Practical Nuts and Bolts

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Comics Workbook: A “new type of learning space for comics-making” that’s committed to “creating a hub for comics-making and writing about comics-making that emphasizes the healthy growth and development of its contributors and readers […] nurturing an exciting cultural space for makers by makers [and] investing in the exploration of the comics medium as a vital community form, evolving from its 20th-21st century existence as a commodity form.”

The Definitive List of Comic Publisher Submission Guidelines: Jason Thibault has compiled extensive information about comics publishers in the US, Canada, and the UK, so check this page out if you’re trying to find and/or pitch your work to a publisher for your work. (Thanks for the tip, Erim!)

Draw Stronger: Kriota Willberg’s excellent guide to injury for cartoonists and other artists (but valuable for anyone who works at a desk all day!) Durham Count Library patrons can request a copy here.

Get a Grip: Draw Stronger author Kriota Willberg’s cartoonist self-care column at The Beat

Graphic Novel TK podcast: An excellent resource if you’re interested in pursuing comics outside the self-publishing arena. In-depth conversations with actual professionals—editors, agents, publishers, etc.—make for invaluable information. Even if you don’t have plans to break into the big leagues, put this podcast on in the background so you won’t be completely out of your depth when the big leagues invite you in! (Note for parents: the hosts and guests don’t edit themselves for language, so you might want to preview before putting this on for your kids.)

Literary Journals Open to Other Art Forms: Most (but not all) of these publications also accept comics submissions! A great publishing avenue to pursue.  (Thanks for the tip, Erim!)

Making Minicomics with Jessica Abel: Author of the acclaimed La Perdida and co-author (with Matt Madden) of Drawing Words and Writing Pictures compiled this list of of steps for folks who want to start making minicomics.

Pitch Deck Templates from Ezra Clayton Daniels: The writer/artist of Upgrade Soul and writer of BTTM FDRS (with Ben Passmore) tweeted that “I get a lot of compliments from editors and agents on my pitch decks. So I made a GoogleSlides template complete with descriptions and tips on populating it with your own pitch content! Ideal for comics but easily modified for any medium.”

Poets & Writers’ Directory of Literary Magazines: “[T]he nation’s largest nonprofit organization serving creative writers” has gathered contact information and rough submission guidelines for more than a thousand literary magazines and put them in this easy-to browse directory! The link here connects you with titles in their “Graphic/Illustrated” category, which includes comics and graphic narratives; they still recommend contacting individual publishers to make sure of their specific requirements and interests.

Publishing 101: How to Print Your Own Comic Books: The folks at Mythopoeia have posted a really great rundown of everything you need to know if you’re printing your own comics! It’s mostly geared toward using self-publishing sites, and it was in fact prepared by someone who works at Mixam, but it looks like there’s a lot that’s still useful if you’re working directly with a print shop (or photocopier).

A Retailer’s Tips on Selling Minicomics: SPX-partner Big Planet Comics put together this helpful list of considerations when it comes to getting your minicomics into the hands of buyers.