WEBVTT 1 00:00:05.475 --> 00:00:09.825 WEBTOON Advanced How to Write Your Proposal 2 00:00:09.850 --> 00:00:12.700 GCC Academy 3 00:00:25.025 --> 00:00:27.975 Hello, I'm Yang Hye-rim, 4 00:00:27.975 --> 00:00:30.825 I am a Webtoon story writer 5 00:00:30.825 --> 00:00:33.175 and I teach at the School of Manhwa Contents, Chungkang University 6 00:00:33.175 --> 00:00:35.625 I give lectures in the field of storytelling 7 00:00:35.625 --> 00:00:37.625 I’m here to discuss storytelling with you, 8 00:00:37.625 --> 00:00:40.975 particularly focusing on the planning aspect 9 00:00:40.975 --> 00:00:44.525 So far, we’ve already done quite a lot 10 00:00:44.525 --> 00:00:46.275 First, we found a theme 11 00:00:46.275 --> 00:00:49.725 Then we created a protagonist who best represents it 12 00:00:49.725 --> 00:00:52.725 We also built a story centered around 13 00:00:52.725 --> 00:00:54.325 their meaningful changes 14 00:00:54.325 --> 00:00:56.625 Now, what should we do with this story? 15 00:00:56.625 --> 00:01:02.175 A story known only to oneself has little value 16 00:01:02.175 --> 00:01:04.075 Though, it might be too strong to say that 17 00:01:04.075 --> 00:01:06.325 there are stories we may want to keep to ourselves 18 00:01:06.325 --> 00:01:09.475 without sharing it to anybody, 19 00:01:09.475 --> 00:01:14.225 such as diaries or essays 20 00:01:14.225 --> 00:01:16.725 or deeply personal narratives 21 00:01:16.725 --> 00:01:18.775 But those types of stories are a bit different 22 00:01:18.775 --> 00:01:21.475 from the direction of this course 23 00:01:21.475 --> 00:01:24.775 If we’re dreaming of becoming writers, 24 00:01:24.775 --> 00:01:27.775 it doesn’t mean we’ll write stories 25 00:01:27.775 --> 00:01:29.775 only for ourselves 26 00:01:29.775 --> 00:01:33.075 It means we want to show our stories to others 27 00:01:33.075 --> 00:01:34.925 So how do we do this? 28 00:01:34.925 --> 00:01:37.775 We could show by writing 29 00:01:37.775 --> 00:01:41.375 That’s right, we could directly release the finished work 30 00:01:41.675 --> 00:01:44.325 If it’s a short story, that might be sufficient 31 00:01:44.325 --> 00:01:47.725 Do your best, upload it to a website 32 00:01:47.725 --> 00:01:49.926 and wait for readers’ reactions 33 00:01:49.926 --> 00:01:52.226 But what if you’re aiming 34 00:01:52.226 --> 00:01:56.376 for a long-form work with 50 or 100 episodes? 35 00:01:56.376 --> 00:01:58.376 Let's show them 36 00:01:58.376 --> 00:02:02.176 That's a good idea, very ambitious 37 00:02:02.176 --> 00:02:04.226 but how long would it take 38 00:02:04.226 --> 00:02:06.376 to complete a 100-episode Webtoon? 39 00:02:06.376 --> 00:02:10.176 Let’s say you draw one episode per week 40 00:02:10.176 --> 00:02:14.176 A year has 50 weeks, so maybe two years? 41 00:02:14.176 --> 00:02:17.076 The answer is no 42 00:02:17.076 --> 00:02:20.126 Even if given three, four, or even five years 43 00:02:20.126 --> 00:02:22.676 I doubt a Webtoon artist could complete 44 00:02:22.676 --> 00:02:24.326 100 episodes on their own 45 00:02:24.326 --> 00:02:26.726 Why? Because creators often 46 00:02:26.726 --> 00:02:29.776 don’t work without deadlines 47 00:02:29.776 --> 00:02:33.126 While there are disciplined creators 48 00:02:33.126 --> 00:02:34.826 who work steadily without deadlines, 49 00:02:34.826 --> 00:02:38.326 even for them, they often spend some time 50 00:02:38.326 --> 00:02:41.226 creating something before releasing it to a platform 51 00:02:41.226 --> 00:02:43.626 We call this a saved manuscript 52 00:02:43.626 --> 00:02:45.226 You've probably heard 53 00:02:45.226 --> 00:02:48.326 of this term, saved manuscript, before this class 54 00:02:48.326 --> 00:02:52.476 Here’s an interesting fact I discovered 55 00:02:52.476 --> 00:02:54.376 while working with many artists 56 00:02:54.376 --> 00:02:58.126 Even those who can complete an episode per week 57 00:02:58.126 --> 00:03:01.626 take about four weeks to complete a one saved manuscript episode 58 00:03:01.626 --> 00:03:03.976 Saved manuscripts take three to four times longer 59 00:03:03.976 --> 00:03:05.826 to produce than serialized one 60 00:03:05.826 --> 00:03:09.276 How is it even possible to create weekly episodes? 61 00:03:09.276 --> 00:03:11.276 When I ask artists about this, because one manuscript 62 00:03:11.276 --> 00:03:14.876 takes three weeks, they all say this 63 00:03:14.876 --> 00:03:16.676 I don't know how I manage this 64 00:03:16.676 --> 00:03:19.076 That's the power of deadlines 65 00:03:19.076 --> 00:03:21.476 What I'm trying to say is, 66 00:03:21.476 --> 00:03:25.026 preparing a 100 or 200 episodes at once 67 00:03:25.026 --> 00:03:28.976 to pitch the whole package to a platform 68 00:03:28.976 --> 00:03:30.926 or show to readers 69 00:03:30.926 --> 00:03:33.326 is extremely difficult 70 00:03:33.326 --> 00:03:37.026 That's why we need proposals 71 00:03:37.026 --> 00:03:40.076 Today, we’ll learn about proposals 72 00:03:40.076 --> 00:03:44.126 Types of Proposals 73 00:03:44.726 --> 00:03:46.276 Students often come to me 74 00:03:46.276 --> 00:03:49.026 asking for story consultations 75 00:03:49.026 --> 00:03:50.826 And I always tell them this 76 00:03:50.826 --> 00:03:54.026 Send me your proposal, and I'll review that 77 00:03:54.026 --> 00:03:57.476 And this throws some students off 78 00:03:57.476 --> 00:04:00.426 They say, I don't write one! 79 00:04:00.426 --> 00:04:03.476 So I say, there is no way! 80 00:04:03.476 --> 00:04:05.976 There’s no way you’ve never written a proposal 81 00:04:05.976 --> 00:04:08.526 But they insist that they just don't 82 00:04:08.526 --> 00:04:12.276 But I disagree, because of this reason 83 00:04:12.276 --> 00:04:15.826 I categorize two main types of proposals 84 00:04:15.826 --> 00:04:19.026 One is a working proposal meant for the writer 85 00:04:19.026 --> 00:04:22.076 The other is a submission proposal meant for others 86 00:04:22.076 --> 00:04:26.376 Some people might wonder 87 00:04:26.376 --> 00:04:28.976 why do you need one for yourself? 