How to Publish Your Comics: Strategies for Breaking Into Graphic Novel & Editorial Publishing

If you’re interested in publishing a graphic novel or editorial comics but aren’t sure how to navigate traditional publishing, agents, or media outlets—this 90-minute on demand workshop gives you everything you need to take the next step with clarity and confidence.

What You'll Learn:

• How traditional publishing works for graphic novels—what agents do, whether you need one, and what materials publishers and agents expect from cartoonists.
• What to expect when a deal is made—including advances, royalties, contracts, and the red flags to watch out for.
• How to pitch editorial comics to newspapers, magazines, and media outlets from researching where to submit to shaping a strong pitch.
• How to navigate the process with confidence, stay productive while waiting, and take concrete next steps.

You’ll leave with:

• Actionable steps and a clearer understanding of where your work fits in today’s publishing landscape.
• Real world examples and industry insight.
• A resource list with links to additional content.

Testimonials:

“I was not prepared to have my mind blown, but blown it was. I knew I didn’t know a whole lot about getting your graphic novel published going in and was thrilled that Susannah and Katherine knew so very much about the topic. Besides the direct info on graphic novels, my eyes were opened to the opportunities available in editorial comics and developing work on social media. This was absolutely money well-spent and it’s significantly shifted my approach to my graphic novel.  I could not recommend this presentation more highly.” —Carol Brys

“Great perspectives! Personal insights into breaking through the editorial and long-form publishing for comics and graphic novels.” —Kaira Ray Villanueva

“In a field where there is no one path to success, it can sometimes be hard to know if you're doing the "right thing." This workshop helped me better understand the different options I have to work toward my goals, shared tactical tips, and an honest look at the ups and downs of comics publishing. I have already recommended it to some other comic creator friends.” —Brianna Ilyse

About Us:

K. Woodman-Maynard is a graphic novelist and comics coach who helps clients sharpen their sequential storytelling and craft. Her graphic novel adaptation of Tuck Everlasting (Macmillan) was called “a must for any graphic novel collection” in a starred review by School Library Journal. Her graphic novel adaptation of The Great Gatsby (Candlewick Press) was called “hugely rewarding” by The Wall Street Journal. She coaches comics creators, mentors through Sequential Artists Workshop, and shares creativity and process insights through her Substack, Creating Comics and onInstagram.

Susannah Hainley is a comics creator, educator, and design consultant who takes an interdisciplinary approach to visual storytelling. Her comics have been published by The Washington Post, The New York Times, Serviette magazine, A Bundle of Sticks magazine and sex education website Oh Joy Sex Toy. Susannah has also taught at California College of the Arts in their MFA/BFA in Comics, and created a Food and Comics course for their continuing education program. You can find more of her work on her Substack, GRAPHICA, and on Instagram.