How to Self Publish a Graphic Novel

How can you self-publish a graphic nove?

Most of us have had our share of graphic novel indulgence – from the classic comics of our childhood to the more sophisticated fare available these days.

But what if you’re to create your own graphic novel?

Is it possible to self-publish a graphic novel and get it into the hands of eager readers?

The answer is a resounding YES!

Self-publishing a graphic novel isn’t as difficult as it may seem, although you’d expect some challenges along the way.

The one good thing for you is that there’s no shortage of avenues from which you can get help and support.

What’s a Graphic Novel?

Graphic novels are, simply put, story-based comics.

They’re offered in a wide variety of genres and themes and usually feature more complex storylines than your average comic book.

Although they’ve been around for decades, graphic novels only started getting mainstream attention in the late 1970s/early 1980s with the release of works such as “The Watchmen” and “Maus.”

In recent years, the popularity of graphic novels has exploded, thanks in part to movies and TV adaptations of popular titles like “Iron Man,” “The Walking Dead,” and “X-Men.”

Why Self-Publish a Graphic Novel?

There’s an abundance of arguments in favour of self-publishing your graphic novel:

• You have a great story to tell and believe enough to want to see it in print.
• You’ve tried shopping your manuscript around to traditional publishers but haven’t had any luck.
• You wish to retain creative control over your work.
• You want to get your work out there as soon as possible.
• You’re not looking to make a fortune from your book, but you would like to see some return on your investment.

The Things You Need to Self-Publish a Graphic Novel

1 – A Compelling Story

Your graphic novel will never see the light of day without a great story. If you don’t have one, it is time to start working on it. The keyword here is “compelling,” so make sure your story is something that will keep readers engaged from start to finish.

2 – Fantastic Artwork

This is a no-brainer – good artwork is essential to any graphic novel. If you’re not particularly artistically inclined, consider finding a collaborator who can help you bring your story to life.

3 – A Budget

Self-publishing a graphic novel is pricey, especially if you’re hiring professionals to help with the artwork and printing.

Have a decent budget in place before moving ahead with your project.

4 – A Marketing Plan

You ought to have a plan in place for how you’re going to market your book.

This is doubly important if you’re self-publishing, as you won’t have the benefit of a traditional publisher’s marketing muscle.

5 – A Support System

An established support network will tell if your project is destined for success or failure.

Find friends, family, and others who believe in your vision and are willing to help you see it through.

6 – Thick Skin

There’s no sugar-coating it – self-publishing a graphic novel is hard work.

Be prepared for long hours, frustration, and plenty of rejection along the way. If you can’t handle rejection, this isn’t the project for you.

7 – Persistence

You must be persistent if you intend to see your graphic novel in print.

You’ll come across some criticisms and challenges but remember why you’re doing this in the first place.

Self-publishing is a lot of work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Stick with it, and don’t give up on your dream.

The Self-Publishing Process

Now that we’ve gone through the fundamentals of self-publishing a graphic novel, let’s take a more in-depth look at the process:

1 – Write the Script

This is where it all begins – with the story. Sit down and write your script; see to it that it’s as tight and engaging as possible.

If you’re not an experienced writer, now might be a good time to ponder hiring a collaborator.

There’s no shame in acknowledging that you need help – getting the story written is important.

2 – Create the Artwork

Once the script’s done, it’s time to start working on the artwork.

This is where having a clear vision for your book is essential, as it’ll make it easier for the artist(s) to bring your story to life.

Be reminded that great artwork takes time, so don’t rush the process.

3 – Find a Printing Partner

When the artwork is finished, it’s time to find a printer who can help you turn your vision into reality. This arguably is the most crucial step in self-publishing, as you must guarantee your book is printed to a high standard.

4 – Market, Market, Market

Now that your book is finished and ready to go, it’s time to start marketing it.

A solid marketing plan comes in handy – combine social media, personal connections, and other channels to get the word out.

5 – Distribute Your Graphic Novel

Once you’ve sold some books and generated interest in your project, it’s time you move on to distribution.

You have different ways to have your book reach your intended readers, so explore your options and find what works best for you.

Keep at It

Self-publishing a graphic novel is a lot of work, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding experience. So don’t give up – keep writing, creating, and marketing your book until it finds the audience it deserves.