How I Self-Published my Comic Books (and you can too!)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ค. 2024
- Someone once told me that there's a book inside all of us. I don't know if that's true or not - but a little over a year ago, I decided to take the plunge and try to self publish a book.
Fast forward 9 months: I have two comic books published and a third on its way. The profits are enough that my husband and I can focus on this full-time.
We're having a blast.
I've been approached by a couple publishers since my second book came out and I've said "no" to everyone. I love self-publishing; I wouldn't change it for the world.
If you have any questions that this video didn't answer, please ask away!
I'm going to making more videos about self-publishing!
Btdubs, this is not a sponsored video. I just wanted to give a full walkthrough to what I think is the best way to self-publish your book.
One-time donation (to support the creation of videos): howibecametexan.com/donate/
Monthly support via Patreon: / texanintokyo
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Buy my comic books: www.etsy.com/shop/TexaninTokyo
My comics (on Amazon): goo.gl/5SzZCr
My comics (on my blog): howibecametexan.com/latest_blo...
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My blog: howibecametexan.com/
Facebook: / texanintokyo
Twitter: / texan_in_tokyo
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This is suuuuuuuch an amazing tutorial!! :D
Thank you so much for making this and sharing it with us! ♥
Rachel & Jun D'awwwww. Thank you :DDDD
I'm a freelance manga illustrator. Most of my clients are US-based writers and everytime they ask me about self-publishing, I just show them this video. A real time saver. ^ ^
Hey there, do you have a website? I'd like to see your work.
That's awesome! I'm working toward being a freelance comic illustrator :D
I'm looking for an illustrator for this new graphic novel I'm writing. Send me an email @sonnylouid81@gmail.com
Im a inker, colourist, writer, sketcher, muthafucking jack of all trade i need a master to perfect my edge
Hey man I am a artist and writer. But I am not a manga illustrator. I have stories can we both work for a book?
Hi! I should’ve come back to comment on this video a while ago...This video helped me self publish my book! I watched it obsessively and took notes on it. I self published my book in 2016 and Writer’s Digest named it one of the best self published books in America in 2017. It has a 5 star rating on Amazon, it’s on some shelves in Barnes and Noble, and now I’m on a national book tour for coauthoring another book! Thank you so much for this little video. It was part of my foundation that got me where I am today. :) 🙏🏼
"finished is better than perfect"
Haha I've just finished my manuscript for my novel and I agree this is so true.
yea perhaps i need to start thinking like that. Being constantly afraid, pessimistic, worried about my comic not being perfect is sure dragging me longer than i should.... i dunno but i just feel so insecure about my work.... obviously it's not good, but i don't intend to lose something i've put into for so long to disappear when i turn my back, if u know what i mean... :/ ~gulp*
Berserk: Am i a joke to you?
I just finished my first comic book, and as I was putting the finishing touches on the cover illustration I was like "wait a second, I don't actually know the first thing about how to actually sell this". This video has been an amazing push in the right direction, thank you so much!
"Finished is better than perfect."
SAY IT AGAIN FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK OF THE ROOM.
"Or you can just buy some art online and turn it into a cover, as well." I feel like this should've been reworded, because simply buying a piece of art doesn't automatically give you commercial rights to reproduce it for a book cover. ^^; Most artists will charge extra/a "commercial fee" for products that will be used for something the buyer will make money off of, like a cover for their book that they will profit from. I'm only mentioning it because it could potentially cause legal issues if someone misunderstands. ^^;
Wow this was so wonderful and helpful to get me started on my idea… What an inspiration you are and very quick with details thanks thank you thank you
You are really inspiring me to self publish an adult coloring book. I'm really enjoying these videos of you talking about the publishing process.
Never before has the white crayon found so much use...
*****
My comment was a joke in regards to jizz.
I'm curious how much people will enjoy an adult colouring book. Cause I got to admit, it doesn't sound too appealing to me.
