Posted in: Comics, NYCC | Tagged: 2016, comic con, Comics, entertainment, new york, new york comic con, NYCC, nycc 2016

How To Succeed In Self Publishing, With Jimmy Palmiotti And Friends At NYCC

By Ale Bodden

I always enjoy attending panels that focus on how to get somewhere with your trade and offer useful tips and resources to assist the journey. This panel has been one of the most honest; down-to-earth panel I have been to in regards to the subject. Hosting the panel we had Nat Towsen (Comedian/Writer), Jimmy Palmiotti (Comic Book Creator), Kelly Phillips (Cartoonist/Creator), Anthony Del Col (Comic Creator), Justin Jordan (Writer), Morgan Rosenblum (Darkrose Studios/Treadwater).

Each panelist introduced themselves giving us a brief history of their experience in comics and self-publishing. Phillips, though, being the only woman among the panelists deemed it her job to educate us, the public, on more women self-publishers. I actually loved that a lot—I love it when creators make it their point to give others a chance to shine.

The first subject our panelists glazed over was: What are things to do in regards to professionalism in the field and quality of work. Their suggestions were mostly along the line of networking and asking someone who has been in the field before what to expect. They did stress that exhibiting a level of professionalism does help with sales. Also, they recommended showing your artwork to other people for feedback. They did state you might not always like what you hear, but it is always good to see how your work is received. Rosenblum stated what when it comes to quality execution is primary—he suggested researching printers and their quality, ordering proofs before placing a full order. Phillips joined in to push people to not be afraid of asking questions.

Towsen quickly moved on to economics, asking for general advice on funding for projects and how to get started on that matter. Palmiotti answered first, stating it is always helpful to keep a regular chack coming in. However, it is of utmost importance to make time, make schedules for yourselves, create deadlines and be realistic with them—and he added that, if you are partnering up: keep it as 50/50 as possible. He stated this is not a business for millionaires, but one of passion. Rosenblum joined in suggesting Kickstarter and passion. He stated that a big part of the work must go into building a strong base and that there is no shame in starting with your friends and family. He explained that once you build a strong plan and they can see how those plans are to develop in the future they will help and more and more people are keen to follow after. He also added that marketing is one of the most important parts, finding out ways for people to look at your work. Del Col suggested budgeting and educating yourself in the business aspect of the trade as well, since over 50% of the time will be spent on the administrative side, not the creative.

Then Towsen asked the panel for tips on how to approach crowd-funding in an ethical manner. Palmiotti said it is essential to go above and beyond for your customers. He also suggested looking at your work and seeing what it brings and what makes it stand out, he added that if done wel backers become your advertisers. Phillips stated that it is important to be involved in the process and to educate people on it and your own mission. When asked about donor rewards Rosenblum nudge us to be creative. Phillips added that doing research on what people like and what people want can also save time and big fails.

Our panelists where then asked on ideas on how to get people to notice your work. Jordan stated he has a process: make it interesting, engaging, and interactive. Palmiotti then joined adding that interacting with people is important to establish yourself, to listen and support other people. Adding that communication is a two-way street and it's crucial to engage people. Rosenblum stated that one must get a brand ambassador, to condense your genre and premise when pitching your work to others. Del Col acknowledge that it is useful to boil the essence of your story to one line or two—makes it easier for others to understand and get right away.

When asked for other advice Jordan quickly stated know what you want and plan accordingly. As for Palmiotti, he stated he writes for himself first and then he finds his audience. Phillips just advised us to ask others for help when we need it.

Ale Bodden is a freelance artist and contributing writer for Bleeding Cool and Old Man Geek. You can find her on Twitter @nerdy_faery and IG @nerdyfaery.

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