Signing and SIDEWISE

Signing With a Legend

I will be making an appearance and signing books at the Bristol Mall on the 27th of June. I'm extremely excited because I'll be sharing space with legendary artist Charles Vess. Vess--an Eisner Award winner--is most widely known for his amazing work on Stardust, Sandman and Swamp Thing.

To say I'm excited about this appearance is an understatement.

Zuda Competition Down to the Wire

As you may or may not know, I have an entry in this month's Zuda competition. With the month--and the competition--drawing to a close, I'm asking for your vote. I'm also asking you to please tell someone about the strip if you enjoy it. We're going to need every precious vote we can get to win this thing.

VOTE FOR SIDEWISE HERE!

We also have DYNAMIC SIDEWISE WALLPAPERS and BANNERS AND AVATARS that you can use to help spread the word. Please, feel free to use them at your discretion.

Virtual High-Five

A big thank you to everyone who's taken the time to support SIDEWISE, American McGee's Grimm and all my projects. I can't even begin to tell you how much I appreciate YOU.

SIDEWISE on Zudacomics.com!

Hear Ye, Hear Ye

Lords and Ladies, I am proud to announce that my webcomic (along with artist Igor Noronha) SIDEWISE is in first place in Zudacomics.com's monthly competition! If you haven't already read our entry, you can do so HERE.

I'm billing SIDEWISE as "Sublime Steampunk for the 22nd Century."



Whot's This?!

Special thanks to my mates Steve Ekstrom for the wonderful interview on NEWSARAMA and Gus Higuera for his masterful interview for ComicNews.Info. I have a couple more interviews I'm completing, so I will make links available as they are posted.

I Need Your Help

I've had several friends and fans say that they have not voted because they believe we will most assuredly win. My response has been "Ah, don't underestimate the power of the internet." This competition is as much (if not more so) about generating votes as it is about creating a winning entry. So please, if you have not yet voted, please head over to zudacomics.com, read SIDEWISE, vote for us, add it to your favorites and rate it. And--if you're so inclined--please send me an e-mail at dwightmacpherson at gmail.com if you would be so kind to post a SIDEWISE banner to your site. Trust me: It all helps.

Happy Grimm Day!

Don't forget to pick up your copy of IDW's American McGee's Grimm #2 at your local comic shop today. It's Grimm vs. romance comics in this newest installment and you do not want to miss it!



I'm History

Thank you for reading my newest blog entry. I know I haven't updated as often as I'd have liked to, but please be patient with me. I intend to talk more about SIDEWISE in the coming days. That alone should be worth the wait.

American McGee's Grimm #1 PREVIEW PAGES

It's Time to Get Grimm

Rejoice, children! American McGee's Grimm #1 is now available for pre-order!

American McGee's Grimm #1
Written by Dwight L. MacPherson
Illustrated by Grant Bond
Covers by Ben Templesmith and Grant Bond

EPISODE 1: CRISIS ON EARTH 57
After transforming the fairy tale realm into a hellish nightmare, Grimm launches a secret invasion into the world of comic books! As he enters a domain where villains are doomed to fail, will this be Grimm’s final crisis? Join us for the ultimate American McGee’s Grimm adventure and find out!


You will find this solicit on Page 275 of the new (February's) Previews with a Diamond Order Code: FEB09 4315. Grimm #1 is one of Diamond's Featured Items and has a full-page devoted to it. How cool is that?!

Where Can I Get My Grimm?

If you're not sure where your local shop is located, you can find out by using this Comic Shop Locator. If you know where your shop is, simply take the Diamond Order Code to your friendly neighborhood comic shop worker and he or she will do the rest.

It's that easy.

Let's See a Grimm Preview!

I've already shown the first issue covers by Ben Templesmith and Grant Bond, so how about some interior pages?





The Grimm End

When it rains, it pours. My 13-year-old (well, he turns 13 tomorrow) is home with a sore throat, so I'll be taking him for a doctor's appointment in a couple hours. In addition to a sick kid, I have a paper I'm working on and I'm memorizing a sonnet for another class.

And then there are my writing projects. *sigh*

I ask for your patience as I get through these busy next few weeks. Then--if I'm still alive--I'll continue the series on alternate distribution options. Promise.

In the meantime, I hope you'll pre-order Grimm #1. It's a fun, wonderfully-twisted madhouse of a book and I think you're really going to love it.

See you soon!

Have a Grimm Templesmith and Other Tidbits

Pardon Me

I'm currently knee-deep in research, so I thought I would post an update on one of my current projects and share a couple links that I believe all small press creators will find interesting.

If you were hoping to read a continuation of the Alternate Distribution series, I apologize for the delay.

It's a Wrap

All five issues of IDW's upcoming American McGee's Grimm mini-series have been written and approved by IDW and American McGee.

