DC Conspiracy[dots pattern]

8.24.2005

The Small Presser, No. 11: "Reviews"

There’s a certain rush you get when see a review of your comic. It’s quite exciting and fulfilling, even if the review isn’t a stellar one. Aside from an ego boost, what exactly do you expect from the review?

When I first began self-publishing, I thought a review in almost any publication or at Web site would mean extra sales. If the review was especially glorious, well, I expected dozens orders within a few days!

Man, was I wrong.

Reviews are great for critiques and a little publicity. But don’t set your heart on it as a way to attract new buyers. Perhaps it’s because there are so many review sites (especially online review sites) that their panache to boost sales have been diluted. Even a mention in well-known or widely read columns won’t necessarily result in increased sales.

And, frankly, using reviews as blurbs in an ad to plug your comics also rarely works, unless you get a splendid endorsement from The Comics Journal or Warren Ellis or something. (And that’d also be pretty much just to stroke your own ego.)

So, why bother? Well, although they might not get you dozens of sales, a mention at few of the top-notch review sites might land you four, five or (gasp!) maybe six sales. Two of my favorite small-press comic review sites are Shawn Hoke’s Size Matters, Tom Spurgeon’s The Comics Reporter and Rich Watson’s Chicks and Romance.

These reviewers delve into books and do a great job dissecting them. If you’re looking for some quick cheerleader rants about how awesome your book is, go elsewhere. If you want someone to point out in detail what your comic’s strengths and weaknesses are, these are the guys for you.

Use these sites more as a gauge to see how your work is perceived. It’s a great way to see if your book’s story or message is getting across to readers, and whether your drawings are up to snuff. If not (and these guys will point it out), you might try a new approach. Use these sites as a way to improve your craft and to make yourself a better storyteller.

P.S.—Speaking of books, Mr. Big #5: Hunger, is now officially on sale! It’s 20 pages with color covers. All for $1.50. You can check out the cover painting at my Web site.(It’ll be on sale at SPX at the D.C. Conspiracy table.)

Dembicki at 10:47 AM  |  link to this     

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