 to read an OGN script and give notes to anybody who would PayPal you? I wouldn't do that for five times the money, and Chris is obviously some kind of an angel." -- Larry Young
“Chris has helped me with all my books! Happy to plug.” -- Chris Gooch
“When I started writing comics, one of my earliest mentors was @chrisstaros of @topshelfcomix. He provided advice, contacts, and critiques. Now, he's sharing his experience and understanding. Check out his new site if you needs a starting point.” -- Kurt A.
“Chris does some great stuff as EIC at @topshelfcomix; you’d do well to avail yourself of his wisdom.” -- Ron Hogan
“Very cool service being offered here from a guy who knows what’s what. The price is a steal, honestly.” -- Jason Green
“I can't think of someone more qualified!” -- Chuck Suffel
“Artists looking to break into the comics space can learn a lot from Chris who's one of the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic pros in the biz...” –- Mighty Joe Nolan
“You could do a lot worse than this font of long-time comic industry knowledge if you're looking for guidance or feedback.” -- Johanna Draper Carlson
“Hey! Chris Staros is dishing out wisdom! Chris knows his stuff and this looks like an excellent chance to get some individual advice.” -- Dan Berry
“Chris knows his stuff.” -- Alan J. Porter
“I personally can't think of a better person to learn from than Chris. I definitely will check this out.” -- William Lange
“You could do a lot worse in terms of mentors! Good luck Chris!” -- Box Brown
“Wow! What a great idea and opportunity for aspiring comic book creators!” -- Sally-Anne Hickman
“Love it. Well done.” -- Dave Cooper
“What kind of fool WOULDN'T sign up for this!???” -- Chris Duffy
“I compliment your work. This complements it.” -- Richard Pachter
“Excellent idea.” -- William Schanes
“I can't think of a better person to host something like this!” -- Jim Valentino
“Amazing! Good luck with it all, Chris. You’re gonna rock it.” -- Jimmy Aquino
“A more perfect mentor I could not imagine!” -- Steve Rotterdam
“My publisher US provides support and coaching service for BD project presentation. Chris knows how to do it! Also, he's super sweet! If you're looking for this kind of help presenting a file to an American publisher, don't hesitate!” -- Axelle Lenoir
“Chris is one of the nicest and smartest people in comics and has been several times around the block. Sign up!” -- Richard Starkings “You cannot go wrong with Chris...” -- Shane Chebsey
"Thank you again for our consultation last evening. Your thoughts and advice were encouraging, and I learned quite a lot more about the industry." -- Eric Sailer "Thanks so much for all of your input. Your critique was very helpful to me, as was your encouragement. I look forward to speaking to you soon, and I'm working on the [revised] thumbnails now." -- Joseph Cotsirilos
“Looking to break into comics or to improve as a writer or artist? Chris Staros was instrumental in my development as a creator and now he is offering a great program to up and coming creators. Highly recommended!” – Jeff Lemire
“If there's one guy who knows this industry inside and out - it's Chris!” -- Matt Kindt
“What a fantastic idea! From someone whose sense of humor, intelligence, perception, and background in the business is solid gold… I’d send people to you in a heartbeat.” -- Jennifer Hayden
“Check this out! My brilliant editor, Chris Staros, is available to mentor aspiring comic book authors and illustrators. I've benefitted so greatly from his guidance. I highly, highly recommend.” -- Kimberly Dwinell
“Want to make comics? Learn from the person who gave me my first job in the industry and published my first book. Chris knows the business, he knows editing, and he knows story.” -- Robert Venditti
“I cannot sing the praises of @chrisstaros enough in his help to me over the years. Now you too get to mainline his knowledge...” -- Julian Hanshaw
“As someone who's benefitted enormously from Chris' advice over the past 25 years, I can honestly say there is no one better placed to provide mentoring for your comics career. You'd be daft not to!” -- Gary Spencer Millidge
“My friend & publisher Chris Staros is an excellent mentor. He was invaluable guiding my career in the early days, and I still turn to him for advice often.” -- James Kochalka
“This is amazing! If you’re an aspiring comic book artist, check this out! Chris is one of the best minds in the business. As well as being a wonderful human being!” -- Shawn Crystal
“Hey, if you’re looking to break into comics, or if you just want to up your game, Staros is one of the best people in comics, and is a publishing MACHINE — hit him up, what a great idea, Chris. Put me in, Coach!” -- Dirk Wood
“This is a such a great idea. You're like the Jedi master of comics!” -- Paige Braddock "Chris Staros is braver than I am; a hundred dollars for a one hour Zoom call and $249 to read an OGN script and give notes to anybody who would PayPal you? I wouldn't do that for five times the money, and Chris is obviously some kind of an angel." -- Larry Young
“Chris has helped me with all my books! Happy to plug.” -- Chris Gooch
“When I started writing comics, one of my earliest mentors was @chrisstaros of @topshelfcomix. He provided advice, contacts, and critiques. Now, he's sharing his experience and understanding. Check out his new site if you needs a starting point.” -- Kurt A.
“Chris does some great stuff as EIC at @topshelfcomix; you’d do well to avail yourself of his wisdom.” -- Ron Hogan
“Very cool service being offered here from a guy who knows what’s what. The price is a steal, honestly.” -- Jason Green
“I can't think of someone more qualified!” -- Chuck Suffel
“Artists looking to break into the comics space can learn a lot from Chris who's one of the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic pros in the biz...” –- Mighty Joe Nolan
“You could do a lot worse than this font of long-time comic industry knowledge if you're looking for guidance or feedback.” -- Johanna Draper Carlson
“Hey! Chris Staros is dishing out wisdom! Chris knows his stuff and this looks like an excellent chance to get some individual advice.” -- Dan Berry
“Chris knows his stuff.” -- Alan J. Porter
“I personally can't think of a better person to learn from than Chris. I definitely will check this out.” -- William Lange
“You could do a lot worse in terms of mentors! Good luck Chris!” -- Box Brown
“Wow! What a great idea and opportunity for aspiring comic book creators!” -- Sally-Anne Hickman
“Love it. Well done.” -- Dave Cooper
“What kind of fool WOULDN'T sign up for this!???” -- Chris Duffy
“I compliment your work. This complements it.” -- Richard Pachter
“Excellent idea.” -- William Schanes
“I can't think of a better person to host something like this!” -- Jim Valentino
“Amazing! Good luck with it all, Chris. You’re gonna rock it.” -- Jimmy Aquino
“A more perfect mentor I could not imagine!” -- Steve Rotterdam
“My publisher US provides support and coaching service for BD project presentation. Chris knows how to do it! Also, he's super sweet! If you're looking for this kind of help presenting a file to an American publisher, don't hesitate!” -- Axelle Lenoir
“Chris is one of the nicest and smartest people in comics and has been several times around the block. Sign up!” -- Richard Starkings “You cannot go wrong with Chris...” -- Shane Chebsey