Hailey Hawes Maybe it's for safe spaces, or perhaps there's people who like to colour their own porn? Make alterations as they see fit and all that. Sort of like that one pic I seen whee the picture is just a dude sitting on a chair looking morose, and text on the page reads "colour the picture in so he's amongst friends" or something like that. The person coloured him in a depressing looking room with a bottle of liquor nearby, I think some empty medicine bottles, and possible a noose hanging from the ceiling. In spite of how dark it is, it's kind of funny.
I love adult coloring books! They can be relaxing and fun! And I am not sure I would be into "porn" but there are tons a different types...I guess I didn't take his comment as porn...but maybe??
I've been working on a graphic novel series for a while This video came a long at a perfect time.
I love you (in socially appropriate and entirely platonic ways).
Alpha17x Yay! Best of luck finishing your graphic novel series!!!!
Amazon gave me an ISBN for free. I didn't have to pay for it.
Cool
And lucky
How? Can you explain it, some more clearly.
Thank you so much I really wanted to know how to publish books because I want to publish my own manga when I'm older ❤️
Umaiyl Hussain Good luck :) You can do it!
Umaiyl Hussain hello Jin. I want to self publish a book too. And since I'm eleven I have to ask permission from my parents.
Texan in Tokyo is it possible to do preorders for both digital and physical books
I dont,know if you'll ever see this since you guys left youtube but I wanted to say thank you. Its been 4 years but I'm now on my way to self publishing my first book and I'm so thankful for a video like this. Hope your life is going well
Very helpful. I'm going to be self publishing soon, so this is some much needed info.
Vincent Lachance Great! Good luck :D
Thank you so much for adding clarity to this process! Finishing up the first manuscript and during that writing process, another book has emerged. You have helped tremendously. Thank you from Texas!
Have purchased/read your first two books Grace & I look forward to reading your latest. Keep on keeping on! Thanks for sharing your publishing knowledge too. Who knew? Not meeeee ;)
This is amazingly helpful. The way you explain every step reassures me that I could have success with self-publishing my comic books. Thank you for this!
You are very helpful and honest. I was a little lost when it came to where to self publish but this video has helped me a bunch. I appreciate your time, thank you.
Thank you so much this answered every question I’ve had about publishing. Thank you
"Finished" is better than "perfect" !!!
That's wonderful and wise advice (and a needed kick in the butt) to perfectionists and procrastinators like ... ME !!! :)
+hauntedmoviehouse yeessss agreed
Thank you so much Grace. I really appreciate all your advice
This video was incredibly helpful, thank you so much!
I am thinking about self publishing my own novel, so I am really glad you talked about this!
this is exactly what i need! thanks so much for the helpful info, hopefully i will have my graphic novel published soon :) seriously you're a lifesaver, and im subscribed! thankyou
Thank you for posting this, I was so confused on how to do anything for my comic. This is really helpful! ^^
Thank you for this video so much! I'm getting ready in the next few years to publish my comic so this was a big help!
really well done. and you make it much more approachable and understandable. I'm motivated to give it a try now. Thanks!
This is so informative! Thank you for laying out all these details.
This video was really helpful! I'm wanting to self publish my comics but wasn't sure even where to begin. Thanks for all the great advice!!
this was soooo interestning to listen to!
I make comics myself, and REALY wanna be able to print them up
soon, and I think what you just mentioned seems realy interesting! so thank you so so much! :D
Thank you so much. Im currently in the process of working on my book, its scary but I'm excited!
i simply love your energy. you are an inspiration. i will self publish my second book. my first book was The Last Hustle. This second will be done by me. Saw your video and now we are firmly ready to go forth. Thanks
This is the info I really needed! Thank you!
Oooh this is just fantastic! My 10yr son and daughter have been asking me "Mum, we want to publish our own Comic books" ... so today I finally decided to google "HOW" and found YOU... thank you so much!! My son, "Gypsy" and daughter, "Suga" will def relate to you, we look forward to learning more from you ... xxx Jacqui, Gypsy & Suga on the GC, Australia.
