How Do You Publish a Comic Book?

There are three main ways to get your comic book published.

There are three main ways you can publish your comic book: Finding a literary agent to help get your book to comic book publishers, submitting directly to comic book publishers, or self-publishing your comic book. Comic book publishers additionally often sponsor contests where you can submit your comic book and potentially procure a publishing deal. Above all, be certain that your work is in tip-top shape before you submit or self-publish.

Things You'll Need

• Written comic book
• Computer
• Internet

Instructions

Finding a Comic Book Agent

1. Study literary agents who represent graphic novels. Many literary agents have Internet sites that describe what they are looking for in a comic. Find agents who publish work similar to your style.

2. Create a query letter for your comic book tailored to each agent you query. Some agents may ask for samples with the query, so have a sample of your comic available to add to the query where appropriate.

3. Read all submission information carefully and follow it to the letter. Send out your queries according to whether the agent wants electronic or regular mail submissions. Expect to wait at least 1 to 2 months for a response.

4. If an agent agrees to represent you, review all paperwork carefully. In the event that you choose to sign a contract, it is the agent's responsibility to get your work seen by major comic book publishers.

Submit Directly to Publishers

1. Find out what each comic book publisher wants by perusing websites and reading submission guidelines. Not all comic book publishers will accept unsolicited material, but some will. Find the ones that do.

2. Prepare a submission packet. Follow the submission guidelines as outlined on the comic publishers' website.

3. Wait for responses. If a publisher likes your work and wants to publish you, they will contact you to sign a contract.

Self-Publish Your Comic Book

1. Find printers who specialize in printing comics, or go to a free book-creating website on the Internet. If you go to a printer, you will have to have money upfront. There are sites on the Internet where you can publish a book for free using print-on-demand technology, but you will have to pay for copies.

2. Arrange for the printing of your comic book or create your book on the Internet following the steps outlined on the site you choose.

3. Find ways to distribute and market your comic book. Self-publishing requires a considerable amount of work, but it can be rewarding. You may want to go this route if the traditional models do not work for you.

References

• AgentQuery
• Submissions

Resources

• Lulu