Ready for Change?
The publishing industry is always changing, what can you do to be ready for it.
I had to revise a bit of this article as the news about Boom! Studios being sold to Penguin Random House broke. It is a captivating turn of events in an industry that is truly struggling, but still producing great content. Yes, I proclaim that boldly. Comic books, trades, graphic novels, and manga are all fantastic outlets for visual storytelling. However, the industry has changed a whole lot, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down either.
Watching the flailing that has occurred on not just the indie comics front, but even with the larger publishers, should show that we need to keep ourselves on our toes and be ready to flip the script when appropriate. The fact of the matter is, that comic books are a niche market, even when their counterparts (films and tv) might receive more exposure. As a creative, that doesn’t change much in the actual creation of the story. Well, at least it shouldn’t, but for many it does.
It seems that 2020 brought out the most prominent willingness to create only for the purpose of selling rights. It didn’t pan out well for most, and in the following year many of those creators did not return to the comic book scene. It is for the best though, as that particular attitude diminishes the quality of the entire medium.
Comic books are not a “get-rich-quick” style of industry, but they have been targeted as such by many. In the current state, many fake artists have utilized AI to try and establish a following, and to sell services that leave a sour taste in the mouths of many consumers. There is also the move toward longer format consumption replacing the monthly issue ideology. As a creator who grew up reading comics, and someone who subscribed to the monthly releases for many years, this was a harder pill to swallow. I discovered that many of my own readers are consuming content digitally, albeit for the traditionalists.
The harder aspect of all of this is the long-format expectation that is occurring. I have watched many creatives be put off by the understanding that backers are willing to just wait until a final campaign where they can get every piece of content at one time. It’s a hard element to navigate, but it is also our current reality.
What then do we do?
I suggest re-examining publishing, partnerships, and growth strategies. In an industry where everyone wants to keep everything close to their chest, it might be time to start talking to people. There may be opportunities for collaborations, fusions, or shared resources. I say this because I have found it to be true. I have been working with a small group of other creatives to build all of us up, together. This has made it necessary to share things like plans, resources, and even trade-offs in our abilities.
Watch the publishing world. It is not particularly about having the best story, but about building the right connections. In the same way, we can find that mentality in the small-press publishing world. Even more, I believe, because we are more reliant on each other. It’s important to find avenues that help each other. Examine what you can offer, and what others can offer you, and see if it is the right fit. Chances are you build a solid connection in the effort alone.
Take note of the algorithms changing on social media, and what new tools people are using to share their creations. If you’re a writer, consider introducing a blog and allowing people to read your prose work, or use it as an outlet to talk about other aspects of things you care about. If you’re an artist, share your work…or even better, let other people share your work.
Don’t be afraid of change.
As always,
Do better. Be better.