How to Publish Christian Cartoons
Publishing Christian cartoons involves the same elements for success as publishing any other kind of literature. You must find an effective way to distribute your work to an audience that wants your content. Research, patience, initiative and genuine talent will play a role in your success. The best chances to get published involve having a plan and executing its steps systematically.
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Instructions
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Research potential publishers for your cartoons. Identify the style and content of cartoons they are looking for as well as what they have published in the past. Look for publishers that specialize in Christian content, as mainstream comic book companies usually lack interest in spirituality-themed work. Make a list of imprints that may be interested in your cartoons. Also note their submission requirements.
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Polish a sample (or multiple samples) of your work. In order to get picked up by a publisher, you may not need to submit a completed final draft of your book, but they may want to see enough material to prove that the future product will be publishable. Send one of your favorite comic stories or an excerpt from your portfolio. Also, you may want to select different excerpts depending on the publisher. For instance, if the publisher is has a particular interest in Noah's Ark or a specific parable, send an excerpt that involves that story or idea.
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Develop a pitch for your cartoon. The pitch should be brief (e.g., one typewritten page) but should fully encompass the theme, story and tone of your work. Further, write something that distinguishes your cartoon from other Christian cartoons. Besides its value as art, explain why your comic will be a financial success in the Christian publishing market. Though Christian publishers have strong spiritual convictions, they need to be sure that your book will make a profit.
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Submit your sample and pitch to the list of Christian publishers that you developed in step 1. Be sure to follow the specific submission guidelines of each publisher. For instance, some imprints may take only snail mail submissions. Others may want to receive everything online. Most publishers usually post detailed submission guidelines on their websites so you will have little trouble with following their instructions.
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Wait for a response. Publishing is a slow business; be prepared to wait as much as six months to hear back. Also, be persistent. Most publishers are inundated with submissions, and the squeaky wheel gets the grease. If a publisher wants your cartoons, they will send a contract. Review it with a lawyer before signing. After you have negotiated an agreement, undertake any remaining steps to prepare your comic book for publishing.
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If no publishers are interested in your book, self-publish your cartoons. Companies such as Lulu.com have made it easier than ever for independent writers to sell their work directly to readers. If you self-distribute your work, set up a website with an e-store to sell your book. Then start getting the word out. If you believe in your book, others will too.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Cartoon Eye image by hellotim from Fotolia.com
