Self Publish Graphic Novel: A Guide to Success

The comic book has grown into a powerful storytelling medium in today’s digital world. Self-publishing has changed the game for those who want to create graphic novels¹. Now, anyone with a story idea can publish their comic book thanks to self-publishing platforms¹.

Self-publishing lets creators keep more of their earnings and own their work fully¹. This means they have more control over their stories and how they are marketed¹.

But, self-publishing a graphic novel comes with its own set of challenges. You need to write a compelling story and figure out how to format and distribute it. Yet, with the right help and resources, you can make your graphic novel a reality².

The Written Graphic Novel’s Kickstarter campaign is a great example. It aimed to raise £5,000 but got £5,617 from 166 backers, beating its goal². This shows how self-publishing can tap into a community of fans for support.

Key Takeaways

• Self-publishing platforms have lowered the barrier to entry for comic book creators, allowing anyone with a finished concept to publish a comic book.
• Self-publishing offers creators the opportunity to keep more profits and retain complete ownership of their work, providing creative and marketing control.
• Crowdfunding can be a powerful tool for self-published graphic novelists to generate initial funding and build a dedicated fan base.
• Professional self-publishing platforms like Blurb and Morris Publishing provide high-quality printing, distribution, and fulfillment services for physical editions.
• Digital platforms like ComiXology, Webtoon, and Tapas offer access to large readerships, revenue sharing, and monetization opportunities for self-published comics.

The Journey of Self-Publishing a Graphic Novel

Self-publishing a graphic novel is both exciting and rewarding. It lets creators keep control and share their vision. But, it requires careful planning, from crowdfunding to getting it out there.

Crowdfunding the Graphic Novel

Crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter are popular for funding graphic novels³. The writer of a graphic novel about an Eel Catcher in England thought about Kickstarter but chose not to. They used social media to share updates and connect with fans³.

Formatting and Self-Publishing

After finishing the graphic novel, it’s time to format it for self-publishing⁴. Deciding on script type and technical needs for publishing platforms is key⁴. Self-publishing on Amazon can be free, with better e-book royalties⁴.

Investing in editing is important, with costs from $30 to $60 an hour⁴. Good marketing, like a website and social media, can also help⁴.

The self-publishing path is both tough and fulfilling. Knowing the steps helps creators share their stories³. The Eel Catcher’s graphic novel sold out in 7 weeks, showing its success³.

Writing and Illustrating a Graphic Novel

Creating a graphic novel is different from writing a traditional novel⁵. Graphic novels and comics are part of sequential art, a term coined by Will Eisner⁵. Many graphic novels are made as full stories, not just collections of comics⁵.

The audience for graphic novels is divided into three age groups: Middle Grade (ages 7 to 12), Young Adult (ages 13 to 18), and Adult (ages 18+)⁵. Graphic novels cover many genres, like horror, romance, and science fiction⁵.

Differences Between Writing a Novel and a Graphic Novel

Writing a graphic novel is a team effort between the writer and illustrator⁵. Not all graphic novels are standalone stories; many are part of a series⁵. This teamwork allows for a shared vision, where both the writer and illustrator contribute to the story⁵.

Some writers and illustrators work together on both tasks, while others focus on writing and need an illustrator⁵.

Choreographing Fight Scenes and Story Arcs

Graphic novel scripts are similar to screenplays but can be written in software like Final Draft or Microsoft Word⁵. There are many script templates online, helping writers choose their format⁵. The guide for writing a graphic novel stresses the importance of a strong protagonist and clear goals⁵.

But graphic novels also need careful planning of fight scenes and story arcs. This ensures a smooth transition between text and images⁵.

Understanding the unique aspects of graphic novel writing and illustration helps authors create engaging stories⁵. The teamwork between writers and illustrators, along with detailed planning, are key to a successful graphic novel⁵.

self publish graphic novel : Copyright and Formatting Considerations

When you self-publish a graphic novel, knowing about copyright and formatting is key⁶. More artists are choosing self-publishing because of new tech and the desire for freedom⁶. It lets them control their stories and art without outside pressure⁶.

Keeping your work safe is a must⁷. Copyright helps protect your comic from being used without permission⁷. It keeps your rights to your work and lets you fight against any misuse.

⁷ You need an ISBN to sell your comic in stores or online⁷. It shows who published it, who wrote it, and what it’s called⁷. This is important for getting your book out there.