In fact, Grimm issue 1 is available for pre-order in February's Previews! The Diamond Order Code for the first issue is: FEB09 4315. Whether you are familiar with the game or not, you will bite a cyanide capsule or jump off a bridge if you miss this series!

God love Newsarama and Matt Brady--but it's been more than a week since my new Grimm-licious interview was turned in and it has still not been posted. I'll let you know as soon as the story butt-stomps its way to Newsarama's page.

In the meantime, I will share this with you--my beloved reader--first: Behold the awesome glory that is the Ben Templesmith issue 1 variant cover...



Each issue will feature a cover by series artist Grant Bond and a Templesmith variant cover, so please let your retailer know you'd like to have one of each!

"2009: The Worst Year For Publishing in Decades"

The title of this section comes from an article by Peter Olson posted on Publishers Weekly's website earlier this month. I realize the story is not directly about comic books, but my point is that the entire world of printed media is facing a crisis. As such, I believe it is a grim portent of what is to come for our beloved medium.

Unless we change now, that is.

Safe Haven?

Newsarama has just posted an interview with Lance Stahlberg, Director of Haven Distribution. It's a pretty in-depth interview, so do check it out. It appears Haven will be an excellent distribution option for small press publishers in association with other options.

Remember: having only one option is never good.

Are You Still Here?

That's all I have time for today. As I said, I am speaking with several people and gathering more information in regards to alternate distribution options. I hope to post some of that information tomorrow.

Thank you for reading!

Alternate Distribution Options: Myebook Rebuttal

Myebook Responds

Within an hour of posting yesterday's article, I was contacted by a gentleman named Sy Whitehall, Head of Communications from Myebook.com. I would like to post Mr. Whitehall's rebuttal here with my replies to each point. I am not attempting to discredit Mr. Whitehall or Myebook.com. What I am attempting to do is present you with factual information. And the best way to get to the truth is to examine all information before making a reasoned decision.

So here we go.

I read your piece on myebook with interest, but I am quite sure you are speaking of a different company.

I checked the url again and yep, it's the same site. Though it does look much different since my first visit.

Could I please point out some important inaccuracies in your article?

Absolutely! The purpose of posting this series of articles is to get to the truth and help creators explore new distribution options. If my information is incorrect, I welcome your--or anyone else's--correction and assistance in providing the facts.

Firstly we are not modeled on any other platform, system or site.

Having read Wowio's and Myebook's contracts, I beg to differ. Comparatively, the contracts were quite similar. I apologize for my poor wording when expressing how I found the two companies' business models similar. "Modeled on" would be more accurately expressed as "similar to." And you are correct in saying that the two platforms, systems and sites are quite different from one another.

Secondly we do not have sponsors of myebook, therefore how do we pay a modest sum via these sponsors?

I contacted Mr. Whitehall about this statement and what compensation--if any--is made to creators and have not received a response. After revisiting the site, however, I was unable to find any advertising information or banners--except for their own site. This leads me to believe that Myebook changed their policies sometime between the creation of the site and now. And that's fine. It's better than fine.

Thirdly we do not have contracts. The system is completely free.

Fantastic! This is another wonderful change. But... are creators compensated for posting their work on your site? After all, their content is what draws traffic to your site to begin with. Again, I'm not being disrespectful or demeaning. I would simply like to know the answer to this important question. We are all looking for options, so Myebooks may be just what we're looking for. Or not.

Finally, as detailed in the terms and conditions, each individual author retains all copyright on their work created/published/hosted on myebook.com We have never stated otherwise and will never republish anybody’s work in any other format.

So the contract has become "terms and conditions." I will definitely have to read them. The matter of compensation still sticks in my craw, though.

You clearly have been misinformed which is of great concern to me, as your readers are also being misinformed by your article.

Once again, sir, if things have changed at Myebook then you have my sincere apology. I went on the information I gained when considering hosting my books on your site. I like this more transparent model and I think it will serve you well... if creators are compensated for their work.

I would be delighted to discuss this further with you and have the opportunity to address your concerns.

I sent an e-mail to you to discuss some of my concerns. I realize, however, that you may have been out of the office or away from the computer when I sent it. Please feel free to respond at your leisure and I will continue our conversation here so everyone receives factual information. I am not attempting to discredit you nor Myebook.com. I am only after the truth.

Thing to Do, Places to Go

I'm taking the boys out to burn off some energy, so I'll close here. Please join us Monday as we continue the alternate distribution options series. Thank you for reading!

Alternate Distribution Options Part 3

Thank You Very Much

I'd like to start off by saying an extra-big, Galactus-sized thank you to everyone who is taking the time to read my blog. I know more people are reading than commenting, but that's fine. This is a controversial topic that many creators don't wish to address publicly. Many felt more comfortable responding directly through PM, DM and e-mail. There's nothing wrong with that. In fact, I am thankful for every response I get. So please... keep 'em coming.