88 00:04:28.976 --> 00:04:32.776 It’s because planning is a continuous process 89 00:04:32.776 --> 00:04:35.076 You don’t just finish it in one go 90 00:04:35.076 --> 00:04:38.276 I’ll finish planning from 9 to 10 AM today 91 00:04:38.276 --> 00:04:39.326 It won't work 92 00:04:39.326 --> 00:04:43.026 Even if you dedicate an entire day to planning 93 00:04:43.026 --> 00:04:45.726 it won't end, and planning only ends 94 00:04:45.726 --> 00:04:47.426 when serialization ends 95 00:04:47.426 --> 00:04:50.326 Once you hear what I'm about to say, it’ll make sense 96 00:04:50.326 --> 00:04:53.476 Have you ever had a great idea 97 00:04:53.476 --> 00:04:56.976 but couldn’t remember it the next day? 98 00:04:56.976 --> 00:04:58.376 That happens to me quite often 99 00:04:58.376 --> 00:05:01.726 Or maybe you thought of a brilliant character dynamic 100 00:05:01.726 --> 00:05:04.126 This character and that character can interact this way 101 00:05:04.126 --> 00:05:06.676 But a few days later 102 00:05:06.676 --> 00:05:10.226 you realize that it does not make sense 103 00:05:10.226 --> 00:05:12.426 That happens to me quite often as well 104 00:05:12.426 --> 00:05:17.226 Let met give you an example from my own case 105 00:05:17.226 --> 00:05:21.876 It's about the first meeting between characters A and B 106 00:05:21.876 --> 00:05:25.526 I thought it’d be great if A and B first meet at this party 107 00:05:25.526 --> 00:05:28.227 So I wrote that down 108 00:05:28.227 --> 00:05:30.527 But when I looked at it again a few days later 109 00:05:30.527 --> 00:05:32.677 I realized that character B 110 00:05:32.677 --> 00:05:35.277 was supposed to be studying abroad 111 00:05:35.277 --> 00:05:37.127 So there’s no way they could’ve met 112 00:05:37.127 --> 00:05:39.177 So I had to scrap that 113 00:05:39.177 --> 00:05:41.427 Meaning, I need something else 114 00:05:41.427 --> 00:05:44.827 Is it because I just happen to have a bad memory? 115 00:05:44.827 --> 00:05:46.927 Maybe some don't 116 00:05:46.927 --> 00:05:48.927 Partially, that's true 117 00:05:48.927 --> 00:05:50.877 I don't have the best memory 118 00:05:50.877 --> 00:05:52.977 But I’d argue 119 00:05:52.977 --> 00:05:56.727 that no matter how sharp or talented a writer is 120 00:05:56.727 --> 00:06:00.427 it’s impossible to keep all the elements 121 00:06:00.427 --> 00:06:04.327 of a long-term story store in their head 122 00:06:04.327 --> 00:06:06.527 If it’s not in your head 123 00:06:06.527 --> 00:06:08.677 where should it go? 124 00:06:09.177 --> 00:06:11.227 Your working proposal 125 00:06:11.227 --> 00:06:15.477 I say the word proposal to describe this 126 00:06:15.477 --> 00:06:19.027 so you might imagine a formal, structured document 127 00:06:19.027 --> 00:06:21.677 like one you’d submit for approval 128 00:06:21.677 --> 00:06:23.427 But that’s not what I mean 129 00:06:23.427 --> 00:06:26.477 A working proposal is for the writer's eyes only 130 00:06:26.477 --> 00:06:29.177 Since it’s just for you 131 00:06:29.177 --> 00:06:31.727 there’s no need to adhere to a specific format 132 00:06:31.727 --> 00:06:34.627 In fact, you probably already have one 133 00:06:34.627 --> 00:06:36.727 The reason for it is this 134 00:06:37.427 --> 00:06:39.577 So far, we’ve brainstormed ideas 135 00:06:39.577 --> 00:06:42.877 created protagonists, and built story structures 136 00:06:42.877 --> 00:06:45.027 How did you do all that? 137 00:06:45.027 --> 00:06:47.977 Very few people manage all of this entirely in their heads 138 00:06:47.977 --> 00:06:52.827 If you picture a protagonist as having black hair and pale skin 139 00:06:52.827 --> 00:06:55.877 you’ll forget about 70% of those details by the next day 140 00:06:55.877 --> 00:06:58.977 Even if I don’t explicitly tell my students 141 00:06:58.977 --> 00:07:02.027 that they should write this one down 142 00:07:02.027 --> 00:07:05.227 writers instinctively record things somewhere 143 00:07:05.227 --> 00:07:08.027 It might be in a HWP or Word document 144 00:07:08.027 --> 00:07:09.877 a phone memo 145 00:07:09.877 --> 00:07:12.127 or a specialized app 146 00:07:12.827 --> 00:07:14.827 Popular apps 147 00:07:14.827 --> 00:07:18.377 include those like Evernote or Notion 148 00:07:18.377 --> 00:07:23.177 They let you move between your computer 149 00:07:23.177 --> 00:07:25.227 and your mobile device seamlessly 150 00:07:25.227 --> 00:07:28.527 So you can save the same content 151 00:07:28.527 --> 00:07:30.677 anytime, anywhere 152 00:07:30.677 --> 00:07:34.327 Another thing is, records for yourself, as a writer 153 00:07:34.327 --> 00:07:37.577 don’t need to be perfect or even be contradictory 154 00:07:37.577 --> 00:07:40.977 It’s fine if character designs change daily 155 00:07:40.977 --> 00:07:42.677 Even random scribbles are okay 156 00:07:42.677 --> 00:07:44.677 For instance, you might write something like 157 00:07:44.677 --> 00:07:47.727 he protagonist is heading to the villain’s base 158 00:07:47.727 --> 00:07:49.977 but suddenly, their foot itches 159 00:07:49.977 --> 00:07:52.277 Wait, what? That's fine 160 00:07:52.277 --> 00:07:54.277 Even if it’s nonsense, you're the writer 161 00:07:54.277 --> 00:07:56.077 Or you might write internal monologues 162 00:07:56.077 --> 00:07:58.527 Should I just get rid of this character? 163 00:07:58.527 --> 00:08:00.877 I don't really like him 164 00:08:00.877 --> 00:08:03.627 The purpose of this 165 00:08:03.627 --> 00:08:05.977 is to record your thoughts 166 00:08:05.977 --> 00:08:07.427 What's important is 167 00:08:07.727 --> 00:08:11.077 to keep track of the most recent updates 168 00:08:11.077 --> 00:08:13.877 Should I keep or remove this character? 169 00:08:13.877 --> 00:08:15.927 If the decision was to keep them 170 00:08:15.927 --> 00:08:18.727 The information about that decision 171 00:08:18.727 --> 00:08:20.527 And another about something undecided 172 00:08:20.527 --> 00:08:22.777 Where did A meet B? 173 00:08:22.777 --> 00:08:24.727 It's undecided 174 00:08:24.727 --> 00:08:27.177 You need to mark all the information like so 175 00:08:27.177 --> 00:08:31.327 To summarize, the point of a working proposal lies 176 00:08:31.327 --> 00:08:34.927 in properly recording ideas and information necessary for creation 177 00:08:34.927 --> 00:08:37.127 and updating those records 178 00:08:37.127 --> 00:08:40.277 in alignment with the progress of creation 179 00:08:40.677 --> 00:08:42.977 A submission proposal is entirely different 180 00:08:42.977 --> 00:08:45.377 When you think of the word proposal 181 00:08:45.377 --> 00:08:46.927 you're likely thinking about this one 182 00:08:46.927 --> 00:08:51.577 A working proposal is designed for the writer 183 00:08:51.577 --> 00:08:55.977 to organize and grasp the entirety of their story 184 00:08:55.977 --> 00:08:58.027 A submission proposal is created for one purpose 185 00:08:58.027 --> 00:09:00.027 to be selected 186 00:09:00.027 --> 00:09:04.027 That word, selection, may sound unpleasant 187 00:09:04.027 --> 00:09:06.727 Who is going to select who? 188 00:09:06.727 --> 00:09:10.528 Simple, those who serve as the bridge 189 00:09:10.528 --> 00:09:13.128 connecting your work to the readers 190 00:09:13.128 --> 00:09:17.478 If this seems vague, think of specific examples 191 00:09:17.478 --> 00:09:20.828 Platform producers, contest judges, or publishing editors 192 00:09:20.828 --> 00:09:24.978 A working proposal is a document for your own working process 193 00:09:24.978 --> 00:09:27.828 even before you start writing the manuscript 194 00:09:27.828 --> 00:09:30.978 that helps you store all information about your story 195 00:09:30.978 --> 00:09:33.278 it acts like a storage space 196 00:09:33.278 --> 00:09:36.378 A submission proposal is a sales document 197 00:09:36.378 --> 00:09:38.928 It is to assist the decision-making process 198 00:09:38.928 --> 00:09:40.928 for those who connect your work to its readers 199 00:09:40.928 --> 00:09:45.878 It should help them decide that it is worth serializing 200 00:09:45.878 --> 00:09:49.128 It is a document designed to get chosen 201 00:09:49.128 --> 00:09:51.478 Its primary goal is to effectively convey information 202 00:09:51.478 --> 00:09:54.028 about the work you want to create 203 00:09:54.028 --> 00:09:56.528 The key to this is 204 00:09:56.528 --> 00:09:59.278 why should this work be chosen? 