25/09/2024

A comprehensive guide to graphic novel publishing has been produced by the 2023-24 Beatrice Davis Editorial Fellow, Sophie Splatt. Featuring recommendations to grow the local market, her report ‘Graphic novels: Can we grow them at home? The editing and publishing of graphic novels in the US’ is based on a three-month trip exploring US industry best practice.

The findings are essential reading for Australian publishers who are interested in entering the growing graphic novel market, or publishing teams looking to improve their processes when working with graphic novels.

Learn from the experts in graphic novels

Splatt’s nuanced report is based on interviews with dozens of US graphic novel experts including publishers, editors, agents, and creators, conducted during her time in the United States in 2023. Further insights come from training in graphic novels at The Center for Cartoon Studies in Vermont, and attendance at San Diego Comic-Con – the biggest event of its kind. 

In summarising this expertise, Splatt’s report provides an overview of the entire publishing process for graphic novels, including chapters on:

• Acquisitions: How to find new talent and what to consider when acquiring graphic novels, including advances, schedules, formats, pricing and print runs
• Editing: Different models for working with creators, key stages of the editorial process, and tips for editing and proofreading graphic novels
• Creative roles within graphic novels production: Learn the difference between Inkers, Flatters, Colourists, Letterers and Bubble artists
• Design and production: Considerations around cover design, file formats, final proofs, printing and paper stock
• Publicity and marketing: How to promote graphic novels, covering social media, pre-orders, advance copies, reviews, awards and author tours
• Rights, sales and distribution: Sales and distribution channels for graphic novels, and the challenge of shelving, categorisation and discoverability in retailers and libraries
• What’s next? Trends in graphic novels: Potential areas for growth, including the influence of manga, early readers and YA, diverse stories, and an expansion into genres

Recommendations for growth

Splatt’s report also considers the question, how do we develop the graphic novel scene in Australia to capitalise on this fast-growing category? While there are no easy answers, Sophie’s recommendations cover four key areas:

• Invest in training for all publishing staff working on graphic novels
• Create a network for collective knowledge-sharing
• Provide greater support for graphic novel creators
• Build better connections between publishers and creators

Splatt said of her fellowship and report: 

‘Researching graphic novels in the US was a deeply rewarding experience and undoubtedly a highlight in my career.

Whether readers want to dip into relevant sections or read the report in its entirety, I hope my findings are both illuminating and inspire practical solutions on how to improve processes or to publish more local content successfully into this format.’

Tash Besliev, Kids Publishers at Affirm Press and a member of the APA’s Children’s Publishers Committee, said:

‘This is a must-read resource for publishers, editors, creators, and any other publishing professional working or interested in graphic novels. Sophie delivers an engaging overview of the graphic novel market overseas and recommendations on how Australian publishers can grow this dynamic category at home.’

Download Sophie Splatt’s full report, or start with the executive summary. 

Hear from Sophie

Sophie Splatt discussed her fellowship and findings in conversation with Affirm Press Kids Publisher Tash Besliev in a one-hour webinar. If you’re interested in learning more about graphic novel publishing, whether you’re just starting out or would like to improve your processes, you can watch the webinar here.

About the Beatrice Davis Editorial Fellowship

The Beatrice Davis Editorial Fellowship was established by the Australian Publishers Association in 1998 and supports a senior editor in a major research project that has significance for the Australian publishing industry. Following the research the fellow shares their findings with the wider industry, and helps promote and apply any practical outcomes or recommendations.

The 2023 Beatrice Davis Editorial Fellowship has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, the APA’s Trade Publishers Committee and the Children's Publishers Committee.