Get Your Work Out There

Let's break it down: Until a site is created that offers comics in several different formats at the click of a button, the goal of using alternate distribution options must be to make your work available in as many formats as possible to increase your readership and potential for generating income. I know some will disagree, but think about it: if your work is available as--say--a webcomic (with Project Wonderful ads), hard copies (IndyPlanet), PDFs (Eagle One Media) and iPhone and iPod Touch files (iVerse Media), you have increased your potential to attract more readers and generate income. If your work is only available as a webcomic, however, you limit the reader's options and the potential to generate revenue. Indie creators don't have the resources or established fanbase for an undertaking like Marvel's digital comic initiative that consolidates everything onto one site, but I would submit that their goal is very similar: making their product available in several different formats while increasing the potential to generate income.

You can't go wrong basing your business model on the best in the industry.

Alternate Distribution Options by the Numbers, Continued

4. Eagle One Media - According to their site, EOM is known for "producing, marketing, and distributing high quality animated comic DVDs, series & educational products for the retail North American marketplace." EOM has recently begun offering digital comic downloads as well. Publishers like IDW, Moonstone and Desperado Publishing are represented there--as well as smaller indie publishers. Eagle One Media does not require publishers to make their content exclusive, which is a bonus. I'll get back to why this is important.

On EOM's site, you can make your comics available for PDF download for a determined price. Readers pay, download the file and the money is deposited into your EOM account to be paid to you quarterly. It's quick, easy and the staff is wonderful.

Bottom Line: You would not want to use EOM exclusively, but it may be a nice opportunity to increase readership and put a couple bucks in your pocket. If used in association with a webcomic and POD publisher, you may increase your readership and put a bit of cash in your pocket at the same time. On the other hand, EOM's traffic has fallen 40% in the past three months. If you link to Eagle One Media on your site, however, you will drive readers to their site to download your books, so this may be a moot point. But make no mistake: you're not going to get rich at Eagle One Media, but something's better than nothing and you're increasing your readership--right?

***5. Myebook.com - Myebook offers comic books that can be read onscreen. They are modeled after Wowio's pre-Platinum days. By having several sponsors, Myebooks is able to pay publishers a modest sum every time a reader views their books.

Bottom line: After having an attorney look over Myebook's contract, I was directed not to sign it due to some vague legalese that appeared to give Myebook consent to publish hard copies of my books. Perhaps someone out there who is using Myebooks could chime in and tell me how it is working for them, but, in the meantime, I have to say that while providing another possible revenue stream, you may unknowingly be giving Myebook consent to publish your work in other formats.

Workin' It

I would like to direct your attention to two sites that I believe have gotten it right:

The first site is Th3rdworld Studios. Th3rdworld offers their titles as webcomics and print copies. I have known Th3rdworld publisher Michael DeVito for several years, and he has intimated that each title will also be available as an on-site digital download in the near future. Michael is attempting to follow Marvel's business model and I have to believe that he--and Th3rdworld--will succeed. In fact, I'll be making an announcement that involves yours truly and Th3rdworld Studios. Keep an eye out for it.

The second site is Keenspot. Keenspot is a webcomic host site that--for a relatively small price--will host your webcomic. Customers are free to use Project Wonderful ads or "Donate buttons" where readers can "tip" the creator or creative team, and they also have hard copies of several webcomics available in their store. I have not used Keenspot, but I have only heard good things about them. Perhaps I'll track down Chris Crosby to give me the lowdown.

Time to Fly

I'm afraid that's all the time I have today, so I'm going to cut it off here. Listen: if you are using one of the aforementioned distribution outlets and have information that confirms or refutes what I've posted, please drop me a line at dwightmacpherson@gmail.com and let me know about it. I really want to present the most factual information available--and there's no better way to do that than by offering firsthand and reliable secondhand information.

***Myebooks information will be updated tomorrow.

Alternate Distribution Options Intermission

Diamond Sounds Off

Diamond's Bill Schanes finally offered an explanation for increasing their purchase order benchmark. Of course, they don't intimate the reason for raising the benchmark by 66.666%. "Times are tough" just doesn't cut it. Do not expect me to believe that Diamond is losing money. And, if they are, this smacks of a desperate move to avoid bankruptcy.

I Am The Law

Did you read this bit? "So when someone brings a new product to us, we look at previous sales on that same series, or with a like artist, or on a like product, and evaluate if we think the new product will hit that benchmark. If we think we can, then we’ll list them." Diamond dictates which books get published and which don't? And before you say "No. Only which books they distribute," think logically about this. Do you honestly think that--say, Image--will publish a book if Diamond says it won't distribute it? Diamond has essentially seized power from publishers, dictating what books they can or can't publish. Name one other industry where a distributor dictates to companies what they can or can't manufacture? Call me crazy, but isn't a distributor's role to--you know--distribute a product? And if the distribution cost isn't covered, they simply send a bill to the manufacturer. This leaves the manufacturer with two choices: pony up or find another mode of distribution.