205 00:09:59.278 --> 00:10:01.828 Why is this worth serializing? 206 00:10:01.828 --> 00:10:03.178 It should really 207 00:10:03.178 --> 00:10:06.528 clearly demonstrate this 208 00:10:06.528 --> 00:10:08.528 Even those reading your proposal 209 00:10:08.528 --> 00:10:11.228 don’t have unlimited freedom of choice 210 00:10:11.228 --> 00:10:14.278 To put it bluntly, in a contest 211 00:10:14.278 --> 00:10:16.228 the number of winners is predetermined 212 00:10:16.228 --> 00:10:19.878 It specifies how many spots for awards are there 213 00:10:19.878 --> 00:10:23.328 While the number of serializations on platforms might seem infinite 214 00:10:23.328 --> 00:10:27.328 though it actually is compared to those on magazines 215 00:10:27.328 --> 00:10:29.378 they are still somewhat limited 216 00:10:29.378 --> 00:10:32.578 For example, even if 100 highly skilled 217 00:10:32.578 --> 00:10:34.228 comic creators submit their work simultaneously 218 00:10:34.228 --> 00:10:37.128 it would be impossible to serialize all 100 works 219 00:10:37.128 --> 00:10:41.278 Because of this selection process 220 00:10:41.278 --> 00:10:43.378 your proposal must show 221 00:10:43.378 --> 00:10:46.678 that this story is compelling 222 00:10:46.678 --> 00:10:49.228 and that your story aligns with the target audience 223 00:10:49.228 --> 00:10:51.828 that the platform or the contest is looking for 224 00:10:51.828 --> 00:10:53.678 It must resonate with the intended readers 225 00:10:53.978 --> 00:10:56.128 I’m a professional, I’m ready 226 00:10:56.128 --> 00:10:58.178 and I can start serializing immediately 227 00:10:58.178 --> 00:11:00.828 That should be your appeal 228 00:11:00.828 --> 00:11:04.078 A working proposal can have a loose format and content 229 00:11:04.078 --> 00:11:06.228 I talked about internal monologues 230 00:11:06.228 --> 00:11:07.978 something about errors 231 00:11:07.978 --> 00:11:10.528 or something you're unsure about 232 00:11:10.528 --> 00:11:12.328 They are all okay 233 00:11:12.328 --> 00:11:15.128 But not for a submission proposal 234 00:11:15.128 --> 00:11:18.778 But it's still incomplete 235 00:11:18.778 --> 00:11:20.328 I don't know yet 236 00:11:20.578 --> 00:11:23.628 Well, act as if you do 237 00:11:23.628 --> 00:11:26.078 No proposals are ever perfect 238 00:11:26.078 --> 00:11:29.378 It's completed once the work itself is finalized 239 00:11:29.378 --> 00:11:30.828 At this stage 240 00:11:30.828 --> 00:11:33.578 it’s perfectly natural for writers to have parts 241 00:11:33.578 --> 00:11:36.478 they don’t fully know about yet 242 00:11:36.478 --> 00:11:40.578 But do not leave blank spaces in the document 243 00:11:40.578 --> 00:11:43.978 or write things like, I don't know yet 244 00:11:43.978 --> 00:11:45.928 Because I see cases 245 00:11:45.928 --> 00:11:49.628 where the proposal says that the ending could change 246 00:11:49.628 --> 00:11:52.478 You cannot do this 247 00:11:52.478 --> 00:11:54.878 It’s not that the ending can’t change 248 00:11:54.878 --> 00:11:56.978 Here’s a common misunderstanding 249 00:11:56.978 --> 00:12:01.178 Once you've written something in the proposal 250 00:12:01.178 --> 00:12:02.728 if it changes, it breaks the contract 251 00:12:02.728 --> 00:12:05.178 Therefore, if it says this character dies, they should die 252 00:12:05.178 --> 00:12:06.628 That's not true 253 00:12:06.628 --> 00:12:08.828 I'm just saying, do not write 254 00:12:08.828 --> 00:12:11.378 that something is open to changes 255 00:12:11.778 --> 00:12:14.028 All stories that are not finished 256 00:12:14.028 --> 00:12:15.828 are open to changes, of course 257 00:12:15.828 --> 00:12:18.528 the platform producers 258 00:12:18.528 --> 00:12:20.878 and contest judges who review hundreds of works 259 00:12:20.878 --> 00:12:23.228 know this very well 260 00:12:23.878 --> 00:12:28.078 But if they see a note saying the ending could change 261 00:12:28.078 --> 00:12:30.628 or this character could be gone 262 00:12:30.628 --> 00:12:32.178 it makes the writer 263 00:12:32.178 --> 00:12:34.728 appear unprepared and unprofessional 264 00:12:35.378 --> 00:12:38.428 They know, so no need to point that out 265 00:12:38.428 --> 00:12:40.728 In other words 266 00:12:40.728 --> 00:12:43.978 if you're in for a job interview 267 00:12:43.978 --> 00:12:46.779 and you're asked, what do you want to do at this company? 268 00:12:46.779 --> 00:12:49.179 You say, I will work hard! 269 00:12:49.179 --> 00:12:52.529 You will work hard, but in fact 270 00:12:52.529 --> 00:12:55.879 if the job isn't a good fit, you may leave 271 00:12:55.879 --> 00:12:58.429 They know that, so no need to point that out 272 00:12:58.429 --> 00:13:00.129 The same logic applies 273 00:13:00.129 --> 00:13:03.029 Think of it as an interview 274 00:13:03.029 --> 00:13:06.129 or more like a job application 275 00:13:06.129 --> 00:13:09.479 One of the most common questions I receive is 276 00:13:09.479 --> 00:13:11.329 What's the template? 277 00:13:11.329 --> 00:13:14.379 So I ask, what template do you want? 278 00:13:14.379 --> 00:13:16.279 And students are disappointed 279 00:13:16.279 --> 00:13:20.029 They seem to expect that a professor teaching storytelling 280 00:13:20.029 --> 00:13:21.829 will have some ultimate 281 00:13:21.829 --> 00:13:24.279 standardized form for proposals 282 00:13:24.279 --> 00:13:26.579 That's the common assumption 283 00:13:26.579 --> 00:13:29.529 But the truth is, there isn’t one perfect template 284 00:13:30.329 --> 00:13:32.479 Even on a search engine 285 00:13:32.479 --> 00:13:36.329 people search for the template 286 00:13:36.329 --> 00:13:40.279 I guess it's become a habit for some of you 287 00:13:40.279 --> 00:13:42.629 to search for a template online 288 00:13:42.629 --> 00:13:45.229 There are many templates out there 289 00:13:45.229 --> 00:13:47.479 But they differ a bit from each other 290 00:13:47.479 --> 00:13:50.479 I also think one can always personalize theirs 291 00:13:50.479 --> 00:13:52.879 But here's one thing I can say 292 00:13:52.879 --> 00:13:55.429 The most ideal template for a proposal 293 00:13:55.429 --> 00:13:59.179 is the one proposed by the reader of that proposal 294 00:13:59.179 --> 