Navigating the Press

A Guide for Independent Comic Book Creators

by Blake Morgan

 

As an independent comic book creator, you've put your heart and soul into crafting a unique and exciting story; now it's time to share your creation with the world. One powerful way to do that is by reaching out to the press. However, this process isn't as simple as firing off a few emails and hoping for the best. To ensure your outreach is effective, it's essential to follow some key principles.

 

Research Your Targets:

Before you start reaching out to press outlets, take the time to do some research. Familiarize yourself with the publications, blogs, podcasts, or live streams that cover comic books. Make sure their style and genre preferences align with your work. Sending your horror comic to a blog that exclusively covers romance won't yield fruitful results. Be strategic and selective in your choices.

 

 

 

Pay Attention to Details:

It may seem obvious, but it's worth emphasizing that accuracy matters. Always ensure you correctly identify the publication and the contact person's name. Sending emails with incorrect names or addressing the wrong blog or podcast will not leave a positive impression. This frequently happens when copying and pasting emails, so make sure you give them a quick read through before sending. Sloppiness can hinder your chances of getting coverage.

 

 

Connect with the Hosts:

For podcasts or live streams, it's crucial to connect with the hosts on a personal level. Invest some time in watching or listening to a few episodes. You don't need to consume their entire catalog, but you should get a feel for their style and personality. Engaging, lively conversations are more likely to generate interest in your comic. Good vibes matter, both for you and the audience.

 

 

 

Be Patient and Respectful:

Remember that many press outlets are run by volunteers who are often understaffed and overwhelmed. It's possible that your initial emails won't receive immediate responses, or, in some cases, no response at all. While follow-ups are acceptable, be respectful and avoid bombarding them with emails. Stay positive and professional in your interactions. If one outlet doesn't work out, move on to the next with grace and gratitude.

 

 

Create a Press Kit:

A well-structured press kit can be a game-changer. It doesn't need to be a masterpiece; a simple PDF will suffice. Your press kit should include:

 

 

Providing this information upfront demonstrates your professionalism and makes it easier for hosts to feature you. It shows that you respect their time and effort.

 

 

Promote Your Interviews:

Once you've successfully secured an interview or feature, your work isn't over. Actively promote it across your social media platforms. Express your enthusiasm about the conversation you had with the host. Encourage your followers to follow the outlet, subscribe, or listen to previous episodes. This not only helps you reach a broader audience but also increases the likelihood of securing return bookings when your next comic is ready to launch. Establishing the initial relationship with the press is important, but maintaining that relationship can often yield positive results as well. Ideally, you’ll be releasing more comics down the line, right? Make those solid first impressions, and make yourself memorable so you get invited back.

 

It shows that you respect their time and effort.

 

Reaching out to the press as an independent comic book creator can be a rewarding and fruitful endeavor when done correctly. Remember the importance of research, attention to detail, and positive interactions with hosts. Be patient and respectful of their time, and, if you can, offer a well-prepared press kit. Finally, actively promote shows in which you’re featured to maximize their impact. By following these steps, you'll increase your chances of getting your comic book the attention it deserves in the competitive world of indie comics.

 

 

BONUS TIP:

It never hurts to invest in some decent audio equipment. Wearing headphones reduces the risk of audio echoes in podcast and live stream interviews. A mid-tier gaming headset will net you sufficient over-ear headphones and a microphone. You could also buy the headphones separately and upgrade to a warmer sounding USB microphone as well. You’re proud of your comic, so take pride in how you profess its greatness to the world.