How to Get Funding to Self-Publish Your Comic Book

Apply for a grant to help you self-publish your comic.

You've just completed your first comic book, and you know that you don't want to subject your work to the soul-crushing scrutiny of editors and other middlemen as well as the anonymity of a publisher's slush pile. However, while the self-publishing route can be highly rewarding, it can also get expensive. This is where the Xeric Foundation could help. Founded by "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" co-creator Peter A. Laird, the Xeric Foundation has offered financial assistance to "fully committed, self-publishing comic book creators and nonprofit organizations" since the early 90s.

Things You'll Need

• 6 "clean" copies of your completed comic book (art and narrative)
• 6 copies of completed Xeric Foundation Application Package
• Financial information

Instructions

1. Write a cover letter introducing yourself (be sure to include information about everyone if there is more than one person working on the project, as in the case of a separate writer and illustrator) including the name of the project, your address and the amount of money you are seeking.

2. Write a one- or two-page statement of purpose (separate from the cover letter) explaining your comic and the reasons you have decided to try to self-publish your work.

3. Include a resume and a financial statement for each contributor to the comic. Use the financial statement form available on their website.

4. Prepare a detailed and itemized budget of expenses that will occur within your specific production time period for the funds you're seeking.

5. Make six copies of all of the documents for six application packages; this includes six copies of the comic. Put each package in a separate envelope.

6. Send the application packages to:

   Xeric Foundation
   351 Pleasant Street, Suite B, #214
   Northampton, Massachusetts 01060

Tips & Warnings

• Note that Xeric's assistance is expressly not intended to fully finance the artist/writer through the entire process of self-publishing. Also note that Xeric grants usually don't exceed $5,000.

• The Xeric Foundation will only review art and narrative together, not separately.

• Be aware of submission deadlines.

• Fully understand the nature of the Xeric grant before you apply. While the grant can be used for the physical production and distribution of your comic book, it cannot be used for obtaining services from other publishers, or for travel, business or living expenses. It also can't be used for art supplies, web sites, T-shirts or any other promotional items.

References

• Xeric Foundation: Apply for Grants
• Xeric Foundation: FAQs

Resources

• Xeric Foudnation: Financial Statement Form (PDF)