FAQs

• What are the guidelines for the Graphic Novel Making Contest?

  San José Public Library 2026 Graphic Novel Making Contest Guidelines

  When is the Contest: June 1 - July 31, 2026.

  Submission Deadlines: Entries and registration forms must be submitted by  July 31, 2026.

  Who Can Enter:

  • All Ages: Submissions will be categorized into 5 different age groups: 0-7, 8-9, 10-12, 13-17, 18+.
  • Located in California: This contest is only open to California Residents.
  • Amateur Authors/Illustrators Only: Contest is limited to amateur authors and illustrators only.

  How to Enter:

  • Submitting Your Work:              
    • Paper Entries: Submit at a SJPL location, no later than end of business day on July 31, 2026.
    • Digital Entries: Submit on our website or email to graphicnovels@sjlibrary.org as a PNG, JPG, or PDF attachment. Please see our website for more details.
  • Doublecheck Your Entry: Check all names, graphic novel titles, contact info, grammar, and spelling!
  • Limit 1 Entry: There is a limit of one entry per contestant or co-authored group.

  Content Requirements:

  • Original Work Only: Each submission must be the creative and original work of the submitting author/illustrator.
  • Maximum Length: 8 pages, including cover page.
  • Black and White: Must have black-and-white or gray scale drawings.
  • Paper Size & Binding: Use letter-size paper (8.5x11”). Please paper clip paper entries together.
  • Multiple Authors or Illustrators: Any submissions with more than one author/illustrator will be considered a single entry judged under the age category of the oldest author/illustrator listed and share awarded prizes.
  • No AI or Copyrighted Material: Artificial intelligence (AI) content will not be considered. Use of computer-generated images (via A.I. tools or clip art) or copyrighted material will be deemed ineligible.
  • Digital Artwork: Digital Illustrations are allowed as long as they are original artwork.
  • World Languages Accepted: Other languages are accepted, please see our FAQ for more information. 
  • Audience Level: We will not accept entries with explicit language or mature content.
  • Limited Assistance: Assistance should be limited to critiquing, feedback, proofreading, and spell checking.
  • Photocopy Recommended: Consider submitting a photocopy or digital scan that is an accurate reflection of the original work. SJPL cannot guarantee the return of paper submissions.

  How Scoring Works: Entries will be judged using a rubric scale. The detailed judging criteria and rubric used for this contest is available on our website.

  Contest Prizes and Winners:

  • 1st, 2nd, 3rd: Prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place winners for each age category.               
    • Honorable Mentions: Honorable mentions may be selected in each age group.

  Winner Notification & Announcements:

  • Attend the Award Ceremony: Winners will be announced during an In-Person Award Ceremony.
  • Where to Pick Up Prizes: Prizes will be available for pickup at the In-Person Award Ceremony.

  Publication:

  • Publishing Winners: All eligible works will made available in SJPL’s teen collection.
  • Reproduction & Reuse: San José Public Library reserves the right to reproduce your work. You can reuse all your work after the contest.

  For more information, including FAQ’s and the judging criteria, please visit http://www.sjpl.org/graphicnovels.

  SJPL staff may not enter submissions for the General Public contest.

  Related Pages: Graphic Novel Making Contest

• Who is able to participate in the Graphic Novel Making Contest?

  Who Can Enter: 

  • All Ages: Submissions will be categorized into 5 different age groups: 0-7, 8-9, 10-12, 13-17, 18+
  • Located in California: This contest is only open to California Residents.
  • Amateur Authors/Illustrators Only: Contest is limited to amateur authors and illustrators only.
  • Audience Level: We will not accept entries with explicit language or mature content.

  SJPL staff may not enter submissions for the General Public contest.

  Related Pages: Graphic Novel Making Contest, Graphic Novel Making Contest Guidelines

• What do you mean by 8 pages, single-sided, including a cover page?

  Graphic Novel Length:

  • Maximum Length: 8 pages, including cover page.
  • Black and White: Must have black-and-white or gray scale drawings.
  • Single-Sided: Library staff will scan your entry on your behalf and images can bleed through. To ensure the quality of your submission, do not use both sides of paper to create your comic or graphic novel. 
  • Paper Size & Binding: Use letter-size paper (8.5x11”). Please paper clip paper entries together.
  • Cover Page: A cover page counts towards your 8 pages. The rest of your comic or graphic novel can be only 7 additional pages. 
  • Back Page: A back page counts towards your 8 pages. The rest of your comic or graphic novel can be only 7 additional pages. 

  Related Pages: Graphic Novel Making Contest, Graphic Novel Making Contest Guidelines

• Can my graphic novel or comic be less than 8 pages?

  Yes!

  You can use up to 8 pages to tell the story you need to tell. Lots of comics and graphic novels have received high praise from judges at fewer than 8 pages. 

  Related Pages: Graphic Novel Making Contest, Graphic Novel Making Contest Guidelines

   

• Can I submit a comic that isn’t 8.5”x11” and letter-size and still be eligible for award in my age group?

  No.

  • Paper Size & Binding: Use letter-size paper (8.5x11”). Please paper clip paper entries together.
  • Maximum Length: 8 pages, including cover page.

  Related Pages: Graphic Novel Making Contest, Graphic Novel Making Contest Guidelines