Dan Rafter

Support independent comics — read Penny Nichols!

We all know that there are plenty of great comics out there not being published by Marvel, DC or Image. We just have to support them.

With that in mind, I need to recommend the graphic novel Penny Nichols to you. Written by MK Reed and Greg Means, with art by Matt Wiegle, Penny Nichols is a warm-hearted look at how difficult it can be to fit in and how great it feels when you finally do.

The…

Write what you know — even if it’s about a mouse that’s driving you insane

They say you should write what you know. So my the graphic novel script I’m working on now — a science fiction sequel — will feature a mouse. (more…)

Why you need to make a New Year’s resolution — even if you won’t keep it

The start of a New Year is still inspiring, even though I’ve been through it more than 40 times. (Yes, I’m old.) I usually wake up Jan. 1 ready to tackle new projects, take writing risks and pitch new publishers.

And, yes, by the end of the month, I fall back into my typical routines, for the most part. (more…)

Here’s the best book I’ve ever read on selling a graphic novel

I’ve read a lot of books on writing comics. But I’ve never read a book about publishing comics that has inspired me quite as much as Unnatural Talent, written by comics artist Jason Brubaker.

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Ever thought of a Webcomic collective?

Running a Web comic is no easy task. There are so many comics out there, how do you attract people to your site?

One solution? Post your comic on a site that already generates thousands (or more) of visitors a day.

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The best list of comics anthologies? It’s Paper Cat press

I’ve always been a big fan of comics anthologies as a place to get your comics works published. I’ve had short stories published recently by Vagabond Comics, for instance, and it’s a thrill to see your comics in actual printed magazines.

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Anthology opportunity: Blobby horror!

Time is running short, but if you like horror, and you especially like blobby horror, you might consider submitting to a new anthology being created by artist Erika Price. It’s called Blobby Horror, so you can probably guess what’s required.

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Amazon reviews help — but how to get them?

You’ve finished your comic and graphic novel and listed it on Amazon. Now you just have to wait for the sales to come in, right?

Probably not.

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Graphic novel opportunity: Tom Doherty Associates launches new horror-based imprint

Like telling scary stories? There’s a newish imprint that might be interested in your graphic novels.

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Read Third Wheel — Right here!

I created the comic book Third Wheel with two extremely talented collaborators, artist Vanessa Cardinali and letterer Mike Rickaby. Both helped me along as I put together what has been my first long-form comic.

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What’s your comic about? What’s it really about?

The comic I’ve been working on lately with amazing artist Phenylketonurics — you can check out Pheny’s comic There’s No Such Thing as Jason – I.T. here — is about a giant robot, his human handler who can’t stand him and the struggles they both face when the defense agency employing them decides they need a fresher-faced robot and handler to boost its popularity.

But that’s only what the comic…

Want to find a publisher? Maybe forget all that “world building”

I spend way too much time these days looking at message boards devoted to connecting comics writers and artists. The boards are pretty predictable, with far more writers searching for artists than the other way around.

That’s not surprising. Comic artists are in demand. Us writers? Not so much. And if you read thorugh these message boards you’ll find pretty quickly that comics artists are…

Ever thought you’d die in a motel? There’s a comics anthology for you

Ever stay in a motel where you wondered if you’d survive the night? Then maybe you need to submit to the Motel 8 anthology being created by Dotte Comics. Dotte Comics is looking for short comics — from four to 16 pages — about the crappiest of roadside motels. The stories themselves? They can be whatever you want. Dotte Comics will accept black-and-white or color comics.

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Comics publishing opportunity: The latest anthology from Vagabond Comics

I’ve had one short story, Anchovies, published by Vagabond Comics, in the company’s Pizza Party anthology. And I can honestly say, the anthology looked great. It even came with what looked like a real pizza delivery box. Pretty cool. (more…)

Publishing opportunity: Behemoth Comics

Have a project you’re trying to get published? Why not try Behemoth Comics?

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Support the Local Haunts Kickstarter!

I’m thrilled to say that one of my comics — Kid Detectives and the Mystery of the Irish Castle — is appearing in the Local Haunts anthology created by Kara Love. The Kickstarter for that campaign has started. So visit here to support it. (more…)