00:14:03.979 If you're submitting a proposal 295 00:14:03.979 --> 00:14:07.829 it's usually for a platform or an agency 296 00:14:07.829 --> 00:14:11.379 or even for a contest 297 00:14:11.379 --> 00:14:14.179 Many platforms already provide 298 00:14:14.179 --> 00:14:15.879 their own proposal templates 299 00:14:15.879 --> 00:14:19.479 They say, please fill out this form and submit it 300 00:14:19.479 --> 00:14:23.779 They don’t expect writers to create their own 301 00:14:23.779 --> 00:14:28.679 Some writers find their own files too valuable to alter 302 00:14:28.679 --> 00:14:30.829 or the information in there 303 00:14:30.829 --> 00:14:33.179 and they may want to use that 304 00:14:33.179 --> 00:14:35.279 Or, to be more honest 305 00:14:35.279 --> 00:14:37.329 they're too lazy to adjust the format 306 00:14:37.329 --> 00:14:40.029 So people just send their own formats 307 00:14:40.029 --> 00:14:42.329 in my opinion 308 00:14:42.329 --> 00:14:44.929 this is highly inappropriate 309 00:14:44.929 --> 00:14:47.379 and ultimately, it works to their disadvantage 310 00:14:47.379 --> 00:14:49.429 The purpose of submitting a file 311 00:14:49.429 --> 00:14:53.479 is to request serialization for your work 312 00:14:53.479 --> 00:14:57.829 If you don’t even put in the effort 313 00:14:57.829 --> 00:15:00.429 it’s likely to be perceived as a lack of commitment 314 00:15:00.429 --> 00:15:02.979 Since I mentioned job interviews earlier 315 00:15:02.979 --> 00:15:05.129 let me draw another comparison 316 00:15:05.129 --> 00:15:09.129 Imagine you’re in a job interview, and the interviewer asks 317 00:15:09.129 --> 00:15:10.679 give me an acrostic poem using your name 318 00:15:10.679 --> 00:15:14.079 So most people will do that 319 00:15:14.079 --> 00:15:17.729 But what if you say 320 00:15:17.729 --> 00:15:20.779 I have memorized a classical Chinese poem, and I’d like to recite it for you 321 00:15:20.779 --> 00:15:24.129 Will this make a good impression? 322 00:15:24.129 --> 00:15:26.429 I don't think so 323 00:15:26.429 --> 00:15:28.179 Many platforms have templates 324 00:15:28.179 --> 00:15:29.579 So using a different template 325 00:15:29.579 --> 00:15:31.429 will result in the same thing 326 00:15:31.429 --> 00:15:35.479 Components of a Proposal 327 00:15:35.479 --> 00:15:38.229 That said, there are definitely common elements 328 00:15:38.229 --> 00:15:41.879 that most proposals typically require 329 00:15:41.879 --> 00:15:45.479 Let’s focus on those key elements now 330 00:15:45.479 --> 00:15:48.929 First, your name, which is obvious 331 00:15:48.929 --> 00:15:52.729 But I have something to say about this 332 00:15:53.029 --> 00:15:54.679 Some platforms ask for a pseudonym 333 00:15:54.679 --> 00:15:56.779 and others, both real name and a pseudonym 334 00:15:57.929 --> 00:16:02.029 I’ve seen people who are reluctant to share their real name 335 00:16:02.029 --> 00:16:05.479 Some even refuse to give their real name 336 00:16:05.479 --> 00:16:08.179 However, this is somewhat meaningless 337 00:16:08.179 --> 00:16:11.179 If you end up signing a contract with them 338 00:16:11.179 --> 00:16:14.979 you’ll need to give your real name and personal ID number anyway 339 00:16:14.979 --> 00:16:17.929 If you feel strongly about 340 00:16:17.929 --> 00:16:19.429 not disclosing your real name 341 00:16:19.429 --> 00:16:22.930 I’d suggest including it in the proposal 342 00:16:22.930 --> 00:16:27.130 but adding a note about it during the contract phase 343 00:16:27.130 --> 00:16:28.330 If that's very important 344 00:16:28.330 --> 00:16:31.730 you can just add it to the contract 345 00:16:31.730 --> 00:16:36.730 I find it meaningless to not submit 346 00:16:36.730 --> 00:16:38.530 your real name at all 347 00:16:38.530 --> 00:16:41.030 Same with the title of the work 348 00:16:41.030 --> 00:16:43.730 Many people say they haven’t decided on a title yet 349 00:16:43.730 --> 00:16:46.780 I get it, the title is very important 350 00:16:46.780 --> 00:16:50.280 But obsessing over the meaningful title 351 00:16:50.280 --> 00:16:55.530 may make you think that you can't give it a bad one 352 00:16:55.530 --> 00:17:01.530 Untitled, or still undecided, these are unacceptable 353 00:17:01.530 --> 00:17:03.330 You need something 354 00:17:03.330 --> 00:17:05.430 This may feel like pressure 355 00:17:05.430 --> 00:17:07.830 You can add something like working title 356 00:17:07.830 --> 00:17:10.830 If you really have no idea 357 00:17:10.830 --> 00:17:12.980 Springtime Love Story, parenthesis, working title 358 00:17:12.980 --> 00:17:14.880 You can do that 359 00:17:14.880 --> 00:17:17.680 But Untitled, that may give the impression 360 00:17:17.680 --> 00:17:21.180 that the writer isn’t fully invested in the submission 361 00:17:21.180 --> 00:17:22.680 So have one 362 00:17:22.680 --> 00:17:26.330 Here's another tip about the title 363 00:17:26.330 --> 00:17:29.280 It may depend on the genre 364 00:17:29.280 --> 00:17:32.380 but the title might need to stand out significantly 365 00:17:32.380 --> 00:17:36.030 This is especially important for submissions 366 00:17:36.030 --> 00:17:39.030 The person reviewing your proposal 367 00:17:39.030 --> 00:17:41.130 needs to actually read your proposal 368 00:17:41.130 --> 00:17:45.080 If your title grabs their attention 369 00:17:45.080 --> 00:17:47.880 giving them a sense of what the story is about 370 00:17:47.880 --> 00:17:50.030 it might make them 371 00:17:50.030 --> 00:17:53.480 more inclined to read your proposal thoroughly 372 00:17:54.230 --> 00:17:56.780 It's not something you should do 373 00:17:56.780 --> 00:17:59.180 but many writers choose to name their works 374 00:17:59.180 --> 00:18:01.330 using very strong titles 375 00:18:01.330 --> 00:18:04.280 Of course, the title might change 376 00:18:04.280 --> 00:18:05.830 once the work enters serialization 377 00:18:05.830 --> 00:18:07.880 but for the purposes of the proposal 378 00:18:07.880 --> 00:18:09.980 something really funny and interesting 379 00:18:09.980 --> 00:18:13.430 can encourage them to read further 380 00:18:13.430 --> 00:18:16.080 It could be, as we say 381 00:18:16.080 --> 00:18:18.380 like a clickbait for the title 382 00:18:18.380 --> 00:18:20.430 People often do this 383 00:18:20.430 --> 00:18:21.980 However, as I mentioned earlier 384 00:18:21.980 --> 00:18:24.680 this may depend on the genre 385 00:18:24.680 --> 00:18:27.330 I suggest you adjust it 386 00:18:27.330 --> 00:18:29.030 according to the genre of your work 387 00:18:29.030 --> 00:18:30.780 Speaking of genre 388 00:18:30.780 --> 00:18:32.680 you have to write your work's genre 389 00:18:32.680 --> 00:18:34.630 What’s the best way to indicate the genre? 