Cinedigm, ComicBlitz and Your Independent Comic

Added on December 4, 2018 by Gamal Hennessy.

The world of comics distribution is in a constant state of flux. The tides of change recently shifted again when over the top (OTT) content provider Cinedigm signed a deal to acquire ComicBlitz.

“ComicBlitz gives readers access to 10,000 digital comic books from publishers including IDW, Valiant, Dynamite, Zenescope and Lion Forge. The service is priced at $7.99 per month for unlimited access and is available in 133 countries.” While it’s not on par with Comixology at this point, an influx of cash from an OTT network can expand the potential reach of every book in the service to new readers in new markets.

As you develop and publish your own comics, deals like this should remind you to keep your options open when it comes to marketing, distribution, and sales. What worked in the past might not work today. What works now might not work tomorrow. Take advantage of the shifting sands and technologies. Use them to get your books to your market.

Have fun.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS BLOG POST IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR LEGAL ADVICE. IF YOU HAVE AN ISSUE WITH YOUR COMIC PROPERTY, DISCUSS IT WITH YOUR LEGAL ADVISOR OR CONTACT C3 AT gamalhennessy@gmail.com FOR A FREE CONSULTATION.

Independent Comic Publishers Need Independent Bookstores

Added on November 27, 2018 by Gamal Hennessy.

Experts thought the rise of Amazon meant the death of bookstores. We saw Kindle as the book killer and Comixology dealing a similar fate to print comics. But experts are often wrong.

Amazon has been instrumental in the demise of Waldenbooks and the crippling of Barnes and Noble, but recent economic reports show growth in the independent book market over the past few years (See Small Bookstores Are Booming). The sense of community and the serendipity of wandering the shelves is something Amazon can't replicate...yet.

But what does this mean for independent comic publishers? It won't eliminate Amazon from most long term distribution models, but it can be another avenue for you to expand your audience beyond the comic book shop and build a stronger fan base. You'll have to do some research on the bookstores in your area to find the shop that works with your stories and your business model, but there are worse ways to do research than wandering the shelves of a bookstore.

If you want to read more about the business and legal aspects of independent comic book publishing,sign up for my free monthly newsletter today.

Have fun.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS BLOG POST IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR LEGAL ADVICE. IF YOU HAVE AN ISSUE WITH YOUR COMIC PROPERTY, DISCUSS IT WITH YOUR LEGAL ADVISOR OR CONTACT C3 AT gamalhennessy@gmail.com FOR A FREE CONSULTATION.

Silence May Not Be Golden for Freelance Comic Creators

Added on November 26, 2018 by Gamal Hennessy.

Companies are trying to prevent freelancers who work for them from disclosing what they get paid. This creates an advantage for the publishers , but it is dangerous for freelancers who lack the information to negotiate their deals in a thoughtful manner

Why Are Comics Better Than Movies (and books, and plays, and video games) for Telling Stories?

Added on November 13, 2018 by Gamal Hennessy.

In spite of the newfound popular acceptance, the masses still fail to see comics as a superior storytelling method, with both an artistic and popular appeal that elevates it above all other narrative art.

Will Comixology and Digital Distribution Save or Slaughter Comics?

Added on November 9, 2018 by Gamal Hennessy.

Independent comic creators need to embrace digital distribution not just as a cheaper alternative to print, but maybe as the only distribution they need to reach their market.

Why am I Qualified to Write a Book about Independent Comics Publishing?

Added on November 6, 2018 by Gamal Hennessy.

The Independent Comic Book Publishing book is being built on a foundation that includes 40 years of experience in the industry, extensive research, and a wide range of interviews.

What Is Your Business and Legal Guide to Independent Comic Book Publishing?

Added on October 31, 2018 by Gamal Hennessy.

Three years ago, I decided to write a book about the business and legal aspects of the comic book industry (See Your Career in Comics: An Introduction). My original idea was to create a comprehensive book that covered what I saw as the four major aspects of the creative comic book industry:

Publishing independent comics (See the Creator Owned Path)
Working as a freelance comic artist (See the Work for Hire Path)
Getting creator owned deals with publishers of all sizes (See the Creator Driven Path)
Moving your story off the page and onto screens and into merchandise (See the Transmedia Path)

As the research, interviews, and casual discussions among colleagues began to accumulate, two ideas became very clear:

Smaller is better: An all-inclusive book about the four major paths in comics is too big for someone with my limited intellect to tackle at once. It makes more sense to start with one aspect of the industry.
To Have a Career in Comics Publishing, It Helps to Publish Some Comics: Publishing independent comics is the foundation for understanding and entering the industry. While there are a lot of ways to get into comics, making and publishing comics gives you experience on both the creative and the business side of the process.

Armed with these two insights, my experience in the industry, and a thick folder of notes, it’s time for me to write Your Business and Legal Guide to Independent Comic Book Publishing.

I’m planning to document the growth of the book in this blog, so if you have any questions or comments along the way, please let me know.

Have fun.

Vault Comics Launches a New YA Brand

Added on October 25, 2018 by Gamal Hennessy.

The young adult segment of the comic book industry has seen growth in recent years. Gains have been seen in library, book stores and direct market shops.

Independent publisher Vault Comics recently announced a new imprint called Myriad to cater to this market.

"The new middle grade and YA imprint will offer original graphic novels and serialized graphic works as well as a lineup of new and established authors and artists. The initial list of titles and creators will be announced in November 2018." (Publishers Weekly)

Myriad can open doors for emerging creators interested in YA comics and signal to other independent publishers that growth can still be found outside the superhero genre.

Have fun.

Gamal

Can Freelance Comic Creators Form a Union?

Added on October 23, 2018 by Gamal Hennessy.

Unionization among comic creators isn’t impossible or is ultimately bad for the industry. But until the obstacles are overcome, freelance creators need to negotiate the best contracts they can and be flexible enough to withstand the rapid changes inherent to the industry.

Fighting the Demons of Independent Comics Publishing

Added on October 22, 2018 by Gamal Hennessy.

Publishing your own comics, like any type of independent creative endeavor, can be an exciting journey of achievement. It can also be a descent into poor health, isolation, and financial stress. Creators who can balance the love for their book with their long term well being have a better chance of enjoying the experience.

Jessica Bruder wrote a thoughtful piece in Inc. Magazine called "The Psychological Price of Entrepreneurship." While publishing an independent comic isn't the same as launching a Fortune 500 company, there are simple lessons in this post creators can learn like:

Make time for friends and family
Ask for help if depression or hopelessness sets in
Take care of your body (sleep, exercise, etc.)
Don't bankrupt yourself to make your book
Don't define yourself only by your book

Publishing independent comics can feel like being a superhero with a secret identity. Both your passion project and your alter ego need to be protected. Neglecting either one can create an imbalance that destroys both.