Val Staples explains why comic book publishing is hard

How could a wannabe publisher resist a column with this introductory paragraph? Especially with this mugshot:



So you want to publish comics?

Ah, the joy of publishing. You've come up with a great idea, put together a killer art team, and are ready to set out to make your fortune!
Sorry to disappoint you, but that last part will NEVER happen!

Talk about motivational. While any "how-to" guide worth its weight in salt should avoid hyperbolizing in an effort to raise false hopes, the reasoning behind writing them is usually to teach people how to do it. The intro aside, Staples' guide to self-publishing is highly informative and you can't really ask for a more experienced writer. He's gone through the good and the bad. From the high of MotU hitting Diamond's #1 slot to the CrossGen debacle, MVCreations has been through the loop. Overall, the first part was an interesting read. I'd be curious to see all the parts collected into PDF or book form.

For another read covering a lot of the same ground in a similar, casual format, check out Larry Young's True Facts. Definitely worth checking out if you plan on putting your own books out at any point.