Comic: The Scarlet Letter

Comic: What Not To Say To A Children's Book Writer On A First Date

I'm posting some of my older comics here as I catalog and tag them in prep for a print book compilation. You can find my comics for writers on Inkygirl (http://inkygirl.com), Tumblr (http://inkygirl.tumblr.com) and Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/inkyelbows/comics-for-writers-inkygirl-com)

Comic: The Wish

Comics for writers and thoughts on self-publishing

Over the years, I've created quite a few comics for writers for Inkygirl, Will Write For Chocolate, Writer Unboxed and other venues. After prodding from writer friends (especially Christina Katz), I've decided it's about time to compile the best of them into a print book compilation. If I can't find a traditional publisher, then I've decided I'm going to self-publish.

Why? Because I KNOW there is a market for this book (which I've tentatively titled "Will Write For Chocolate"). I keep getting emails from people I don't know, asking where they can buy my comics in book form as a gift. I have over 16,000 followers on my @inkyelbows Twitter feed for writers, and a growing number of followers on my various blogs. Yes, the book has a niche market and will never hit a New York Times bestseller list. But it does have a market.

I originally had pitched this book as a collection of my writer comics AND tips for writers, but one publisher I approached said they preferred fewer comics and more writer tips. Instead, I've decided I'm going the opposite route: get rid of the writer tips (there are already so many good writing advice books out there) and focus on ONLY my comics.

While I admire those who successfully self-publish, I would still personally opt for a traditional publisher if given a choice for several reasons.

I don't like adminstuff, for example. And frankly, am not good at it. I love coming up with ideas and creating, but would far rather take a smaller cut of the profits and have someone else take care of at least part of the business end.

Yes, yes, I know that freelance writers and illustrators need to also be businesspeople and be on top of payments and invoices and royalties and record-keeping and so on. I do it when necessary and am getting better.

Plus, depending on the publisher, having a book traditionally published can get your book into wider distribution channels. Yes, I can promote the book myself and will promote the book regardless of whether the book ends up traditionally published or self-published. The more promotion I have to do, however, the less time I have left for creative work...and self-published books need more author-powered promotion to succeed.

Traditional publishers also have a lot more resources to help you make the book stronger and more marketable. My experience working with Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers on I'M BORED has helped me better appreciate the huge value (and joy) in collaborating with a publisher's in-house team.

I've seen so many self-published books whose content may have merit but have turned me off because of the abysmal layout, amateur-looking covers, typos and grammar gaffes. While there are excellent and high-quality self-published books out there, there are also many ugly and unedited self-published books.

Content is king, it's true. But it's also a fact that when it comes to selling books to people who aren't your friends or family or supportive colleagues, then packaging also matters.

Apologies for the rambling nature of this post. I originally was going to just post one comic and a brief paragraph about why I may end up self-publishing Will Write For Chocolate...and look what happened.

Anyway, I'll be gradually posting more comics for writers on Inkygirl and MiGwriters as I continue to compile, tag and catalog my comics in prep for my book. Through my agent, I'm also going to continue to look for a traditional publisher. If I can't find one, then I'm going to self-publish. 

I'll let you all know what happens.  :-)

- Debbie Ridpath Ohi

Back from the SCBWI Winter Conference. Now what?

(click on image above for bigger version)

I just got back from the SCBWI Winter Conference in NYC. Whoa -- what an amazing, inspiring event. Just before the conference, I also visited my publisher at Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers about I'm Bored and other projects. I'll be posting about both events in my Inkygirl blog, with (likely way too many) photos.

But the main message prevalent throughout: no matter what the format, what promoting I do, what process or techniques I use, it's the CONTENT that matters most in the end. In the end, a good story and strong characters trump all.

So while my head feels so full of all the wonderful information and advice I learned during the event, I know that most of all, I need to get my butt in my chair and do more WRITING. 

Comic: Disappointment For Billy

While going through my comic archives to tag and catalog in prep for my Inkygirl/Will Write For Chocolate comic compilation, I came across this very old comic. I still feel sorry for Billy...

Comic: Apostrophe Abuse

Comic: New Year's Resolutions

From my Will Write For Chocolate archives.

Comic: When The Inspiration Strikes...

Comic: "The Scream" for writers

Comic: Dread and Anticipation

This comic was more appropriate when print submissions ruled. Nowadays, more editors are open to e-mail submissions. The advantage: easier to submit your writing. The disadvantage: rejections come back more quickly! Heh.

- Debbie