Oh my word! I've been working on a kid's illustration book and I've been putting off actually just finishing it because I had no idea what to do or how to go about it! Thank you so much for this video! I finally feel like this is doable! xx
Good job Grace! Looking forward to your next book :)
Awesome and straightforward! Keep on truckin' with your stuff.
Awesome post! Thanks. Going to do this for my book. Highly helpful!
This is very useful! I just started writing a book so I'm going to self-publish it when it's done. Been writing stories since I was little :)
great video i learned a lot but ... those eyes tho OHMYGOD
They're beautiful. I admit I paused the video a few times to draw her face ^_^;
@@Biouke creep
Just happens I was in the mood for drawing and she has a nice face. It's easier to put a video on pause than asking people in the street to strike a pose for a minute so you can exercise drawing faces like theirs XD
@@the_number_one a nonartist thinks like you do
@@the_number_one that's not uncommon for artists tho. I also often pause videos to draw them... And use pics from Instagram or pintrest... No creepy intentions there just practice
Thank you so much I been sitting on my finished writing book for months with no clue on what to do next and thanks to you my book gone b published very soon
Thank you for your insights. You've covered tips within topics that other professional self-published authors didn't include. Your video is well organized and I found it easy to follow!
Thank you so much for this information Grace! You just made my day. You're adorable and so good at conveying information. I wish you continued success.
I love ur and Rachel's vids! And thank u for uploading this ! Ur the best
Thank you for posting awesome videos!!! I Love all your videos!! Keep making them! and you guys are so adorable together!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
And your books are amazing!! Keep them coming!!!
keep up the good work its been years but i still keep shearing your video there is great information you've provided in it easy to understand and follow ill one day get a few of your books for my son
This is amazingly helpful! thanks so much for making it and helping other young authors.
Your editing and quality of your videos improved! Great job!
High gratitude for this information and friendly, concise conveyance with specific details which had thus far eluded in other research ^^;
I just bought the Kindle version of My Japanese Husband Thinks I'm Crazy . . . and I LOVE it! You are really talented!
This is very great since I am wanting to publish a book myself and this is a great walk through of the process (: Thank you Grace. When college isn't robbing me of my money, I plan on buying both your books ^^ Can't wait~
nm2do Yay! Good luck with publishing your own book! (and good luck with college~)
WOW. Thank you so much for this video. I have recently set up a twitter account, and written a book. I had no idea how I was going to get the book published or even printed! This video has really helped. Thank you again!!
Thanks for making this vid! This video helped me get my first book out so thanks again!!
This is seriously so helpful! Thank you!!
Love the step by step- this is great, thank you!
One of my new favorite channels! Glad I found you.
That's quite informative, thank you. Can't wait for Book No. 3 :)
no joke u r legit accomplished for being so young; it's so hard for an artist, either graphic or literary, to make a living following their creative expression and fulfillment and you have already reached it. plus you are also an entrepreneur... u r so blessed :)
I am very grateful for all your tips, they're very informative. :)
Thank you so much for making this video, I'm working on a graphic novel and was wondering what steps to take when i finish, this helps a lot.
Omigosh!! I'm so happy I found this video TToTT Thank you so much!!
Thanks for this! I'm actually hoping to publish my first book within the next year, so this is great to have.
I shared this video with a group of comic book creators in a Discord server. Really good stuff. I did amend with a comment that Create Space is gone and replaced with Kindle/Direct Publishing. Thanks for making this video.
Thanks so much! Best video I've seen on this so far!
had to pause vid and sketch your hair style, its perfect for one of my characters (hope you dont mind) also very helpful vid.
Right now I am in the process of writing my first book. I have not even got to this step yet but I think the information you provided is great. thanks
So glad I found this video..i am working on my first Graphic novel now and was looking at buying about 1000 copies, this is so much better. never even heard of print on demand, so thanks from one texan to another!!!!!
Since I´m writing on my own book, this was really awesome! Thanks.
