How To Publish A Graphic Novel

Completing a graphic novel is a huge accomplishment, but now the next step is to get it in front of audiences. Connecting with readers who are interested in your genre seems easy at first, but in reality, the process of printing and promoting graphic novels and comics is pretty complex.

There isn't always a single best way to publish and sell your book, and your creative team will have to make several decisions based on your budget and target audience. The overall process is the same for everyone, and it doesn't simply end once you have your printed work in hand.

Traditional Publishing or Self-Publishing?

In years past, traditional book publishing companies have been the only way to get your graphic novel out to a broad audience. Major comics publishers had significantly more marketing power and relationships with bookstores, making it easier for authors to gain royalties for their hard work.

However, in the internet age, social media's power has made it possible for authors to reach audiences and self-publish graphic novels. Instead of relying on literary agents, query letters, and submission guidelines, writers and artists can simply publish the story they want to, without any editorial changes from a comic book publisher.

Selecting Size and Color

Graphic novels are often printed the same size as comic books, with 6.625" x 10.25" as the standard option. However, manga size (5.5" x 7.75") is also a viable option for artists whose work is less detailed, and this size is slightly less expensive than the standard size.

Printing at magazine size is uncommon, but it is possible for graphic novels with a heavy emphasis on detailed art. It's a great way to make your book cover stand out on indie bookstore shelves. Either way, decide your trim sizes before starting the artwork for a graphic novel, as the print size impacts your ability to fit legible text into speech bubbles.

When selecting black and white or color print options, keep your reader's expectations and budget in mind. If you have an existing fan base, it may even help poll them whether they would pay a little more for a full-color run. Sci-fi and fantasy comic fans typically expect color runs, but this expectation is usually more flexible with longer graphic novels.

get your graphic novel

Completing a Graphic Novel

Once you have a completed graphic novel in hand and you're ready to self-publish it, the next step is to get the image files ready. Ideally, you should look at the design templates in advance and complete all text and speech bubbles. If your book was originally published as a webcomic or the print size is changing, you may need to go back and make changes.

Choose a printer specializing in printing comics, picture books, and graphic novels and offers square binding with the number of pages you need. Text-only publishers may not have the same print quality or may require large margins in your books.

Also, be mindful of print deadlines when planning release dates. Comix Well Spring offers a 14-day standard production turnaround, with standard shipping taking around a week. If you're cutting it close, choose one of our rush production and shipping options to avoid disappointing fans.

Marketing and Promotion

Social media is the best way to get the word out about your work. Even before you've published your first volume, get on Twitter and Facebook, and begin building genuine connections with other comic fans. Some authors also set up a website and collect fans' email addresses to send updates to periodically.

If you live anywhere near a mid-size or larger city, you'll have easy access to at least a few comic conventions every year. These events almost always have an area for independent comic book and graphic novel creators, and renting a table is easy and inexpensive. It's also a good idea to get retractable banners and tablecloths to help make you more visible at these events.

Every time you release a new graphic novel, try to promote your other published work as well. This keeps fans engaged between new volumes, and you eventually build a loyal fan base. You can also try including pre-order freebies and giveaways like bookmarks and character art to generate buzz.

Plan for the Future

Although most authors and artists tend to plan multi-volume series, some reach the end of their short story and suddenly realize they want to make a continuation. With indie publications, the good news is that expanding your work is easy and not subject to any external control. You can write a comic that's as short or as long as you like and even create spin-offs.

Make sure to keep in touch with fans about the projected length of your work, and do your best to stick to any promises you make. Incomplete series can be a disappointment, and major delays can cause fans to lose interest.

Choosing the Right Printer

Comix Well Spring is an imprint of Greko Printing, a full-service printer run by printing industry veterans. Our services include saddle-stitch binding and square-bound comics and graphic novels, plus a vast range of other items like banners, flyers, business cards, and more.

We know comics, so we're happy to answer any questions you have about the indie publishing process and how to make your graphic novel a reality. Please contact our customer service team at (734) 345-6852 to learn more about our fast turnaround options and commitment to quality.