390 00:18:35.330 --> 00:18:37.680 Many people struggle with this 391 00:18:37.680 --> 00:18:40.730 because they think genres are fixed 392 00:18:40.730 --> 00:18:42.230 That's not true 393 00:18:42.230 --> 00:18:45.330 Especially in Webtoon, genres are highly fluid 394 00:18:45.330 --> 00:18:47.130 depending on the market 395 00:18:47.630 --> 00:18:49.480 What is the market 396 00:18:49.480 --> 00:18:52.980 currently calling works like this? 397 00:18:52.980 --> 00:18:54.680 How are others labeling it? 398 00:18:54.680 --> 00:18:57.980 What would make sense to someone reading it? 399 00:18:57.980 --> 00:19:01.180 For example, if a proposal 10 years ago 400 00:19:01.180 --> 00:19:02.730 says Ro-fan for romance fantasy 401 00:19:02.730 --> 00:19:05.830 judges would not have understood this 402 00:19:06.180 --> 00:19:10.530 But today, using Ro-fan as the genre is acceptable 403 00:19:10.530 --> 00:19:12.730 If a judge doesn’t understand it 404 00:19:12.730 --> 00:19:16.980 they might be lacking qualifications 405 00:19:16.980 --> 00:19:19.130 Ro-fan has become 406 00:19:19.130 --> 00:19:22.180 an established genre for quite a while now 407 00:19:22.180 --> 00:19:24.430 So evaluators are able to assess works 408 00:19:24.430 --> 00:19:26.830 based on such standards 409 00:19:26.830 --> 00:19:28.830 This also means 410 00:19:28.830 --> 00:19:32.630 you shouldn’t use terms for your genre that the judges 411 00:19:32.630 --> 00:19:35.380 platform producers, or others evaluating your work 412 00:19:35.380 --> 00:19:37.330 might not understand 413 00:19:37.330 --> 00:19:41.030 Sometimes, people get overly creative 414 00:19:41.030 --> 00:19:44.980 For instance, Dark Bluish Romance 415 00:19:44.980 --> 00:19:48.780 That's the genre, but very vague 416 00:19:48.780 --> 00:19:54.330 Or they can use their own name, for example 417 00:19:54.330 --> 00:19:56.380 Hyerim Yang's style School Drama 418 00:19:56.380 --> 00:19:59.780 Who's that? I mean, there's no good response to give 419 00:19:59.780 --> 00:20:02.681 Though, the intention is clear 420 00:20:02.681 --> 00:20:04.681 You want to provide 421 00:20:04.681 --> 00:20:06.631 additional information 422 00:20:06.631 --> 00:20:09.231 about the work through the genre label 423 00:20:09.231 --> 00:20:11.831 But it may not work 424 00:20:11.831 --> 00:20:14.781 I suggest you use straightforward 425 00:20:14.781 --> 00:20:17.531 commonly understood terms that are used in the market now 426 00:20:17.531 --> 00:20:20.331 Estimated episode count, this is more common now 427 00:20:20.331 --> 00:20:23.431 Writers often agonize over this 428 00:20:23.431 --> 00:20:24.931 Usually, it goes something like this 429 00:20:24.931 --> 00:20:28.981 I don’t know if it’ll be 72 or 73 episodes 430 00:20:28.981 --> 00:20:31.031 I mean, neither I nor you can know 431 00:20:31.031 --> 00:20:34.881 We can't predict the exact number of episodes 432 00:20:34.881 --> 00:20:37.631 because the work hasn't started it serialization 433 00:20:37.631 --> 00:20:40.681 At the proposal stage, a rough estimate 434 00:20:40.681 --> 00:20:43.381 of several dozen episodes, is enough 435 00:20:44.331 --> 00:20:47.731 The platform or contest organizers 436 00:20:47.731 --> 00:20:49.381 also expect that much 437 00:20:49.381 --> 00:20:54.031 If you say 103 episodes, that will make them wonder 438 00:20:54.031 --> 00:20:55.531 Why 103 episodes? 439 00:20:55.531 --> 00:20:58.331 Why not 102? 440 00:20:58.331 --> 00:21:01.781 Here's a little tip 441 00:21:01.781 --> 00:21:04.981 If a new writer submits an big estimated episode count 442 00:21:04.981 --> 00:21:07.881 it might be too much for 443 00:21:07.881 --> 00:21:09.831 platforms or contest organizers 444 00:21:09.831 --> 00:21:13.131 This isn’t discrimination against new writers 445 00:21:13.131 --> 00:21:14.781 aiming for long-term works 446 00:21:15.231 --> 00:21:19.231 I once saw a new writer’s proposal 447 00:21:19.231 --> 00:21:22.631 with an estimated count of 900 episodes 448 00:21:22.631 --> 00:21:25.431 Even if we assume that’s a long-term work 449 00:21:25.431 --> 00:21:26.981 and that it's realistic assumption 450 00:21:26.981 --> 00:21:29.281 dividing it into weekly chapters 451 00:21:32.481 --> 00:21:36.031 how may years is that? 452 00:21:36.031 --> 00:21:38.481 I'm not good at math, I can't be sure 453 00:21:38.481 --> 00:21:40.631 Is it 18 years? It is 454 00:21:40.631 --> 00:21:43.781 It would take roughly 18 years, nonstop 455 00:21:43.781 --> 00:21:46.931 to finish all 900 episodes 456 00:21:46.931 --> 00:21:50.181 So giving a new writer the space for such a massive project 457 00:21:50.181 --> 00:21:52.981 could feel like a risky commitment 458 00:21:52.981 --> 00:21:55.731 And people will wonder if it's ever possible 459 00:21:56.481 --> 00:21:58.381 It’s not about saying new writers 460 00:21:58.381 --> 00:22:00.781 shouldn’t tackle large-scale works 461 00:22:00.781 --> 00:22:04.631 Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece 462 00:22:04.631 --> 00:22:08.031 was his first serialized work 463 00:22:08.031 --> 00:22:11.931 and it spans over 100 volumes 464 00:22:11.931 --> 00:22:15.881 We don’t know if Oda 465 00:22:15.881 --> 00:22:18.781 initially submitted a proposal with such a long estimate 466 00:22:18.781 --> 00:22:21.731 It’s possible that the initial plan was for fewer episodes 467 00:22:21.731 --> 00:22:23.731 and as the serialization succeeded 468 00:22:23.731 --> 00:22:27.131 new episodes were added on top of each other 469 00:22:27.131 --> 00:22:28.481 As we’ve mentioned before 470 00:22:28.481 --> 00:22:30.531 the second act of a story can always expand 471 00:22:30.531 --> 00:22:32.531 it’s practically designed for that purpose 472 00:22:32.531 --> 00:22:35.481 So for a new writer presenting the manuscript 473 00:22:35.481 --> 00:22:37.331 to a platform for the first time 474 00:22:37.331 --> 00:22:40.881 it’s a good idea to provide 475 00:22:40.881 --> 00:22:42.981 a realistic episode estimate 476 00:22:42.981 --> 00:22:47.081 Still, if you truly want to serialize continuously for 18 years 477 00:22:47.081 --> 00:22:51.281 you could consider breaking your story into seasons 478 00:22:51.281 --> 00:22:54.681 As we learned, structured with the small three-act framework 479 00:22:54.681 --> 00:22:56.631 Try summarizing it into a single episode 480 00:22:56.631 --> 00:22:59.331 and estimate how many episodes that would require 481 00:22:59.331 --> 00:23:01.881 Breaking the story into smaller pieces 482 00:23:01.881 --> 00:23:05.081 might be a more practical approach 483 00:23:05.081 --> 00:23:07.181 Next is target audience 484 00:23:07.181 --> 00:23:09.931 This is something I’ve mentioned 485 00:23:09.931 --> 00:23:11.631 as something to consider 486 00:23:11.631 --> 00:23:14.031 even when brainstorming ideas 487 00:23:14.031 --> 00:23:18.681 Some people just write the age group 488 00:23:19.231 --> 00:23:21.581 like teenagers or those in 30s 489 00:23:21.581 --> 00:23:23.631 I think that's fine 490 