So I did my Kickstarter, worked my ass off, and completed the first issue of my comic book - you can read it at that link.
Tomorrow, I start submitting it to publishers for consideration. I really need a win, here, and I'm really nervous.
I've done everything I can and I've worked harder than I ever have. Living in poverty is sucking the life out of us, and this comic is the only ticket I have to get out. If it comes down to it and I absolutely have no other choice, I'll self-publish and push it myself, but I'd REALLY like a publisher to pick it up. I'm already writing, drawing, toning, and lettering the book by myself, and if I have to handle all the PR, publishing, distribution, and everything else on the business end, it'll cut into my production time and wear me out creatively. I want a publisher. I NEED a publisher.
In comics, only a handful of legitimate publishers exist, only a few of which publish creator-owned content. The money in comics is from company-owned content - Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, etc. Original stories, not so much.
Of the few publishers who DO take original content, Image is arguably the biggest. That also means it's the hardest to break in at. I don't know if my book 'looks like an Image book', so I'm not holding my breath. I'd love to be surprised!
Dark Horse, Dynamite, and IDW are somewhat smaller, and also more focused on 'licensed' comics. GI Joe, Transformers, Star Trek, Dr. Who - existing properties from other mediums looking for a comic book translation. They sometimes take creator-owned titles, but usually from established names. I'm not an established name.
Oni has some real potential, as they only do creator-owned books, prefer black-and-white, and like quirky and non-traditional comics. I think I'd be a good fit there. They are a small publisher, though, and only take a small number of books.
After that, there are various little guys like Slave Labor Graphics, Archaia, Arcana, and a few others, some who were once bigger and have shrunk down, others that prefer staying art-house and go for awards and prestige. I'd happily accept a deal with just about any of them.
Odds are against me. They always have been. I'm used to that by now. But I really, REALLY, need a break. Any and all positive thoughts are greatly appreciated.
6:32 PM PT: Thank you all! And please, feel free to leave feedback on the first issue!