Tips on Selling Your First Comic Book

Congratulations! You've written your first comic book and now all you have to do is publish it. Selling your first comic book is not as easy as selling a fiction or non-fiction manuscript, but it can be done. You simply have to know where to look to find markets for your first comic book, and you'll have to know how to market yourself and your characters well.

First of all, let's talk about what sells comic books. If you look at some of the classics, you'll find two common denominators: Action & Characters. Those two aspects of the comic book industry are the biggest sellers because they are what draws the target market. Before you try and sell your first comic book, make sure that it possesses those two characteristics.

Your next task is to decide how you want to publish your comic book. Your first option is to self-publish it, which can be done easily enough through services like Lulu.com. Of course, it is doubtful that you'll find international recognition through self-publishing, but many first-time writers aren't interested in fame. They just want to get their product into the hands of consumers.

If you decide to self-publish your comic book, everything is left up to you. You will have to find customers and sell your book to them through marketing techniques, which can be difficult. You can use available resources, such as your blog, friends and family, and comic book message boards, but it is doubtful that you will get rich through this method.

Your other option is to find a publisher for your comic book, which is easier said than done. According to the experts, including Chris Campanozzi of Open Book Press, the best way to sell your first comic book is to attend a comic convention. These events are held at different times throughout the year and are a way for comic readers, writers and editors to get together and network.

You'll find that just about every major city in the U.S. has an annual comic convention (Comic Con) that you can attend. Here are a few tips for using comic conventions to sell your first comic book:

Bring Your Portfolio: If you can draw, make sure you have a portfolio stocked with your best work, including any illustrations that go with your script. If you don't draw at all, don't worry about it.

Make Copies of Your Script: Have a 5-10 page comic book script ready to hand to prospective editors. It should be in pristine condition and should reflect proper manuscript format.

Prepare a Pitch: Have a pitch prepared to give to prospective editors. Explain why you want to sell your first comic book and how you got started writing. You should include a description of your characters as well as an outline for possible stories.

Introduce Yourself: The worst thing you can do at a Comic Con is be shy. Introduce yourself to editors, publishers, agents and other comic book writers, and make sure to bring a tall stack of business cards.