Get Your Comic Published on the Web
With the proliferation of Web comics, it is easier than ever to get your comic published. Instead of weeding through Diamond Comic Distributors' list of comic publishers and soliciting your work to each and every one, hoping for a publishing deal, you can go the e-route and self-publish on the Internet. Before you do that, you will need a digital version of your comic, preferably in a JPG or GIF file, and a place to put it.
Instructions
1. Set up your Web site or create your Blogger.com account. For those not well-versed in Web design, Blogger.com is your best bet as it's easily customizable through a series of point-and-click functions. If you are using your own site, you may need to employ a file transfer protocol (FTP) software program to upload your files.
If you are using Blogger.com, you can use its built-in tools to upload files directly from your computer.
There are sites, such as DrunkDuck.com, that will host your Web comic for you. However, you won't have the control you'll get from running your own site as your comic can be removed by them at any time. For directions on publishing with DruckDuck.com, visit the site.
2. Prepare your Web space by giving it a relevant title and choosing a color scheme that complements your comic. Make sure the color and designs you choose enhance the comic and do not draw the reader's eye away from it.
3. Choose a suitable domain name. If you have titled your comic, "This Is My Comic", try to purchase www.thisismycomic.com and then either use that address for your Web site or have that domain name re-direct viewers to your Blogger.com account. You can customize your Blogger space to receive redirects by going to the "Customize", then click "Settings", then "Publishing" and finally click on the "Custom Domain" link to enter your own web address.
4. Upload your comic file. It is best to accompany the comic with added text above or below it to give visitors more information, such as who created it, what it is about and when they can expect to see more.
5. Update your comic regularly. Comics as a medium thrive on episodic storytelling, which means you not only need to leave your readers wanting more, but give them more on a regular basis. Create a schedule for yourself and stick to it.
6. Promote your comic to friends, family, on Web comic message-boards like WebComic.net or TheWebComicList.com, as well as online social networking sites such as Facebook or MySpace. Scott Kurtz and his online comic, "Player vs. Player", began on the Web, and through increased popularity, Kurtz has landed a print publishing deal at Image Comics.
