COMICS PORTAL: Surviving as a Small Publisher

With Diamond struggling right now, smaller publishers will need to step up their game in order to survive and/or help clients make it!

As I mentioned in last week’s column, Diamond recently filed for Chapter 11, which means that they are restructuring and reorganizing in order to move forward.

A lot of smaller publishers have depended on Diamond to help promote their products and make it possible for them to stay alive. With the landscape now “under construction” for at least a while, some organizations are keeping things moving forward by making things happen that previously were “kicked up the ladder,” as it were.

At this point, the status of Diamond PREVIEWS is uncertain, which makes it tough for publishers to get the word out. I specifically remember one instance where the PREVIEWS helped me discover a comic I picked up and remain a big fan of, even to today.

I was going through the PREVIEWS when I noticed Mouse Guard from David Petersen. Like most comics fans, I was attracted to the cover art, then was drawn in by the premise. I remain a huge fan of the series even though it has only been released irregularly over the years.

With things like the PREVIEWS (hopefully not) facing an uncertain future, such discoveries will take more work on the part of fans.

I once spoke with a creator who told me that half of his time was spent creating while the other half involved him seeking jobs from organizations to fill that other half. When he signed an exclusive contract, that meant 100% of his time was spent creating, which he appreciated!

One of the most effective ways for creators to get the word out that he or she is looking for projects to complete is to use social media. I don’t know if people were pre-emptively working on this, but I’ve recently seen a lot more posts on social media from creators telling all of us that they needed to be kept busier so they could keep up with their bills or other obligations.

There still remains a great many social media platforms that are good avenues to let writers and artists get the word out that they are ready to be kept busier than they recently have been. Personally, I have accounts on every social platform I can figure out, be it Facebook or Bluesky or everything in between.

If you want more work to do, depending on which platform your fans use more often, you can sometimes scare up some more to do to help keep your bank account as healthy as possible.

That can include interviews on podcasts and other online shows or programs. Of course, be sure to schedule these shows with plenty of time for you to get projects done in time to meet those pesky deadlines!

One of the great things about comic book conventions is that you can often use whatever free time you enjoy to get acquainted with your neighbors in Artist (or Creator) Alley. I’ve helped out at several cons in which we didn’t really earn enough money at the table, but we did gain friends that we could make good things happen with either during the con or in the months afterwards. That made being there completely worthwhile!

Also, it can be really helpful to interact with local comics shops by getting to know the owners, managers, or operators. Creators often volunteer to set up tables at anniversary celebrations and the like, and owners and such can benefit from your expertise. Some owners have helpful print experiences that can make them important resources that help when you desperately need someone to share information that will make your professional experience a lot more profitable.

Podcasters can also point you in the right direction at times, so don’t discount how helpful this kind of resource can be!

So many times, pros you have worked with can recommend you if they found working with you to be fun or creative or beneficial. Granted, sometimes that decision is being made by the other creator but the editor or another boss or bosses. But the referral of a respected colleague can make a big difference.

Also, if you work well for an editor, that person can be important in the process. Or perhaps a person you worked with previously who has moved up the ladder may remember how well you did for them before.

It may be a fan who has also risen up in the business who can bring you on board if you treated them well previously.

It always pays to treat others kindly or well. You never know who you will encounter again at a later date.

While your local comics shop can be critical of your publisher is smaller, if you can, work to make as many contacts with other shops and their owners as possible.

Some people may create a list of influential store owners and con organizers they try to stay in touch with. Be they on the other side of the country or other places around the world because, again, you just don’t know what opportunities you might encounter later in your career.

Then, too, if you make good contacts in bigger companies, keep in touch with them as best you can. The old phrase “a rising tide lifts all boats” may come into play.

As much as we would like others to be able to help us get ahead in the business, a good rule is to keep exploring areas you may not know much about. A good example is if you hear of a new social media platform other pros are gravitating towards, you might want to get on board if you have a chance.

On the other hand, I would recommend being slow to leave a platform some are leaving just in case the people still there might be helpful.

These are just some of the suggestions I can recommend from personal experience or what I’ve learned from others. If you can give other ideas, be sure to list them below.

What do you think? Are there ways smaller publishers can be more helpful than larger ones? What other ways can a comics pro help another? Is there another thing or avenue a comics creator can find to assist him or her? Whatever your opinion, feel free to share it in the space below!

---

Dear Spoilerite,

At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching requires significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep MajorSpoilers.com strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.