When I decided I was going to write Black Mane, I really didn’t have any plans for it outside of it being an art project for school. I was in grad school studying printmaking and entertained the idea of printing a comic book on an old flatbed offset litho press the school had acquired. When I found out that there was a grant in existence which was specifically created to help self-publishers print graphic novels, I became motivated to see the project all the way through and mass produce it. The grant application was a true test because I decided to send the book finished to the grant committee. I was constantly working out deals with friends who had good printers and with local commercial printers. Every time I printed something I found a spelling error or some distracting mark and had to re-print it. I was researching printers and getting quotes. I was emailing past Xeric grant recipients for advice. I was contacting prominent comic book artist and getting their feedback. I was networking with publishers and receiving criticism. This was all before even knowing if I received the grant. And when all six copies of the application were printed and mailed to Northampton I realized, “What am I going to do if I don’t get the grant?” So I began researching local printers, artists and publishers in the area preparing to bear the financial burden of publishing on my own.

Luckily I received the grant and so the processes of actually printing the book began. I had to send the page files a couple of times. My knowledge of the current computer programs was not up to speed so I struggled with creating files which were compatible to print. Luckily my printers were extremely helpful and patient and eventually the book was printed and shipped.

What I have learned about publishing, and I would have to say this is the biggest advice I could give as far as the business aspect of it, is that whenever you think something is going to take a certain amount of time, triple that number and you may be close to when it will actually happen. So many people are involved with publishing whether it be distributors, shipping companies, postal service, printing (prepress, billing, negotiating) editing etc. Your schedule will definitely conflict with someone else’s so plan accordingly. I realized the importance of editing and then re-editing and then re-editing the re-editing. Have many people read your book especially the type of audience you are trying to market your book to. Never take criticism personally, ask a million questions and if you are planning to genuinely create a graphic novel put your heart into it and do it all the way!