Writing a graphic novel is an exciting endeavor, but many aspiring creators wonder “Can I make money by writing a graphic novel?”. The answer is a definitive yes, but it requires passion, dedication, and smart work strategies. This guide provides insights and tips on how to navigate to favorable financial outcomes.
Passion and Dedication
Creating a graphic novel is akin to making a movie as a one-person crew. It demands a high level of love, passion, and dedication. The process involves quiet, unappreciated hours of work and negligible pay at the beginning. Therefore, it is crucial to have a burning passion for storytelling to pull you through the demanding periods.
Maintaining Work-Life Balance
- Establish a balanced routine that keeps your work-life equilibrium in check.
- Graphic novels demand a significant work schedule, but remember to make time for family, friends, fitness, and rest.
- Rotate your non-work related activities to ensure you devote time to various aspects of your life and prevent burnout.
- Importantly, do not shy away from negotiating with your publisher for more time to complete your graphic novel. This will prevent situations where deadlines become unbearable.
Supplemental Work
Since creating a graphic novel might not initially pay enough, consider taking up a ‘second career’. This could be within the comic industry like coloring or lettering, or entirely outside like temp jobs or freelance gigs. Choose a ‘second career’ that complements your graphic novel work and doesn’t lead to burnout.
Efficient Work Strategies
- Avoid commencing any substantial work on your novel till you have a signed contract with a publisher to ensure your effort is valued.
- Be prepared to wait. Graphic novels go through stages of approvals and changes that typically involve waiting periods. During these times, consider iterating on your techniques or accumulating savings for financial stability.
- Focus on what’s important now. Have complementary projects to work on when you feel a burnout approaching. These projects should not compete with your main work.
Health and Rest
Respecting your body’s needs is integral to a sustainable work cycle. Maintain a disciplined work schedule, but never compromise your health. Take frequent breaks, move around, and keep non-work chores away from your work routine. If faced with an injury, stop and give your body time to heal rather than forcing yourself to continue.
Continual Learning and Creativity
Maintain a level of freshness and excitement in your work. Try out different techniques, and do not hesitate to improve your style. Look for new narrative and visual approaches to ensure that your work remains engaging over long project durations. Have something else creative that you enjoy doing, without the pressure of earning money from it, to keep your creativity alive and prevent burnout.
Conclusions
Making a living by writing a graphic novel is a reality, although it calls for proper planning, passion, and patience. By pacing yourself, maintaining a work-life balance, taking up complementary work, and keeping dedicated to your crafts, you’re well-positioned to make the journey rewarding. Remember, the story sits at the heart of the graphic novel. Prioritize your storytelling skill over everything else, and you’re headed in the right direction.