If you have a great idea for a comic and have decided not to go the self-publishing route, you may want to get it published. You can do it if you have the talent and persistence to be successful in this competitive field. The best approach is to start slowly, building your credibility in the comic scene and making publishers more likely to see you as a good investment.
Steps
Step 1. Get an audience for the comic before you think about publishing it
That way you'll have a group of fans you can count on who will buy the book as soon as it's published - this is something publishers like. Post your comics online and use social networks to bring readers closer to your work. Check if local weeklies use local comics.
Step 2. Enter contests to get wider exposure
Individual publishers often sponsor contests and talent searches, as do organizations. Many of these contests offer publication in an anthology as a reward, which can help you establish your credibility as a comic artist.
Step 3. Identify comic book publishers who publish books of your genre
You can do this through an online search, browsing through books at a comic store, or attending a conference. Many publishing houses hire writers and artists to work on existing projects, rather than to publish their books. If the publisher offers a limited number of fonts and styles in their offerings, it will be more difficult to get your book published for you. Instead look for a publisher who has a different approach and comic publications.
Step 4. Review each publisher's submission guidelines, especially if the publisher requests a letter of request or accepts unsolicited manuscripts
Publishers receive so many manuscripts that if you don't follow the guidelines, you may not be able to get the comic published for you, because they may not even view your work.
Step 5. Choose the sample of your work to show to the editor, following what the guidelines say
Most publishing houses require pages to be presented in a sequence long enough to reveal your storytelling skills, so make sure you choose a sample with a clear storyline or one that reveals your characters. Also make sure it reveals your artistic talent. Make photocopies of the hair once you've made up your mind.
Step 6. Write a letter of request if the publisher does not accept unsolicited manuscripts
If the publisher accepts unsolicited manuscripts, write a cover letter.
- A letter of request should present your work, highlight your achievements, such as the contests you have won or how many readers you have; make a summary of the comic book you hope to submit to him; explains why your work should be a good investment for the publisher.
- The cover letter should also present your work, highlight your achievements, and explain why your work should be a good investment for the publisher. Instead of summarizing all of your work in detail, set the context briefly for the sample and discuss where it appears in the book.
Step 7. Send the letter of request to publishers who do not accept unsolicited manuscripts
Send the cover letter and the piece of your choice to the editors who accept unsolicited manuscripts instead. Make sure you include your email, phone number and address.
Step 8. Wait for a response from the editor
It usually takes at least 4 weeks, but check the guidelines to find out how long it takes to go through the manuscripts.
- If the editor likes the idea you presented in the request letter, they will ask you to send an excerpt.
- If the editor likes the idea you presented in your cover letter, they may ask you to send them the entire manuscript.
- Check the guidelines to find out if the publisher will contact you even if you decline.