I really enjoy reading my digital books and store them at a secured digital storage, so I don´t have to carry hundreds of books with me, each time I need to move. So happy to live in this digital age. :D
Arvid Shirasb Yay! Good luck with your own book :)
Thank you so much for this video, Grace!
Thank you for this video.
It's very informative and encouraging.
this was really informative! writing and drawing had been a childhood passion of mine, but i gave up on them years ago because i don't think i'm good enough at them to make anything of it. if i ever decide to get back into it and make something of my interests though, this video will definitely help a lot~
ReiKoko
Its not really about the product, its about if you have people that follow you, know you, like your content.
If thats the case, you can always produce a product, a book, a small comic book, and sell it, put it on your site and get ad revenue. Today more artists are living of their passion than ever before, thanks to the internet.
while i know having a following helps a great deal, to me, it is all about the product and content. i would want to create something that i'm proud of. i'm a creative person by nature, so that's very important to me.
Informitive, to the point, entertaining.... thank you for kicking ass on this video.
Nice work Grace. My wife is considering self - publishing after her first book was traditional. Thanks for the videos, best wishes!
Thanks a lot for this video. Concise and informative.
This was very helpful, I want to publish my own graphic novels in the future and this really gave me a clear gist, thank you!!
I'll be buying your books to support you! I've discovered your channel perhaps two or three months ago and I really like your videos! Both you and your husband are super fun to watch!
And this video is super inspiring! For someone who was a 9-6 job I like to believe that perhaps one day I can be self employed. Perhaps not drawing though :)
randomcath Thank you for supporting us!! I am glad you found our videos funny!! Yay Good luck with your goal :D
Great video! So many helpful tips. Thanks1
Wow, this vlog has been put in the learning tending tab in TH-cam UK. Congratulations 😊😊
After watching like gazillions of youtube videos, this I believe is to be my very first comment. Congratulations, you should feel proud. You are adorable and you have been so helpful. I identify with your personality a lot and I really appreciate your videos because most videos try to be helpful but they either give you like 12 how to's that you are like...well duh! and just wasted 12 minutes of your life for OR they make it super complex or they are downright boring. ;) Thank you for being none of those things. I know you can't please everyone, but you definitely pleased me!
what a great video, thank you so much for the information!!
Thank You for the video! So helpful
Thanks so much for sharing that info! It makes it seem much less daunting to self-publish.
Great informative video! You have an excellent grasp of publishing...and gave me a heads up about the prices, lol
this was great. thank you do much for sharing this.
Cannot wait for the 3rd book!
I'm a university student planning on making a comic for my senior year, one of the biggest worries I had was how I was gonna get this printed to really finish off the whole project nicely instead of having files sit on my computer for god knows how long, and this is the most helpful video I found on the subject!! I don't know how I would have survived without this help thank you so much!!!
These vids only make me feel more confident and excited. I already have my second book going along well, over 150 pages if memory serves but I hope to bust through 200 but I really won't know when I'll get to a point where I'm like "ok, this seems pretty much finished" which was a nice feeling when it happened with the first book (which is not edited nor of course published yet). I can't really anticipate WHEN that moment comes, I just continue to write as ideas come, and then it seems I just get to a point where I think it's a good spot to end on. I REALLY enjoy writing, in fact if my first book DOESN'T sell well I genuinely think I'll continue to write. I just find it to be incredibly fun, and so far my moments of writer's block have been brief, few, and far between. Like I said in a comment in another video; over 190 pages and over 77,000 words in less than 5 days. Hell yeah! I only just learned within the past month about that whole 'write a book in November' thing that I can't remember the proper name of, but I think I'll be able to participate in that without much difficulty. I'll probably go for something a bit more tame though than what I'm working on now. It is RAUNCHY!... and I love it...
