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Master the Art of Publishing Graphic Novels

Graphic novels and comics is one of the fastest growing sectors of publishing. Driven in part by Japanese manga and anime, they are becoming more mainstream and can represent a significant growth opportunity for companies. For children, young adults and adult readers, they can include TV and film tie-ins, as well as original works.

With the success of Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper series and many titles being listed for or awarded literary prizes, graphic novels are gaining new audiences. Globally, the comic book and graphic-novel market was estimated to be worth over $520 million in 2024.

This one-day course covers all aspects of producing graphic novels, from ideas and concepts through to quality control and sensitivity reads.

Who is it for?

Anyone who is considering launching a graphic novel list or who wants to publish a graphic novel. This includes: 

  • artists
  • business development executives
  • commissioning editors
  • designers
  • editorial assistants, assistant editors, editors 
  • freelancers
  • production staff
  • publishers
  • publishing directors
  • writers.

What will you achieve?

On completing this course you’ll be able to:

  • think about what you need to set up and start a graphic-novels list
  • be able to argue for starting or taking on graphic novels within your organisation
  • understand all the steps involved in creating a graphic novel, from start to finish.

Programme

Day 1

Session1: Introduction & background

  • History of comics and graphic novels
  • Developments and trends in the UK now

Session 2: The Editor’s role

  • Different roles
  • Acquiring and commissioning
  • Business strategy

Session 3: Editorial processes

  • Big publishers versus small indies
  • Working with creatives 
  • Digital versus traditional methods
  • Genres
  • Planning and scheduling

Day 2

Session 4: Hands-on/in practice

  • Practical examples of editing pages
  • In-depth analysis of artwork
  • Works in translation
  • Sound effects
  • Quality control and sensitivity reads

Session 5: Sales, Press and Marketing

  • Comic cons and literary festivals
  • Successful campaigns
  • Social media

Next session

20 & 27 November 2025

Price

£360 + VAT

A number of discounts are available

Course format

  • Virtual classroom
  • 9.00am to 12.30pm 
  • 4 x 1½-hour sessions, split across 2 half days comprising 2 half-day sessions 1 week apart

Date information for future sessions

November 2025

  • Dates: 20 & 27 November 2025
  • Times: Each session will run from 9.00am to 12.30pm

What you will need

To join the course, you will need access to a computer or laptop with a camera and microphone. You will need to activate a free Zoom account to join the course. This takes 2 minutes and does not require any payment. It is purely for administrative purposes.

Enrol on this course

Enrol on this course