Apply for The Verge
Graphic novels are one of the fastest-growing categories in children’s publishing, but writing one requires a different approach than traditional prose.
In this session, executive editor Whitney Leopard breaks down what it really takes to create a graphic novel for emerging and teen readers.
She’ll show you:
Whitney will walk through the essentials of graphic novel scripting and structure, including industry-standard formats and how to communicate action, pacing, and emotion on the page without over-directing the illustrator. You’ll gain a clearer understanding of both the craft and the practical expectations behind graphic novel submissions.
Whether you’re new to graphic novels or looking to strengthen your submission, this workshop will give you practical tools and insider insight to approach the format with confidence.
Bonus: Participants will have a submission opportunity with Whitney after the event!
- What’s happening in today’s market, and dive into the craft of visual storytelling:
- How to shape a compelling idea, structure your narrative,
- How to think in scenes, beats, and panels.
Whitney will walk through the essentials of graphic novel scripting and structure, including industry-standard formats and how to communicate action, pacing, and emotion on the page without over-directing the illustrator. You’ll gain a clearer understanding of both the craft and the practical expectations behind graphic novel submissions.
Whether you’re new to graphic novels or looking to strengthen your submission, this workshop will give you practical tools and insider insight to approach the format with confidence.
Bonus: Participants will have a submission opportunity with Whitney after the event!
About Writing Barn Craft Webinars:
Industry professionals: authors, agents, editors, etc. facilitate these events. Price points are low and attendance is high, anywhere from 50-200+ attendees. Writing craft and industry engagement are explored. *REPLAYS are made available for all registrants 2 business days after the event and are available for a limited time.*
Whitney Leopard is the Executive Editor at Random House Graphic and Ink Pop, where she acquires and edits graphic novels for kids and teens. She is also a frequent speaker at college comic programs and comic conventions all around the country.
Since helping launch RH Graphic in 2020, she has worked on a variety of titles for children and teens, such as: Trung Le Nguyen’s The Magic Fish, Sophie Escabasse’s Witches of Brooklyn series, and the Stonewall Award-winning graphic novel Halfway to Somewhere by Jose Pimienta.
From translations to adaptations, Whitney has had the joy of bringing fan-favorite stories to life in graphic novel form, including the New York Times bestselling graphic novel series, Francine Pascal’s Sweet Valley Twins. And with Ink Pop, which launched in 2025, she has worked on bringing over manga, manhwa, and webtoons to kids and teens.
Since helping launch RH Graphic in 2020, she has worked on a variety of titles for children and teens, such as: Trung Le Nguyen’s The Magic Fish, Sophie Escabasse’s Witches of Brooklyn series, and the Stonewall Award-winning graphic novel Halfway to Somewhere by Jose Pimienta.
From translations to adaptations, Whitney has had the joy of bringing fan-favorite stories to life in graphic novel form, including the New York Times bestselling graphic novel series, Francine Pascal’s Sweet Valley Twins. And with Ink Pop, which launched in 2025, she has worked on bringing over manga, manhwa, and webtoons to kids and teens.
About Whitney Leopard
