Josh Blaylock’s How to Self-publish Comics is a practical, informative book. It offers great insights into the nitty gritty details of running a publisher. The copy I read was the fifth edition, and it was released in 2019. A lot has changed since then. Nevertheless, any reader looking for more detailed insights on how to run a publisher will find it interesting.
The book consists of two parts. The first, written by Blaylock, primarily focuses on the ins-and-outs of running a comic publishing business. Blaylock walks people through the steps of creation, printing, distribution, invoicing, and sales/marketing. Along the way, he provides interesting commentary and insights, and he offers practical tips for aspiring publishers. It even provides access to forms, examples, and access to templates/form generators. The second part is written by Tim Seeley and discusses the realities of being a comic book artist.
Both Blaylock and Seeley have written in engaging styles, and the book is a quick read. At times, Blaylock will opine and prognosticate on the history of the industry and its future. Some of these topics will be familiar to those who follow the comic book industry, and many of them have remained the same for some time, but some have already proven wrong. Then again, Blaylock couldn’t have predicted the turmoil of the pandemic and how it shook up the industry, and the current economic headwinds facing the industry.
The only area where Blaylock stumbles is when discussing some legal topics. His discussion of copyright and trademark law is sometimes inaccurate, and in one instance regarding federal trademark registration and the ® symbol wrong. Hopefully, if another edition is released, this will be updated and corrected.
Overall, How to Self-publish Comics is and enjoyable and informative read, and anyone considering self-publishing comics should read it.