Editing graphic novels - what you need to know
- When: Tuesday 11 July, 4pm–5.30pm BST
- Where: Delivered via Zoom
- Places available: 20
- Cost: Free
The Publishing Training Centre is excited to present Editing graphic novels – what you need to know, a free seminar with industry expert Andrea Colvin, Editorial Director of Little, Brown Ink, on 11 July 2023.
Why graphic novels?
Comics and graphic novels have seen a massive increase in demand and popularity in recent years, in both the adult and children’s markets. With the ongoing success of Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper series and Nick Drnaso’s Sabrina being shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2018, graphic novels are opening up to new audiences. In 2022, the UK adult graphic-novels market was worth £53.2m.
But how do you edit a graphic novel? Where do you begin? How does it differ from editing a book containing only text?
This 90-minute seminar with Andrea Colvin will explain everything you need to know about how to edit a graphic novel successfully. At the end of the session, you will be equipped with top tips and insights – and the confidence – to take on editing a graphic novel. This is designed to be an interactive, educational session, with questions actively encouraged.
Who is it for?
- Those new to editing graphic novels, or aspiring to do so
- Anyone moving into graphic novels, but lacking experience
- Editors or junior/assistant editors who are interested in learning how a graphic novel comes together and what’s involved
What will you learn?
This highly visual presentation will give you an understanding of the process of creating and editing a graphic novel from start to finish. You’ll learn:
- The key factors to consider when editing a graphic novel
- What an editor should look for when reading a manuscript
- Important considerations when viewing thumbnails, sketches, pencils, inks, coloured pages and lettered pages
- How editors can help creators make their art better
- How to bring it all together
- How to achieve clarity – the most important aspect of the editor’s role
Meet the presenter
Andrea Colvin is Editorial Director of Little, Brown Ink, the graphic novel imprint of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (LBYR) based in New York City, where she has published graphic novels including Just Pretend by Tori Sharp; Shark Summer and Spirit Week by Ira Marcks and Numb to This: Memoir of a Mass Shooting by Kindra Neely. Previously, Andrea was editor-in-chief of the independent comics publisher Lion Forge, where she published the Amazon Graphic Novel of the Year for 2017, Lighter Than My Shadow by Katie Green.
Andrea has held a wide variety of roles in her 25-plus years in the publishing industry, including tech journalist, art-book managing editor, and ebook creator; but her current role at LBYR is her favourite so far.
What you will need to join the seminar
To join the seminar, 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 two minutes and does not require any payment. It is purely for administrative purposes.
How to apply for a free place
There are 20 free places available. Applications will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply, please email us at with the name of the seminar in the subject line, along with your company name and job title.
The closing date for applications is Friday 16 June and successful applicants will be notified by Friday 23 June.
If you have any concerns about technical requirements or access, please contact us at or telephone (+44) 020 8874 2718.