I am a UK resident but could be moving abroad soon. Am I still eligible to submit to the award?

If you’re a UK resident, then you’re eligible to submit. Of course, we understand that people’s circumstances may change.

I’m a graduate student from another country, currently living in the UK. Am I eligible?

Yes, if you are currently residing in the UK, you are eligible to submit.

I am a resident of the Republic of Ireland. Am I eligible?

You need to be a resident of the UK, i.e. a resident of England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.

Does the physical, printed copy of my submission need to arrive by post before the deadline on 22nd April, or do I only need to have sent it by then?

All printed copies must be received before submissions close at midnight on 22nd April, so you must post your copy well in advance to ensure that it will arrive in time. You may submit the digital copy at any time before that deadline.

If I post the printed copy of my submission in advance so that it arrives before 22nd April, can I still change or correct the digital copy?

That is allowed, but please don’t leave everything to the last minute!

I’ve printed and/or sold copies of my graphic novel before. Am I still eligible?

Yes. Self-publishing your graphic novel (i.e. independently selling physical or digital copies) does not count as being commercially published, so your graphic novel is still eligible for submission.

Does the submission have to be a completed project that is ready to be printed?

No, the graphic novel doesn’t have to be complete! The winner will be offered a publishing contract with SelfMadeHero, who will provide the editorial and design support needed to prepare a graphic novel for publication. We just need a 15-20 page extract.

Can I send several samples from different parts of the same graphic novel?

Your submission (max. 20 pages) can include multiple separate extracts from the same graphic novel. However, it’s important for any extract to include enough pages for us to see how your book develops as a narrative. The ideal extract(s) depend on the narrative itself. For example, a single continuous extract might work best for a continuous or linear narrative, but two shorter extracts might be better for a story told in two different ways or from two different points of view.

Do I have to include the beginning of my graphic novel, or can I choose a later part of the story?

Your submission can include an extract (or extracts) from any point in your graphic novel.

I have paid my entry fee to the Cartoon Museum but it looks like I have booked an event. Can you clarify?

The Cartoon Museum use a system called Art Tickets to take payments, so the language does make it seem as if you are buying a ticket for an event, but don’t worry, as it states, this is a payment for the First Graphic Novel Entry Fee, and all we need to see emailed (or printed out if if you prefer) is a copy of the proof of payment form that is generated with the reference number and date of purchase.

Am I allowed to deliver the printed copy of my submission to the Cartoon Museum by hand, or can it only be sent by post?

You can drop in the printed copy of your submission in person on or before 22nd April, but check the museum’s opening hours before coming in.

Should I include my name and contact details when posting my entry? Yes, please, your name and number or email address, on a separate piece of paper, so we can match up postal entry with your digital entry.