00:23:23.631 --> 00:23:28.031 Because, based on my experience 491 00:23:28.031 --> 00:23:33.681 a 31-year-old and a 39-year-old don’t differ drastically in terms of taste 492 00:23:34.231 --> 00:23:37.881 But between an 11-year-old and a 19-year-old 493 00:23:37.881 --> 00:23:40.082 there is a big difference in taste 494 00:23:40.082 --> 00:23:43.132 Content that appeals to an 11-year-old won’t resonate with a 19-year-old 495 00:23:43.132 --> 00:23:44.482 content that a 19-year-old enjoys 496 00:23:44.482 --> 00:23:46.982 isn’t appropriate for an 11-year-old 497 00:23:46.982 --> 00:23:51.032 When defining the target age for Webtoon 498 00:23:51.032 --> 00:23:55.482 we usually go with early teens, mid-teens, and late teens 499 00:23:55.482 --> 00:23:56.882 For older age groups 500 00:23:56.882 --> 00:24:00.982 like those in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond 501 00:24:00.982 --> 00:24:02.882 it’s less about strict age divisions 502 00:24:02.882 --> 00:24:07.782 and more about broader lifestyle categories 503 00:24:07.782 --> 00:24:12.282 such as college students 504 00:24:12.282 --> 00:24:14.982 working professionals, or other interests 505 00:24:15.282 --> 00:24:17.932 If your work requires pitching to a specific audience 506 00:24:17.932 --> 00:24:21.032 it’s also worth considering the gender of your target readers 507 00:24:21.032 --> 00:24:22.432 We’ve touched on this point before 508 00:24:22.432 --> 00:24:25.232 Character introduction, this is a must 509 00:24:25.232 --> 00:24:27.532 Here's a tip 510 00:24:27.532 --> 00:24:29.982 Focus on major characters 511 00:24:30.432 --> 00:24:34.282 It’s fine to provide more details for the most important characters 512 00:24:34.282 --> 00:24:38.982 But avoid going overboard with minor characters 513 00:24:38.982 --> 00:24:44.132 For example, even their blood type, zodiac sign, or MBTI 514 00:24:44.132 --> 00:24:46.182 That's too much details 515 00:24:46.182 --> 00:24:49.532 This might give the impression 516 00:24:49.532 --> 00:24:50.832 that the writer is unprofessional 517 00:24:50.832 --> 00:24:53.682 just overly attached to their characters 518 00:24:53.682 --> 00:24:57.682 To keep the proposal clean and concise 519 00:24:57.682 --> 00:24:59.532 avoid including excessive details 520 00:24:59.532 --> 00:25:01.682 for supporting characters 521 00:25:01.682 --> 00:25:05.482 Some include character images in your proposal 522 00:25:05.482 --> 00:25:08.682 If you can draw them yourself, that’s ideal 523 00:25:08.682 --> 00:25:10.382 But if you just write the story 524 00:25:10.382 --> 00:25:13.382 and you’re not planning to illustrate it yourself 525 00:25:13.382 --> 00:25:16.032 it’s fine to seek help from someone else 526 00:25:16.032 --> 00:25:17.632 Of course you have to be transparent 527 00:25:17.632 --> 00:25:19.382 about where it's going to be used 528 00:25:19.382 --> 00:25:22.382 So you can ask someone to draw it for you 529 00:25:22.382 --> 00:25:25.982 Or you can also use a reference image instead 530 00:25:25.982 --> 00:25:29.382 But using a reference image is tricky 531 00:25:29.382 --> 00:25:31.432 because it can entail legal issues 532 00:25:31.432 --> 00:25:33.182 So always cite your sources 533 00:25:33.182 --> 00:25:35.232 and clarify the uses 534 00:25:35.232 --> 00:25:37.232 that it's not for anything else 535 00:25:37.232 --> 00:25:40.582 I'm sure you can manage up to this much 536 00:25:40.582 --> 00:25:42.032 It's also a fun task 537 00:25:42.032 --> 00:25:43.732 Up until this part, it doesn't need too much thinking 538 00:25:43.732 --> 00:25:45.382 You can proceed quickly 539 00:25:45.382 --> 00:25:48.332 Now, let’s get to the truly important parts 540 00:25:48.832 --> 00:25:51.082 The logline and the synopsis 541 00:25:51.082 --> 00:25:53.082 They sound intimidating 542 00:25:53.082 --> 00:25:56.632 These two elements often require a lot of thought from the writer 543 00:25:56.632 --> 00:26:00.632 Logline and Synopsis 544 00:26:00.632 --> 00:26:03.982 Let’s start with the logline 545 00:26:03.982 --> 00:26:05.782 You’ve probably heard of it before 546 00:26:05.782 --> 00:26:07.682 but despite being a foreign term 547 00:26:07.682 --> 00:26:09.482 it’s not that complicated 548 00:26:09.482 --> 00:26:12.282 It compresses the entire story into one or two sentences 549 00:26:12.282 --> 00:26:16.782 The key here is the phrase, the entire story 550 00:26:16.782 --> 00:26:20.082 When asked to write a logline, some people do this 551 00:26:20.532 --> 00:26:24.032 So-and-so Jane Doe is nervously so-and-so 552 00:26:24.032 --> 00:26:25.882 Wow, but that was so-and-so! 553 00:26:25.882 --> 00:26:29.732 What will happen to Jane Doe? 554 00:26:29.732 --> 00:26:33.532 That’s the kind of logline you often see 555 00:26:33.532 --> 00:26:36.582 on Webtoon platforms, where the summaries 556 00:26:36.582 --> 00:26:38.232 are typically written in this format 557 00:26:39.082 --> 00:26:40.632 Ordinary high schooler Jane Doe 558 00:26:40.632 --> 00:26:44.982 nervously transfers schools 559 00:26:44.982 --> 00:26:51.232 only to find out it’s a high school for otherworldly beings! 560 00:26:51.232 --> 00:26:54.232 How will Jane Doe's fate unfold among them? 561 00:26:54.232 --> 00:26:58.532 That’s essentially Act 1 562 00:26:58.532 --> 00:27:00.932 The protagonist transfers to a special high school 563 00:27:00.932 --> 00:27:02.582 a very special high school 564 00:27:02.582 --> 00:27:05.232 feels conflicted, and Act 1 ends 565 00:27:05.232 --> 00:27:07.432 This type of logline is called 566 00:27:07.432 --> 00:27:09.732 a marketing logline 567 00:27:10.132 --> 00:27:11.382 It’s designed as an advertisement 568 00:27:11.382 --> 00:27:14.382 Its goal is to pique curiosity 569 00:27:14.382 --> 00:27:17.483 so it deliberately withholds the later parts of the story 570 00:27:17.483 --> 00:27:19.683 The logline for your proposal 571 00:27:19.683 --> 00:27:21.583 should not follow this format 572 00:27:21.583 --> 00:27:25.433 Why? Because this isn’t an advertisement 573 00:27:26.433 --> 00:27:28.383 Yes, a proposal is a sales document 574 00:27:28.383 --> 00:27:31.833 but the key difference is that 575 00:27:31.833 --> 00:27:34.533 the people reading it 576 00:27:34.533 --> 00:27:37.433 are your collaborators 577 00:27:37.433 --> 00:27:39.783 people who will work with you to create your project 578 00:27:39.783 --> 00:27:41.633 If you don't tell them how it ends 579 00:27:41.633 --> 00:27:43.833 they can’t make an informed decision 580 00:27:43.833 --> 00:27:46.583 They don’t know the entire story, of course they can't 581 00:27:46.583 --> 00:27:49.983 That’s why a logline requires you 582 00:27:49.983 --> 00:27:53.783 to compress the entire story into one or two sentences 583 00:27:53.783 --> 00:27:56.483 The entire story in your logline, that's important 584 00:27:56.483 --> 00:27:59.683 Your logline must encapsulate all three acts of the story 585 00:27:59.683 --> 00:28:02.783 If this still feels vague, let’s go into more detail 586 00:28:02.783 --> 00:28:04.883 For Act 1 587 00:28:04.883 --> 00:28:07.833 Remember what subjects and predicates are? 588 00:28:07.833 --> 00:28:10.733 Write Act 1 as the subject, and Act 3 as the predicate 589 00:28:10.733 --> 00:28:12.433 to form a single sentence 590 00:28:13.733 --> 00:28:15.983 Maybe you remember this example 591 00:28:15.983 --> 00:28:19.983 A person who has never been in a relationship explores every kind of romance 592 00:28:19.983 --> 00:28:23.483 only to realize that what they truly need isn’t romance 593 00:28:23.483 --> 00:28:24.933 Do you remember? 