Traditional thought says there isn't another option in the comic book industry because Diamond is a monopoly.

It's time to retire this antiquated traditional thought and move into the 21st century.

It's Go Time

Now is the time for small press creators and publishers to step into the digital age and seek alternate distribution options. Will creators wait until Diamond raises the benchmark another 67% or more? It would appear that the direct market is in the final stages of its protracted terminal disease and small press publishers will be the first to die. I know that sounds grim, but it's better than the "I'm okay, you're okay" obfuscation tactics we're seeing now.

What is Success?

Before we delve into alternate distribution options any further, I believe it is vitally important for each creator to define success for him or herself. So what constitutes success in this industry to you?

1. Having your work published by Marvel or DC.
2. Having your work published by Image.
3. Having your work appear in Previews magazine and distributed by Diamond.
4. Having your work read by as many readers as possible.
5. Turning a profit on your work.

If you answered 1: Let's be realistic here. The probability of having your creator-owned book published by Marvel or DC is just above your chances of metamorphosing into a Palos Verde Blue and winging your way to Never Neverland. If this is what you consider success, forget about creator-owned books (for now) and start writing pitches featuring Marvel's or DC's characters and accumulating editors' e-mail addresses. Or you could become a novelist or screenwriter. Marvel and DC love novelists and screenwriters.

While this is an excellent goal for a comic book writer or artist, I have to wonder if a true creator could be content to write or draw someone else's creations exclusively. Yes, I would love to write these iconic characters, but I would never be content as a creator to write them exclusively. Besides creating a plot... how much are most Marvel and DC writers actually allowed to create? And, if you are allowed to create a new character--as Todd McFarnale co-created Venom--do you really want to give your creation away? Ask Alan Moore if he thinks this is a wise idea.

But I digress.

If you answered 2: This is a realistic goal. Having done it myself, it is only necessary that you create an entertaining, dynamic property that features a professional, well-told story and fantastic art. Of course... with this new benchmark in place, it may not be so easy. As you may or may not have noticed, most new Image books these days are either written by "Big Name" writers or feature "Big Name" artists. Books created by unknown creators have become the exception rather than the rule in the recent past. But do not give up. If this is your definition of success, be tenacious and professional and diligent. It can be done.

Of course, you face the very realistic possibility that your book will break even, lose money or be cancelled. It is very important that you grasp this reality before you submit your property to Image--or any other publisher. Sadly, the possibility of turning a profit on your work is not very good. If you need proof, please check out this article on Publishers Weekly if you have not already done so.

If you answered 3: I have found myself chuckling several times when would-be creators tell me "If I can only get my book in Previews--then I'll consider myself a pro comic writer/artist." Seriously? Having your work listed amongst thousands of books makes you a professional? If this is your definition of success, your chances are very high--and I mean like astronomically high. But bear in mind: having your project appear in Previews--even a "front of Previews" publisher--does not ensure that your book will sell well enough to avoid cancellation and may just leave you indebted to the publisher... if Diamond approves the book to begin with.

Sorry, had to get another jab in there.

If you answered 4: I must admit that this is one of my definitions of success. As a storyteller first and foremost, I want my work to be seen and read by as many people as possible. That is why I have made my work available in many different formats. If this is your definition of success, I believe it is a very reasonable definition that every creator in a liberal medium would agree with.

If your goal is to support yourself with your work, however, having your work read is simply not enough.

If you answered 5: Congratulations... you're a capitalist! In all seriousness, this is the most realistic definition of success. I have heard so many creators say "If I could only make enough money writing/drawing comics to quit my day job, I'd consider myself a successful creator" or something similar. After all... who wouldn't like to create comics full-time while supporting oneself or one's family? This--in addition to #4--constitutes my definition of success. If I can have my work seen by many, many people and make a living doing it, I will consider myself a success. I'm almost there, but not quite yet.

Aim High

Listen... every human being must have goals. Without goals, you're basically spinning your wheels in this world. If your definition of success is options 1,2 or 3, I would submit that they should not be the destination, but rather stops along the journey; short-term goals that lead to the accomplishment of your ultimate goal. I encourage everyone to set short-term goals for yourselves. But I would also encourage you to look at the bigger picture and realize that you can accomplish more than you ever dreamed if you refuse to give up. No goal is too lofty if you have the determination, tenacity and skill to accomplish it. I believe President Obama is a wonderful source of inspiration and proof that we can seize the stars if we refuse to stop reaching for them.

Hasta

Speaking of short-term goals, I need to leave for class. Thank you for reading, and I hope to "see" you tomorrow. Now... get out there and succeed!