How to Get a Comic Book Published

Co-authored by Lydia Stevens

Last Updated: February 9, 2023

If you have a great idea for a comic book and have decided not to go the self-publishing route, you may want to get a comic book published. You can do this if you have the skills and the persistence necessary to succeed in this competitive field. The best approach is to start slowly, building your credibility within the comic scene and making publishers more likely to see you as a good investment.

Steps

1
Get a following for your comic before you think about having it published. That way, you have a reliable fan group that will buy your book when it’s published -- something publishers like to see. Post your comics online and use social networking sites to direct readers to your work. Check with local weekly papers to see whether they use local comics.
2
Enter contests for broader exposure. Individual publishers often sponsor contests and talent searches, as do organizations. Many of these contests offer publication in an anthology as a prize, which can help establish your credibility as a comic book artist.

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3
Locate comic book publishers that publish books in your genre. You can do this through online research, browsing at a comic store or attending a convention. Many publishers hire writers and artists to work on existing projects, rather than publishing those writers’ and artists’ books. If the publisher offers a limited number of characters and styles in its offerings, you’ll have a more difficult time getting your book published with them. Instead, seek out a publisher with diverse offerings and comic approaches.
4
Review each publisher’s submission guidelines carefully, especially noting whether the publisher requires a query letter or whether they accept unsolicited manuscripts. Publishers receive so many manuscripts that if you fail to follow their guidelines, you may not be able to get a comic book published, because they may not even review your work.
5
Choose the sample of your work to submit to the publisher, based on the submission guidelines. Most publishers require a submission of sequential pages long enough to reveal your storytelling skills, so choose a sample with a clear plot or one that reveals your characters. Make sure, too, that it demonstrates your artistic skill. Photocopy the sample once you decide on it.
6
Write a query letter if the publisher doesn’t accept unsolicited manuscripts. If the publisher does accept unsolicited manuscripts, you’ll want to write a cover letter.
- A query letter should introduce your work; highlight your accomplishments, such as any contests you’ve won and how many readers you have; summarize the comic book you hope to submit to them for review; and discuss why you believe your work is a good match for the publisher.
- A cover letter should also introduce your work, highlight your accomplishments and discuss why your work is a good match for the publisher. Instead of fully summarizing your work, briefly set the context for the sample and discuss where in the book it appears.
7
Send the query letter out to those publishers who don’t accept unsolicited manuscripts. Send the cover letter and your sample to those publishers that do. Be sure to include your email, phone number and physical address.
8
Wait to hear from the publisher. This usually takes a minimum of 4 weeks, but check the submission guidelines to find out how long the review process takes the publisher.
- If the publisher likes the idea you present in your query letter, they will ask you to submit a sample.
- If the publisher likes the idea you present in your cover letter, they may ask you to submit your entire manuscript.
- Check the submission guidelines to find out whether the publisher will contact you if they reject your idea.

Sample Comics

Sample Comic Book

Sample Comic Strip

Sample Political Comic

Community Q&A

Question

Can I publish a comic if I am age 13?

Community Answer

Of course you can. There is no age limit for writing.
Question

Can I get a comic published if I am 9? It's is about 3 animals who can turn into people. I call it: HUMINALS.

Community Answer

That's a cute idea. You should try crowdfunding to get your comic made. Set up an account on Kickstarter and upload some pictures of your drawings. Then you can start out by sharing it with your friends and family - maybe it will go viral!
Question

I have an idea for a character, but I can't draw. Is there any way I can bring this character to life?

Community Answer

If you don't know anyone who'd be willing to illustrate for you, there are online forums designed to link comic artists and writers. Some artists demand payment up-front, others may be willing to work with you for payment upon publication.