594 00:28:24.933 --> 00:28:28.133 That's a logline, with all three acts 595 00:28:28.133 --> 00:28:30.283 Act 1, A person who has never been in a relationship 596 00:28:30.283 --> 00:28:31.883 Act 2, Explores every kind of romance 597 00:28:31.883 --> 00:28:34.833 Act 3, Realizes that romance isn’t what they need 598 00:28:34.833 --> 00:28:37.283 The entire story is captured in that one sentence 599 00:28:37.283 --> 00:28:39.733 Synopsis 600 00:28:39.733 --> 00:28:42.433 This is often the most daunting part for writers 601 00:28:42.433 --> 00:28:44.133 It's time to work on this 602 00:28:44.133 --> 00:28:47.583 A synopsis is, simply put, a summary of the entire story 603 00:28:47.583 --> 00:28:50.733 By the time someone finishes reading it 604 00:28:50.733 --> 00:28:54.733 they should have a clear understanding of what your story is about 605 00:28:54.733 --> 00:28:57.533 But same thing here 606 00:28:57.533 --> 00:29:01.133 Jane Doe finally ventures into the enemy’s lair 607 00:29:01.133 --> 00:29:03.033 What will become of their fate? 608 00:29:03.033 --> 00:29:04.583 You can't close it here 609 00:29:04.583 --> 00:29:07.783 This type of synopsis can confuse the reader 610 00:29:07.783 --> 00:29:10.933 Surprisingly, many aspiring writers 611 00:29:10.933 --> 00:29:12.833 write their synopses this way 612 00:29:12.833 --> 00:29:16.133 That’s how movie flyers 613 00:29:16.133 --> 00:29:20.183 that we see in theaters, they have many flyers there 614 00:29:20.183 --> 00:29:22.533 This is how they present their synopses 615 00:29:22.533 --> 00:29:24.633 And people assume that it's the way 616 00:29:24.633 --> 00:29:26.633 to write a synopses 617 00:29:26.633 --> 00:29:29.083 No, it's another form of advertisement 618 00:29:29.083 --> 00:29:31.883 We’re creating a proposal 619 00:29:31.883 --> 00:29:33.833 to get selected 620 00:29:33.833 --> 00:29:37.183 so your synopsis needs to fully include all three acts 621 00:29:37.183 --> 00:29:40.833 If your character ventures into the enemy’s lair 622 00:29:40.833 --> 00:29:44.383 did they survive or not? Did they win or lose? 623 00:29:44.383 --> 00:29:47.533 Isn't that a spoiler? 624 00:29:47.533 --> 00:29:50.033 The reader of your synopsis isn’t an average reader 625 00:29:50.033 --> 00:29:51.533 They’re the ones who may select you 626 00:29:51.533 --> 00:29:54.183 Let's imagine a job interview 627 00:29:54.183 --> 00:29:56.133 What are your aspirations for this company? 628 00:29:56.133 --> 00:29:58.183 With that question, do you say 629 00:29:58.183 --> 00:30:00.983 That’s a spoiler, hire me and I’ll tell you 630 00:30:00.983 --> 00:30:04.183 This isn't going to work, it's the same thing 631 00:30:04.183 --> 00:30:06.683 Even with this, I hear from so many students 632 00:30:06.683 --> 00:30:09.433 that wiring a synopsis is so difficult 633 00:30:09.433 --> 00:30:11.633 So I have something to help you 634 00:30:11.633 --> 00:30:17.783 Mark Kneece, author of The Complete Guide to Writing Graphic Novels 635 00:30:17.783 --> 00:30:20.033 offers a great method 636 00:30:21.033 --> 00:30:24.733 He suggests starting with a logline 637 00:30:24.733 --> 00:30:27.383 and breaking the story into three acts 638 00:30:27.383 --> 00:30:31.433 Then, write one sentence for each act 639 00:30:31.433 --> 00:30:33.933 That sounds familiar with the logline 640 00:30:33.933 --> 00:30:35.683 That's what I told you then 641 00:30:35.683 --> 00:30:39.033 A person who has never been in a relationship 642 00:30:39.033 --> 00:30:42.033 explores every kind of romance 643 00:30:42.033 --> 00:30:45.233 only to realize that what they truly need isn’t romance 644 00:30:45.233 --> 00:30:49.283 This serves as a skeletal summary of the story 645 00:30:49.283 --> 00:30:51.033 And after that, Kneece suggests 646 00:30:51.033 --> 00:30:53.983 adding details such as subplots, actions, etc. 647 00:30:53.983 --> 00:30:57.684 until the text fills one full page 648 00:30:57.684 --> 00:30:59.284 That's interesting, isn't it? 649 00:30:59.284 --> 00:31:01.884 I thought that was very interesting 650 00:31:01.884 --> 00:31:04.734 Just add more until it fills a page 651 00:31:04.734 --> 00:31:06.784 This may not sound too productive 652 00:31:06.784 --> 00:31:10.284 but it ensures you cover all three acts 653 00:31:10.284 --> 00:31:12.084 and emphasizes brevity 654 00:31:12.084 --> 00:31:14.984 It's a very important exercise 655 00:31:14.984 --> 00:31:16.884 Don't write a long synopsis 656 00:31:16.884 --> 00:31:20.284 Why limit the synopses to one page? 657 00:31:20.284 --> 00:31:24.884 This is what many books about writing emphasize 658 00:31:24.884 --> 00:31:27.184 It's something all writers 659 00:31:27.184 --> 00:31:31.384 should be able to do, while 660 00:31:31.384 --> 00:31:35.034 so many aspiring writers don't follow this 661 00:31:35.034 --> 00:31:37.184 The longer, the better? 662 00:31:37.184 --> 00:31:40.434 That is not the case 663 00:31:40.434 --> 00:31:44.084 Editors, platform managers, and contest judges 664 00:31:44.084 --> 00:31:47.584 often have to read hundreds or even thousands of proposals 665 00:31:47.584 --> 00:31:50.534 If you’re reading through stacks of one-page synopses 666 00:31:50.534 --> 00:31:53.334 and suddenly find a 20-page one in the mix 667 00:31:53.334 --> 00:31:54.784 do you think that 668 00:31:54.784 --> 00:31:57.084 this person put in a lot of effort, and that you 669 00:31:57.084 --> 00:31:59.634 should spend 20 times as much time reading it carefully? 670 00:31:59.634 --> 00:32:02.984 There are still 987 submissions left to review 671 00:32:02.984 --> 00:32:04.684 So that's not the case 672 00:32:04.684 --> 00:32:08.784 his is why one page is the maximum 673 00:32:08.784 --> 00:32:12.334 Anything longer creates a significant psychological barrier 674 00:32:12.334 --> 00:32:15.884 Some people may say this 675 00:32:15.884 --> 00:32:19.984 His Webtoon is 20 episodes long, but mine is 200 episodes 676 00:32:19.984 --> 00:32:22.784 How can both of us summarize our stories in just one page 677 00:32:22.784 --> 00:32:25.184 when the scales are different? 