1. ⁷ Comics are often printed on 60#, 70#, 80# Bright White, 80# Silk (satin) Text, and 100# Gloss Text paper⁷.
2. ⁷ Comics usually are 6 5/8 inches by 10 ¼ inches, but size can vary⁷.
3. ⁷ Covers can have Shiny Hi-Gloss Laminate, Diamond 3D Foil, Clear, or Smart Textures for a better look⁷.

⁶ Self-publishing means you keep more of your earnings than traditional publishing⁶. With print-on-demand and digital platforms, starting is easier and more profitable⁶.

Making your graphic novel look good and easy to read is vital⁶. Using tools like Affinity Publisher can help with design⁶. Choosing the right platform, like Amazon KDP or ComiXology, helps get your work to readers⁶.

Understanding copyright, formatting, and how to share your work is key for success⁶⁷.

Working with Professionals and Platforms

Starting your graphic novel journey? Working with the right team and using the right platforms is key to success⁸. A good team includes a writer, editor, illustrator, colorist, and letterer⁸. Traditional publishing can give you 60-70% of the book’s sale price, but self-publishing means you pay upfront⁸.

Finding and Collaborating with Illustrators

Finding the right illustrator is essential for a great graphic novel⁹. Graphic novels became popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s⁹. Today, they’re more popular than ever, thanks to movies and TV shows⁹.

Use your network, comic conventions, and online platforms to find talented illustrators¹⁰. They can help make your graphic novel visually stunning¹⁰.

Utilizing Self-Publishing Platforms and Services

⁸ Self-publishing graphic novels can be done through print-on-demand, saving on paper and printing⁸. Crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter can help fund your project⁸. You’ll need an ISBN to sell your book in stores⁸¹⁰.

Self-publishing means you keep more of the profits, but you need a good marketing plan⁹.

¹⁰ Marketing is vital for both traditional and self-publishing authors¹⁰. Comic conventions are great for meeting fans and networking¹⁰. Marketing through giveaways can also help¹⁰⁹.

Keep going, even when faced with criticism and rejection⁹.

Conclusion

Starting your journey to self-publish your graphic novel is a big step. It shows your creativity and hard work. The path may be tough, but the joy of sharing your story is worth it¹¹.

Success in self-publishing often means finding different ways to make money. Try illustration, speaking, and teaching to add to your income¹¹. Being persistent and open to new ideas will help you keep going as a self-published author.

Use all the resources you can find to help you. Guides like “The Self-Publishing Manual” by Dan Poytner are very helpful¹¹. Crowdfunding and self-publishing services can also help you reach your audience¹². With good planning and creativity, your graphic novel can make a mark in visual storytelling¹².

Source Links

1. How to Self-Publish a Comic Book: Guide | Blurb Blog – https://www.blurb.com/blog/how-to-self-publish-a-comic-book/
2. How to Self-Publish a Graphic Novel – https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-self-publish-a-graphic-novel/
3. How I approached self publishing my graphic novel side project: The Eelman Chronicles – https://uxplanet.org/how-i-approached-self-publishing-my-graphic-novel-side-project-the-eelman-chronicles-3a3ab7714037
4. How to Self-Publish a Graphic Novel | Elite Authors – https://eliteauthors.com/blog/how-to-self-publish-a-graphic-novel/
5. How to Write a Graphic Novel and Publish It in 6 Easy Steps – https://kindlepreneur.com/how-to-write-a-graphic-novel/
6. How To Self-Publish Your Comic Book – https://spines.com/how-to-self-publish-your-comic-book/
7. 7 Steps to Get Started 7 Steps to Print Your Own Comic Book – https://www.48hrbooks.com/blog/221/how-to-self-publish-a-comic-book-7-steps-to-get-started
8. How to Publish a Graphic Novel – https://publishdrive.com/how-to-publish-a-graphic-novel.html
9. How to Self Publish a Graphic Novel – https://ghostwritersandco.com/self-publish-a-graphic-novel/
10. How to Publish a Graphic Novel: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners – https://dashtoon.com/blog/how-to-publish-a-graphic-novel/
11. How I Self-Published a Graphic Novel (10/10) – Lars Martinson: Cartoonist – http://larsmartinson.com/how-i-self-published-a-graphic-novel-1010/
12. [THE MAKING OF] Drawing Conclusions. And Comics. – [TEXTSMITH] BLOG – https://blog.jameshereth.com/the-making-of-drawing-conclusions-and-comics/