I really do think that Kickstarter is my best bet for starting things off because I'll clearly be needing some funding, though I don't know precisely how much yet. I figure I'll probably do things like $1 donations will get them the first few pages to get a taste of what it's like so that hopefully they can see if they'll like the writing style or not so as to feel more comfortable in giving higher amounts. $10 will give them... either the first few chapters or an entire digital copy of the book, I haven't decided yet. I imagine most writers have that haunting suspicion that what they're making might seem AWESOME to themselves, but fear that EVERYONE ELSE will think it's utter crap. Anyways, $20 or $25 (depending on how much the physical copies will cost) will earn the backer a physical copy. $50 will probably earn them a physical copy of the first book plus a digital copy of the second once it's finished (it's already probably 75% finished). $100 will earn physical copies of both along with a personal email of thanks as well as the chance to offer ideas for events/characters/lines which I will give much consideration to and there can even be some back-and-forth conversation about it. That's probably where it will end... I don't want to seem greedy. If I offer an option for higher than $100, I dare say it'll include a guarantee that an event/character/line of theirs will be included in the event of a third book, but of course it must be agreed between both of us. It's unlikely that I'll just kill of a main/major character or up and make him do something COMPLETELY out of character purely on request.
I want to remain anonymous, even using a false name, so signatures/face time/audio calls/meet-ups won't be a thing, as much as they would deserve it if people actually end up giving me over $100 if I even make it an option... I'm very new to Kickstarter and these are all just spitballed ideas. My guess is I'll go for $2000 or $4000... on the off chance that I end up getting a lot more than my goal, does that money go through as well? I don't know. I assume so. I mean, it'd be a piss-off for those lucky people who just asked for $10,000-20,000 but ended up gaining LOTS of backers that resulted in over $100,000, only to end up being stuck with the amount they asked for! Anyways, everything is still up in the air, and though I'm confident and excited, there's always that devil on my shoulder whispering in my ear that this will all crash and burn. Everyone will hate the book, nobody will back it after reading just a few pages, what you THINK are cool ideas/descriptive visuals/interesting twists are actually all poorly done, and so on and so forth. Still, it's something that I very much enjoyed writing, and the shoulder-devil's mutterings aside I DO think there's a market or niche of people that would enjoy the content, so I want to at least take a crack at it. What was that cool inspirational poster I read back in high school?... "Shoot for the Moon, and even if you miss, you'll land amongst the stars!" Or... you know... I pull an Apollo 13 and end up bring sling shotted around to crash right back into Earth... that's an option too...
I rarely comment on youtube but wanted to say that this was very well presented and informative. Thanks
I love you--SO THANKFUL YOU EXIST!--just finishing up writing and drawing my sex-comedy novella while spending a couple of years on developing my business style, and my thinking is so much like yours...finished IS perfect! You've cured my last-minute anxiety attacks, and renewed my will to live. I promise to start buying your books before this month is up--all my best!
kristen elizabeth I stand with israel lol😂
Wow. I'm .... shocked... at how informative and well put together this video was. I hope you don't take that the wrong way. I've watched several videos on self publishing before stumbling onto this one and they were all rubbish. You did an amazing job!
Great info! And fun vlogs~
Thank you so much, great tips!!!
I gave this video one one like. I would give it 10 if that was possible. This is so helpful!! Thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge!
Appreciated your video. Thank you so much❤️️🐾
THANK YOU SO MUCH!! XD This is incredibly helpful for me. :)
They wanted to buy your proofs because they think they'll be worth loads of money later...quite a compliment! :)
This is so nice. Thank you!
Thank you so much, I'm almost done with my first book I started when I was 16, it's been a labor of love but worth so much, I think I will take your advise and self publish and take the plunge to get it out there, sorry if my comment is a little long
Thanks for uploading this! Very useful :)
Immensely helpful! Thank you!
This is so informative and freaking amazing, especially for someone who has been trying to decide whether or not to go with Amazon for self-publishing. Thank you for talking about the ISBN# and Barcode (did not think about this) :) Your video has put what I have been researching online into perspective. You're the best, Grace! Good luck and keep publishing!
***** Yay! I'm so glad to hear you found this video helpful!!!
Amazing tips