If you are a writer with a strong passion for comics, self-publishing provides creative control with free rein. A self-published comic book will differ from standard fiction and non-fiction work. Publishing a comic book is a joint effort of the author and professional services.

Follow these steps to create your comic masterpiece:

Self-publishing a comic book requires creative storytelling, with action, characters, and artwork to drive the story forward.

Comics and graphic novels make use of bold artistic drawings as an effective tool to evoke an emotional response in the reader. The genre is well suited for series, as the reader gets attached to characters through the drawings.

Creating a comic book will involve progressing through a series of steps-

Design your comic book with the help of these steps-

Pick your concept:

Choose a theme first. A comic book expresses a full spectrum of themes like fantasy, adventure, comedy, romance, and horror. Visualize the characters, setting, and emotional beats.

Write the story:

It’s time to write the manuscript with the dialogue that works with the art to propel your story. Structuring a comic book is different from writing a traditional book. It is a process more akin to a three-act screenplay versus a compilation of many chapters. Create story panels that allow you to sketch the plot points and action through the story arc.

Create the drawings:

Many comic book authors collaborate with graphic illustrators. The artist will work from the script, the story panels, and the character profiles you provide. The artist’s job is to modify the story into bold and expressive images.

Add color to your drawing:

The artist may self-color or work with a colorist who will complete the artwork. Earlier, coloring the drawings involved diligent work applying ink by hand. But nowadays, colorists use digital tools to perform the task.

Insert Typography:

A typeface is another valuable team member on the comic book self-publishing project. The individual specializes in lettering and calligraphy, adding speech bubbles and titles throughout the manuscript.

Modify the manuscript:

Once the manuscript is self-edited, it is time to get the book into the hands of a capable editor. The editor reviews the manuscript and provides feedback on the structure, plot flow, character development, narrative, and dialogue. After refinements, a line editor will do the final proofreading to catch any typos, spelling errors, or grammatical issues.

Publish your comic

Interior design and manuscript formatting follow different parameters for comic books. Other print-edition preferences, such as binding, finished size, and paper stock, are creative decisions made by the author and the collaborators. The comic book will be published and distributed as an eBook or print-on-demand.

Promote your book

Promoting your comic book begins before publication. Establish a following on social media early on to lay a solid foundation for marketing the comic book once it is published.

Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram provide platforms to introduce characters and other book details to a potential audience and develop a fan base. Once the book is published, leverage the social media platforms with contests, giveaways, and other promotions to drive sales and post-paid ads.

Bring your stories to life with Self-Publishing. Enjoy the freedom self-publishing offers the author and enlist the editorial talents to help you perceive your dream.