planet krypton to print 2
TRANSCRIPT
“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?
Marvel characters are “ and © 2012, Marvel Enterprises.
Sven Larsen is “ and © 2012, Sven Larsen.