Hi! I am about to self publish my own comic very shortly (I'm 13 right now. I don't think age matters:) ) Don't worry I'm very good at drawing and I'll get my dad to help me so no need for concern:p. I need a little advice about self publishing comics. I need help, advice, and information basically on going through copyright things and all that stuff and things I should check for in my comic like how I should compose my comic. Oh and the type of comic I want to draw is Manga and I use the web site lulu.com (Thankyou jrebel7:) ) just in case someone wanted to know. Could someone also tell me how you get paid like if it is in stores how would they split up the payment?

I'm going to let jrebel7 know about your question since she would know more about this than most people here.

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Originally Posted by Clough

I'm going to let jrebel7 know about your question since she would know more about this than most people here.

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O.k. Thanks!:)

As to copyright issues you can learn about them at www.loc.gov\copyright.

Hi there Tux! I am in total agreement with you that age does not matter. Drive and determination does matter and it seems you have an ample supply of both and I am proud of you. I am glad to see you using lulu.com. I think it will serve you well. I was also glad to know your dad is going to be involved. Too many dads these days aren't involved in their kid's lives and you are a lucky person to have him and he you!

I have only had one poem published and since it is in a book that is alread copyrighted, I didn't have to concern myself with that. I am hoping some writers on this site might jump in here and help you with that. You might post a question on the "writing" thread later. On my web site I have "All content and images on this site are copyright of (then my name) and usage of such content and images is printed only with prior written consent."

Composing your comic would depend on the length of it, if it is one story or several within the comic. If more than one, could have preface page, introduction page, table of contents page but I would think, cover page, maybe a brief intro into the theme or characters then the comic pages. You might consider putting a short bio of yourself on the inside of back cover or back cover. Again, you might post on "writing" thread for more suggestions.

After having your comic published, I would make a list of businesses in your area who carry comics or gift stores that carry a variety of choices of gift ideas. I think when you and I visited on a previous question regarding your comics getting published, I also mentioned local coffee shops/book stores. If you are in a college area, you may have more access to those types of stores. People go in, buy a book or comic, or magazine, order coffee and sit and read and drink their coffee.

Two ways to approach this: First, just take a few copies of your comic, ask to see the owner and leave a copy for that owner to view and ask for a time you might come back to visit with him/her regarding selling them in his/her store. (Having several in your hand will make more of an impression I think than if you just take one in. Second idea, call first, make an appointment to show your comics and to visit about them handling your comics in their store.

If the store owner is interested in handling your comics, they will probably ask how much his/her cost will be. Have a set amount of what you are good with, realizing that they will tack on an additional cost for their profit. If you set the price too high, they might think by the time they add their amount on, it might not sell so sometimes better to break even or make just a little amount first until your comics gain some recognition. I can speak more as an artist to you than a writer but artists who have been on local talk shows, TV, radio, or featured in local magazines and newspapers, are able to ask more for their work than new comers even though their work might not be as good as the newcomer. You can sell the store a certain number of your comic outright or type up an agreement that they will take so many copies and pay you only if they sell and if they don't sell within so many months, you will pick them up. Make sure they sign that they have received said number of comics at what price. I would show in only one store exclusively until you get a following. It is respectful to the owner who is giving you the opportunity to show your comics.

Keep me posted on your progress and don't forget to post also on the "writing" thread. I am hoping someone can give you a little more specific information but hope this helps at least a little. Lulu.com might also be able to answer questions regarding copyright. Best to you!

Hey Tux, I see that ScottGem has also posted a link for you. I knew others would pop on here to help you. Good luck!

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Originally Posted by ScottGem

As to copyright issues you can learn about them at www.loc.gov\copyright.

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Thanks!:) I'll check it out!

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Originally Posted by jrebel7

Hi there Tux! I am in total agreement with you that age does not matter. Drive and determination does matter and it seems you have an ample supply of both and I am proud of you. I am glad to see you using lulu.com. I think it will serve you well. I was also glad to know your dad is going to be involved. Too many dads these days aren't involved in their kid's lives and you are a lucky person to have him and he you!

I have only had one poem published and since it is in a book that is alread copyrighted, I didn't have to concern myself with that. I am hoping some writers on this site might jump in here and help you with that. You might post a question on the "writing" thread later. On my web site I have "All content and images on this site are copyright of (then my name) and usage of such content and images is printed only with prior written consent."

Composing your comic would depend on the length of it, if it is one story or several within the comic. If more than one, could have preface page, introduction page, table of contents page but I would think, cover page, maybe a brief intro into the theme or characters then the comic pages. You might consider putting a short bio of your self on the inside of back cover or back cover. Again, you might post on "writing" thread for more suggestions.

After having your comic published, I would make a list of businesses in your area who carry comics or gift stores that carry a variety of choices of gift ideas. I think when you and I visited on a previous question regarding your comics getting published, I also mentioned local coffee shops/book stores. If you are in a college area, you may have more access to those types of stores. People go in, buy a book or comic, or magazine, order coffee and sit and read and drink their coffee.

Two ways to approach this: First, just take a few copies of your comic, ask to see the owner and leave a copy for that owner to view and ask for a time you might come back to visit with him/her regarding selling them in his/her store. (Having several in your hand will make more of an impression I think than if you just take one in. Second idea, call first, make an appointment to show your comics and to visit about them handling your comics in their store.

