I want to independently finance and help publish my friend's comic book, how would I go about doing this?

Question

He wrote a brilliant story earlier this year, which he's hoping to run as part of a collection of stories and I think it should be made available, but I don't know how to do it or how much it would cost.
I know it can be done though because I've been to comic shops in London and seen indie comics there in black and white print, but how do they do it? Is there a company to go through or do I have to aquire the services of an artist and publisher myself? Any advice would be much appreciated!

Answer 1

START HERE:

http://www.hoboes.com/html/Comics/Creators/Legacy/

Or talk with this author:

http://www.chestercomix.com/

He publishes his own educational comics, and they are professionally done. Email him and he can give you some insight.

Althernatively, inquire from these guys:

http://www.publishondemand.net/

They publish books, don't know about comics.

Given what you describe, maybe you should publish on the web, as a serial. If the story is as good as you say, then you can really build a fan base this way.

Sorry I don't have anything more concrete. Would love to hear how this goes, since I have several comic ideas of my own.

Distribution and marketing is the real challenge (I know, we have a board game)

Answer 2

I suggest before you even think of getting it published start looking for an artist. Then after that you can look for publishers but there are millions of indie comics publishers so i reccomend:

idw (if it's horror or sci fi related)
fantagraphic books (if its really artsy)
dark horse (if you get a really good artist, they are known for taking risks with unknown talent)
image comics( mostly superhero but they do alot of other stuff too)
oni( hip alternative material like the jay and silent bob books and evil dead, also alot of indie stuff)

Answer 3

Ask in one of those comic book shops. An independent adviser should be able to help you too, although all you really need is a photocopier (or print copies using a pc) and a distributer, in which case you need to sell sell sell!!

Answer 4

this is very difficult. i'm an artist too, and these days and time, it's hard to publish things like that. in one case, people have to like your stuff. since i know people here in america, you will get so much critique. all he has to do is to have a site where he can display his stuff and all.

for us artist, we first have to get as many people as we can in order to be known in the public, and when the time comes for publishing, there will be customers waiting to get your comics.

Answer 5

thers plenty of independant publishers out there try ipc but i doubt if they will do it i suggest that you punt it around you may be lucky if you want to do it yourself itll cost you about 5000 to 6000 best of luck

Answer 6

Get a job and save up your money.

Answer 7

get in touch with me, I'll help you out and let you know eveything I can to help you self publish.

Answer 8

Ever heard of KINKO'S and a big bank account?

Answer 9

mmmmmmmmmmmm havent a clue

Answer 10

pienguin books