I've been developing a comic book for 27 years, how to I get it published?

Question

It is Science Fiction Comedy with a Christian story... The script has been written and tweeked many times, but I haven't had the time to sit down and DRAW it all since the original 1979-1983 version. I have character designs based on the original script (which I copyrighted in the 80's) and ideas for the future, but I have no connections to the publishing world. Is there any hope?

Answer 1

Self-publishing could be a good option. Do a search online for "self publishing" & sites will pop up.

Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* The Self-Publishing Manual: How to Write, Print, and Sell Your Own Book, 14th Edition by Dan Poynter
* Complete Guide to Self Publishing: Everything You Need to Know to Write, Publish, Promote, and Sell Your Own Book (Self-Publishing 4th Edition) by Tom Ross
* Smart Self-Publishing: An Author's Guide to Producing a Marketable Book, 3rd ed. by Linda G. Salisbury, Jim Salisbury
* Self-Publishing For Dummies by Jason R. Rich

There are lots of free informational resources out there as well. Check the source box for links to articles.

Also, be sure to copyright your work. You can do this at the US Copyright Office. Go to the last link in the source box for Literary Works. The application is fairly simple & the cost is $30 per application (it will raise to $45 by July 1).

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

Many wonderful resources! Your library usually has Writers' and Publishers resources. I know I'm getting several regualar emails about writing and publishing, including courses. Expect many rejections as that seems to be the norm, but don't give up. Since you already have a copyrighted copy, you should be in better standing to get accepted. If you have enough money, you can hire an agent who will do all the paperwork for you. Otherwise, self-publishing is very popular right now, and a lot cheaper. Writing contests can give you contacts. Some publishers can print up a limited number of copies for you that you pay for, and some even offer to make the contacts for you. So lots of hope. Comics are in, and there are specific Christian publishers as well. They suggest when you mail a manuscript off, that you mail yourself and that you leave unopened, but it helps establish you are the original author so some protection for you. Where you publish ie which country varies so make your own agreement or read carefully the publishers' agreements when you are accepted.

Answer 3

There is always hope through faith. I got published on accident. But, I have read about becoming published. It may be tough but right now, I enter any writing contest out there and that is how I wound up published. I know your theme isn't mystery but you really draw alot of attention through the mystery writers guild. currently it's lind of like the SAG of writing. Well, you can joine if you have published and made over a hundred dollars for the work. I will have this done in July and I am joining. Why? Because agents comb these websites looking for good work. Also, go to every writer's meeting in your area. For example, my Mother goes to writer's meetings because writing is her leisure but not her vocation, which is medicine. She led me on my way. Where she lives and meets with her fellow writers, agents always come. Mother says the best way in the door is to find an agent who has faith in your work. I have 25% of a book finished and crazily enough, after I read a book I see if the author has thanked their agents (most do) and I note it so that I can contact them when my the work is almost finished. If you don't your manuscript might sit in a pile and collect dust. It happens all the time. I know the agent get's money, but that is the way of the world and plus you don't sell yourself for the most part. They do. My step-dad is retired military. He wrote a book about soldiering. He put it on consignment in his area. Sales were coming in here and there (the man doesn't NEED the money) and he was happy because of the work. Then an agent saw it. The agent gets his cut and the book is now selling at 25 bucks a pop. Good luck!

Answer 4

I'd say check out a bunch of comic book publisher websites and check for their submission guidelines. Some publishers don't accept new work and some do. Make sure you have all that they are looking for. Some want to see inked finished pages while others would be happy to review your script with just a few character designs. All in all, go directly to the publisher. Try Top Shelf Productions http://www.topshelfcomix.com/
Last time I checked they are accepting work with just a script and character designs and they always give feedback.
Good luck!

Answer 5

Check out the Artist's Market book, they publish a new one each year. It's organized extremely well, easy to locate buyers/publishers looking for specific types of work. Since it's a story as well, there is also a book for writers...

http://www.writersdigest.com/store/booksearch.asp?category=Market+Books

GOOD LUCK! :0)

Answer 6

wow, 27 years! "is there any hope" thats what most comic book artists thought, until their comic books were a hit! ( ninja turtles etc..) However, comic books arent mainstream anymore, ur best luck is to get it in a movie format! dont forget to copyright it!