If the store owner is interested in handling your comics, they will probably ask how much his/her cost will be. Have a set amount of what you are good with, realizing that they will tack on an additional cost for their profit. If you set the price too high, they might think by the time they add their amount on, it might not sell so sometimes better to break even or make just a little amount first until your comics gain some recognition. I can speak more as an artist to you than a writer but artists who have been on local talk shows, tv, radio, or featured in local magazines and newspapers, are able to ask more for their work than new comers even though their work might not be as good as the newcomer. You can sell the store a certain number of your comic outright or type up an agreement that they will take so many copies and pay you only if they sell and if they don't sell within so many months, you will pick them up. Make sure they sign that they have received said number of comics at what price. I would show in only one store exclusively until you get a following. It is respectful to the owner who is giving you the opportunity to show your comics.

Keep me posted on your progress and don't forget to post also on the "writing" thread. I am hoping someone can give you a little more specific information but hope this helps at least a little. lulu.com might also be able to answer questions regarding copyright. Best to you!

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You help me out so much and inspire me to do more! Thank you so much! If I make my own comic I'll be sure to mention you in it.(Where you mentioned me having before the comic my own bio escept not all about me.) Not saying your name (Because usually people don't like stating there name in things like that.) but referring to you as a great friend.Thankyou! :D :D

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Originally Posted by tuxedo123

You help me out so much and inspire me to do more! Thankyou so much! If I make my own comic I'll be sure to mention you in it.(Where you mentioned me having before the comic my own bio escept not all about me.) Not saying your name (Because usually people don't like stating there name in things like that.) but refering to you as a great friend.Thankyou! :D :D

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I would be honored! Thank you. I am always happy to help in any way I can. We all need encouragement and you made my day special by your kinds words. Keep us posted! :p

I knew that jrebel7 would come through! :)

The following, among other things that jrebel7 has said, is also a particularly excellent point!

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Originally Posted by jrebel7
I would show in only one store exclusively until you get a following. It is respectful to the owner who is giving you the opportunity to show your comics.

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Since this is not just about visual art, but also about writing (which is also an art), then it would be appropriate to post certain questions, particularly about publishing on the Writing topic area, as that would then draw the attention of those who are published writers. I know that we have at least one person on this site who is a published writer. And, that would be Wondergirl.

The Writing topic area is located on the following link.

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/writing/

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Originally Posted by jrebel7

Hi there Tux! I am in total agreement with you that age does not matter. Drive and determination does matter and it seems you have an ample supply of both and I am proud of you. I am glad to see you using lulu.com. I think it will serve you well. I was also glad to know your dad is going to be involved. Too many dads these days aren't involved in their kid's lives and you are a lucky person to have him and he you!

I have only had one poem published and since it is in a book that is alread copyrighted, I didn't have to concern myself with that. I am hoping some writers on this site might jump in here and help you with that. You might post a question on the "writing" thread later. On my web site I have "All content and images on this site are copyright of (then my name) and usage of such content and images is printed only with prior written consent."

Composing your comic would depend on the length of it, if it is one story or several within the comic. If more than one, could have preface page, introduction page, table of contents page but I would think, cover page, maybe a brief intro into the theme or characters then the comic pages. You might consider putting a short bio of your self on the inside of back cover or back cover. Again, you might post on "writing" thread for more suggestions.

After having your comic published, I would make a list of businesses in your area who carry comics or gift stores that carry a variety of choices of gift ideas. I think when you and I visited on a previous question regarding your comics getting published, I also mentioned local coffee shops/book stores. If you are in a college area, you may have more access to those types of stores. People go in, buy a book or comic, or magazine, order coffee and sit and read and drink their coffee.

Two ways to approach this: First, just take a few copies of your comic, ask to see the owner and leave a copy for that owner to view and ask for a time you might come back to visit with him/her regarding selling them in his/her store. (Having several in your hand will make more of an impression I think than if you just take one in. Second idea, call first, make an appointment to show your comics and to visit about them handling your comics in their store.

If the store owner is interested in handling your comics, they will probably ask how much his/her cost will be. Have a set amount of what you are good with, realizing that they will tack on an additional cost for their profit. If you set the price too high, they might think by the time they add their amount on, it might not sell so sometimes better to break even or make just a little amount first until your comics gain some recognition. I can speak more as an artist to you than a writer but artists who have been on local talk shows, tv, radio, or featured in local magazines and newspapers, are able to ask more for their work than new comers even though their work might not be as good as the newcomer. You can sell the store a certain number of your comic outright or type up an agreement that they will take so many copies and pay you only if they sell and if they don't sell within so many months, you will pick them up. Make sure they sign that they have received said number of comics at what price. I would show in only one store exclusively until you get a following. It is respectful to the owner who is giving you the opportunity to show your comics.

Keep me posted on your progress and don't forget to post also on the "writing" thread. I am hoping someone can give you a little more specific information but hope this helps at least a little. lulu.com might also be able to answer questions regarding copyright. Best to you!

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Dear jrebel7,

I couldn't spread the love after giving it to you so soon. But, I just wanted to say, awesome and informative answer above! Great job!

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Originally Posted by Clough

Dear jrebel7,

I couldn't spread the love after giving it to you so soon. But, I just wanted to say, awesome and informative answer above!! Great job!!

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Thank you so much! Your words are an encouragement to me and I appreciate it so much!