678 00:32:25.184 --> 00:32:27.884 That's impossible, or even unfair 679 00:32:27.884 --> 00:32:31.284 If he gets a page, for my 200 episodes 680 00:32:31.284 --> 00:32:34.434 I should get ten pages 681 00:32:34.434 --> 00:32:37.534 No, that's not the case 682 00:32:37.534 --> 00:32:40.984 Even a 200-episode Webtoon needs only one page 683 00:32:40.984 --> 00:32:44.234 How? By increasing the compression rate 684 00:32:44.234 --> 00:32:46.784 A 200-episode story needs to compress the information 685 00:32:46.784 --> 00:32:48.634 ten times as much 686 00:32:48.634 --> 00:32:53.284 Mark Kneece advises, dd details until the page is full 687 00:32:53.284 --> 00:32:54.434 It also means 688 00:32:54.434 --> 00:32:57.334 that once the page is full, stop adding more 689 00:32:57.334 --> 00:33:01.684 your main events alone fill the page 690 00:33:01.684 --> 00:33:04.284 that's it, no more 691 00:33:04.284 --> 00:33:05.584 Does that sound cold? 692 00:33:05.584 --> 00:33:07.634 Then here's another tip for you 693 00:33:07.634 --> 00:33:10.834 Consider this, for example 694 00:33:10.834 --> 00:33:14.334 if your story isn't too long, you can do this 695 00:33:14.334 --> 00:33:19.434 For example, the protagonist 696 00:33:19.434 --> 00:33:23.534 visits Dongdaemun, then Seodaemun 697 00:33:23.534 --> 00:33:27.184 then Gangnam Station, then Yeoksam Station 698 00:33:27.184 --> 00:33:28.484 and what else? 699 00:33:28.484 --> 00:33:30.034 So many stations 700 00:33:30.034 --> 00:33:32.784 This station, that station, and more 701 00:33:32.784 --> 00:33:36.034 Eventually they realize that subway stations 702 00:33:36.034 --> 00:33:37.134 are all the same 703 00:33:37.134 --> 00:33:39.584 and returns home disillusioned 704 00:33:39.584 --> 00:33:41.284 Let's compress this 705 00:33:41.284 --> 00:33:45.484 The protagonist explores various subway stations across Seoul 706 00:33:45.484 --> 00:33:47.334 only to realize they’re all the same 707 00:33:47.334 --> 00:33:48.834 That's one sentence 708 00:33:48.834 --> 00:33:50.884 That's higher compression rate 709 00:33:50.884 --> 00:33:54.484 Do not list all the events 710 00:33:54.484 --> 00:33:58.734 but describe the meaning of the events 711 00:33:58.734 --> 00:33:59.734 That way, you can write as I said 712 00:33:59.734 --> 00:34:03.334 Having explored various subway stations across Seoul 713 00:34:03.334 --> 00:34:05.334 they realized they’re all the same 714 00:34:05.334 --> 00:34:07.534 You can increase your compression rate 715 00:34:07.534 --> 00:34:10.734 with this kind of description 716 00:34:11.334 --> 00:34:14.884 I'm sure you're still wondering 717 00:34:14.884 --> 00:34:17.634 if this is all to synopsis 718 00:34:17.634 --> 00:34:20.234 if there isn't anything more to it 719 00:34:20.784 --> 00:34:23.234 I'm sure 720 00:34:23.234 --> 00:34:26.034 that you are surprised that this is it for synopsis 721 00:34:26.034 --> 00:34:29.734 thinking that you need something more about it 722 00:34:29.734 --> 00:34:31.934 Stop if it 's full? 723 00:34:31.934 --> 00:34:34.984 That's not something a professor on storytelling would say 724 00:34:34.984 --> 00:34:38.234 Some of you may be thinking that 725 00:34:39.335 --> 00:34:41.835 I've had some students come up to me 726 00:34:41.835 --> 00:34:43.735 and say this with a serious face 727 00:34:43.735 --> 00:34:47.285 I followed your instructions, and my synopsis is boring 728 00:34:47.285 --> 00:34:48.735 You may imagine 729 00:34:48.735 --> 00:34:51.435 that this would really surprise and hurt 730 00:34:51.435 --> 00:34:53.335 the instructor for storytelling 731 00:34:53.335 --> 00:34:56.085 But no, I am not hurt at all 732 00:34:56.085 --> 00:34:58.935 Because I already know 733 00:34:58.935 --> 00:35:00.585 that all synopses are like that 734 00:35:00.585 --> 00:35:03.335 They're meant to be boring 735 00:35:03.735 --> 00:35:05.285 Don't be too surprised 736 00:35:05.285 --> 00:35:07.135 Regarding proposals, particularly synopses 737 00:35:07.135 --> 00:35:09.285 we still have much to discuss 738 00:35:09.285 --> 00:35:11.935 In our final session next time 739 00:35:11.935 --> 00:35:14.735 we will learn how to critique and revise 740 00:35:14.735 --> 00:35:17.985 Only after going through that stage 741 00:35:17.985 --> 00:35:21.085 will your proposals and synopses truly shine 742 00:35:21.085 --> 00:35:24.835 Please look forward to it, and I’ll see you again next time 743 00:35:25.435 --> 00:35:26.085 Proposal Planning 744 00:35:26.085 --> 00:35:26.685 Types of Proposals Writers’ internal working drafts vs submissions for external review 745 00:35:26.685 --> 00:35:27.335 Working proposals are for the writer’s eyes only, so they don’t need to follow strict formats 746 00:35:27.335 --> 00:35:27.935 A record kept by the author for their reference, where inconsistencies between events or daily changes in character settings are acceptable 747 00:35:27.935 --> 00:35:28.585 It can include doodles or monologues about the characters 748 00:35:28.585 --> 00:35:29.185 Submission Proposal A sales document designed to secure approval should effectively convey information about the work the author wishes to create 749 00:35:29.185 --> 00:35:29.785 They must demonstrate why the work should be chosen They should follow the format if any is given 750 00:35:29.785 --> 00:35:30.385 They should avoid statements like undecided or subject to change 751 00:35:30.385 --> 00:35:31.035 Proposal Components 752 00:35:31.035 --> 00:35:31.635 Name If reluctant to reveal your real name, write it in the proposal but negotiate pseudonym use in the contract 753 00:35:31.635 --> 00:35:32.285 Title Titles like 'Untitled', 'Not yet decided', or 'In progress' shouldn't be used and a proper title must be provided when submitting 754 00:35:32.285 --> 00:35:32.885 Genre Use terms recognizable to reviewers and relevant in today’s market 755 00:35:32.885 --> 00:35:33.535 Estimated Length A rough estimate, such as tens of episodes, is sufficient 756 00:35:33.535 --> 00:35:34.135 New writers should propose realistic episode lengths 757 00:35:34.135 --> 00:35:34.735 Target Audience The target age group should be detailed, with other groups categorized based on factors like college students, working professionals, and personal preferences 758 00:35:34.735 --> 00:35:35.335 Character Descriptions: Focus on key characters and avoid excessive detail about minor ones. 759 00:35:35.335 --> 00:35:36.135 Logline and Synopsis 760 00:35:36.135 --> 00:35:36.935 Logline A compressed summary of the entire story in 1-2 sentences 761 00:35:36.935 --> 00:35:37.785 It must include all three acts 762 00:35:37.785 --> 00:35:38.635 Synopsis A summary of the entire story 763 00:35:38.635 --> 00:35:39.485 After reading it, the reviewer should fully understand the narrative 764 00:35:39.485 --> 00:35:40.335 It must include all three acts, ensuring clarity of each