This week has been overloaded with things to do and making the next tutorial was on my list but…well… it didn’t happen.
Aside from spending late nights working on my pages, I’ve been doing research on writing press releases, PR, marketing and distribution. It’s a ton of stuff to take in. In my search for information I’ve come across a few sites that might be useful to anyone who is making their own graphic novel. Happy trolling! Is that an oxymoron?
Great Self-Publishing articles
This one was emailed to me. It’s a series of four articles written about self-publishing an anthology comic by Sam Costello called Split Lip.
Sam Costello – On My Own in Independent Comics
Next, I found Lars Martinson, a Xeric Grant winner who wrote some interesting posts on self-publishing. He wrote and drew a graphic novel called Tonoharu: Part One. Here’s his series on How he self-published his graphic novel:
Lars Martinson – How I Self-Published a Graphic Novel
Third, I’ve been reading all kinds of articles written on Midwestbookreview.com. There is a huge resource for self-publishers talking about everything from distribution to marketing your book. Here is a link to the giant list of informative articles:
Advice for Writers & Publishers
Hopefully that can tide you over until I can get around to finishing my next coloring tutorial. Sorry to dash your hopes against the pavement.
- Jason
P.S. Please keep sending in your pin-ups. I’ve received some great ones already that I can’t wait to share here.
P.P.S. Remember, Ian, who wrote a guest post for reMINDblog.com about finding artists for your comic? Well, he started a kickstarter campaign and he needs to raise $500 in order to get the funding for his book. This book prooves that he knows what he’s talking about because he has some great artists in it. Go over to kickstarter and check it out.
P.P.P.S. If anyone wants to join the reMIND monthly mailing list to get your name added to the random drawings, receive email updates, special offers and news, then opt in by clicking below and filling out the form. This is the best way for me to keep in contact with you so please take a moment to join. No spam. I promise! Unsubscribe at any time.
Wow, these are some great links. Thanks!!
Thanks! Hope you get something out of it all. I know I am.
I just wanted to say how much I'm enjoying your blog and your story. I've got to hand it to you guys putting all this work in. I don't know how you find the time. I am looking forward to your latest tutorial as I like to dabble and I've even coughed up for your kickstart!
You may or may not be aware of another web comic, The Abominable Charles Christopher, http://www.abominable.cc
I am in no way connected with this site (just a fan) but apart from it being a brilliant cartoon, the author has also published his first volume in a high quality hard back not entirely unlike the book you are planning. Its not really my place to suggest but Karl Kerschel seems like a friendly guy to approach if you are still seeking to find out about actual experiences other people have had in self publishing.
Thanks for the support with Kickstarter! I've checked out Abominable before and I really am impressed with his art but I've never taken the time to read it. I noticed his nice hardbound book as well. You're probably right about approaching him to talk about self-publishing this kind of stuff. Thanks for the suggestion!
Your book will have a ISBN right? Cause with all the extras you should totally get it on some shelves. I think most places now a days just pay for what they sell and as long as there's demand and shelf space will keep it in stock.
Yep! I'm gonna have an ISBN, bar code, library of congress number, as well as all the other stuff to make it as legitimate as possible. I already have a freelance distributor or rep in place that is interested in pushing it into stores too. I'm still trying to uncover the secrets of getting into Barns and Nobles and Amazon. I have some books on it but haven't gotten that far yet. Lots to learn and do.
Your amazon comment got me thinking:
If you want someone to talk to about Self Publishing.. I might suggest Tom Siddell from Gunnerkrigg Court. http://www.gunnerkrigg.com/index2.php
I am not offiliated or anything with it, just a fan… but your comment reminded me about him.
a) He has published 2 books.
b) He has got them on Amazon <– what makes me bring him to your attention.
c) I found one in my local comic book store thousands of miles away from him.. in Canada! What a great place for graphic novels. I wonder how he did that.
I comment on his blog once in a while and he seems like a nice guy. I own both his books (hehehehe) and they are excellent quality. He might be a great guy to talk to. Just a suggestion.
Thanks for the suggestion. I really want to get a copy of his books because I've heard lots of good things about the quality. I looked it up on Amazon just now so I might just order it. Thanks again for the suggestion!
More great resources BTW.
Your site has more drawing and publishing resources in one place than any out there.
I may have to check those links out myself. Thanks for sharing. For me however, self-publishing is a last resort. I'd rather seek out a publisher first because all the stuff with printing, promoting, advertising, shipping, etc – that's overwhelming and I'd rather be left alone to draw.
Have you read the Complete Idiot's Guide to Creating a Graphic Novel? They have some chapters on self-publishing, promoting and publicizing your work.
The problem with most publishers of comics is you still have to do the marketing yourself. People think a publisher will spend tons of cash and time promoting your work if you get signed but it's very limited what most will do. It's always been up to the author of any book to go out and hire a PR company to helps spread the word that the book even exists. This is where most comic artist fall flat in my opinion. Now if you were able to get onboard with Random House or someone huge like that then you will get more help but you still need to promote yourself regularly. It's just part of the job of being an author.
Being left alone to draw is more of a work for hire mentality than a comic creator mentality. You are right that all publishers will handle the printing and shipping though.
I did read Complete Idiot’s Guide to Creating a Graphic Novel and I thought the best part was the chapters on promoting and publicizing. Thanks for the comment!
Hi guys,
here you can find an interesting article about comic creators.
Famous Comic Creators And Artists