Planet krypton to print 2

“FROM PLANET KRYPTON TO PRINT”

How Comic Books Are Made(part 2)

Last class (review)

1. Script2. Pencils3. Inks4. Colors5. Letters

this class

1. Production2. Printing3. Finding a publisher4. Distribution5. marketing6. getting to issue #2!

PRODUCTIONSOME BASIC TIPSBEST TO WORK WITH GRAPHIC DESIGNER & PRE-PRESS STAFFUSE FLIGHT CHECKINCLUDE ALL FONTS & IMAGE FILESALL FILES SHOULD BE 300 DPI OR HIGHER (450 IS BETTER)

YOU CAN USE PHOTOSHOP, INDESIGN OR QUARK EXPRESS BUT FINAL OUTPUT SHOULD BE PRINT READY PDF.

PRODUCTION

TRADITIONAL FORMAT32-96 PAGES6.625 X 10.25 inchesSADDLE STITCHEDCOLOR NOT MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE THAN BLACK AND WHITETYPICALLY USED FOR PERIODICALS/MULTI-PART STORIES

PRODUCTION

“prestige” FORMAT48-96 PAGES6.625 X 10.25 inchesPerfect boundCOLOR NOT MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE THAN BLACK AND WHITECan be USED FOR PERIODICALS/MULTI-PART STORIES or one-shots & graphic novels

PRODUCTION“graphic novel” FORMAT96 pages+ (16 page signatures)Can be any trim sizePerfect boundCOLOR MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE THAN BLACK AND WHITETypically used to tell self-contained stories

PRODUCTION

Manga FORMAT96 pages+ (16 page signatures)Can be any trim size but usually “b” format paperbackPerfect boundAlmost always BLACK AND WHITETypically used to tell serial stories

Comic book printing SOME BASIC TIPS

Higher the print run the cheaper the unit priceCosts breakdown in to “set up” charges & paper costsIt’s always more expensive to go back to pressAsk about how books will be packedAsk if printer can store books

You can print locally, overseas or through a printing co-op

Graphic novel printing More options

Basic principles same as comic book printingBut print on demand is an optionServices like lulu, create space and blurb are usefulBlack and white much cheaper than colorSome of these services combine printing and distribution

FINDING A PUBLISHER

OPTION OWNERSHIP RISK TO CREATOR

DIFFICULTY EXAMPLE

Existing Characters or Existing Universe

Company Owned

Very Low Very High Marvel, DC

Sell to Established Publisher

Creator Owned Low High Dark Horse, Avatar, Book companies

Publishing Co-op

Creator Owned Medium Medium Image

Self Publishing Creator Owned High Easy Jeff Smith, Dave Sim

Web publishing

advantagesCan be any page countColor or black and whiteMulti part or self containedNo printing expenseMinimal distribution expense (hosting fees)

disadvantagesCan be harder to solicit talentAlmost always free

Distribution (comics)

How it worksSells to comic book storesThe only major distributorHas new product selection committeeMonthly catalog diamond previews –

lists thousands of items–Basic listing is about a paragraphAll other placement is paidSolicitation occurs at least two months in advance of deliveryOrders on a non-returnable basis

THE challenge of the direct market

Self -Distribution (comics)

How it worksSell at comic book conventionsSell (usually on consignment) to local comic book storesSell on the web

Distribution (graphic novels)

How it worksPublishers often own their own distribution companiesThere are also independent distributors (e.g. hudson news) & retailers (e.g. amazon)seasonal catalogs typically three –times a yearBasic listing is about a pageSolicitation occurs many months in advance of deliveryOrders on a returnable basis

Distribution (web comics)

How it worksVery cost effective optionComics apps like comixology or graphiclySelf-hosted websiteOther App based options like ibooks author tools or e-book appsYour print ready pdf can easily be posted online as well

Marketing 101

The four “p”s

ProductPricing Promotionplace

pricing

Diamond will take anywhere from a 40-60% discountRetail store discounts average 35-50%Booksellers generally receive a 40% discount onlne partners will take a cut too (apple takes 30%, amazon takes more)Web content is generally free of chargePricing can be used as a promotional tool

promotion

Comics news sitesSocial media (create a community)Events like store signings and launch parties reviewersConventions (panels, “artist’s alley” tablesWorking with charities (CBLDF, hero initiative)MerchandiseEven a successful kickstarter campaign can create a buzz

place

Key to success is to get content in as many places as possible3000 comic book stores10,000 traditional bookstores56 million ipads will be sold by the end of 201217 million kindles sold in 2011Web access is near 100% penetration in north america

Getting to issue #2 (or the next comics project)

Some common obstaclesWriters/artists/creative partners abandoning project“real life” gets in the wayUnderestimating work required to print, publish & promoteDistracted by opportunities (licensing, other media, offers to collaborate, groupies)For periodicals “four in the can”–For graphic novels “finish it first”–Professionals deliver on time

Last class (review)

1. Script2. Pencils3. Inks4. Colors5. Letters

this class

1. Production2. Printing3. Finding a publisher4. Distribution5. marketing6. getting to issue #2!

Recommended reading

Svenplarsen on Amazon.com

Planet Krypton Recommended Reading under “wishlists”

Questions?

e-mail: [email protected]: @svenplarsen

http://svenpatricklarsen.carbonmade

.com/

Marvel characters are “ and © 2012, Marvel Enterprises.

Sven Larsen is “ and © 2012, Sven Larsen.