Here it is folks (finally!) — the complete “How to Self-Publish a Graphic Novel in 8 Hard Steps” presentation as delivered by Tōnoharu creator and Xeric winner Lars Martinson at the 2010 Graphic Novel Writing & Illustrating Conference sponsored by the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis, MN. Thanks, as always, for your patience.

I’d deliver my own “How to Video Edit and Serialize a Slide Show Presentation in 8 Hard Months” but it would just sound like whining.

Here’s a LINK to first installment with details on the program. You’ll find the videos for steps 1-8 below the jump.

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How to Self-Publish a Graphic Novel in 8 Hard Steps / Part 1 from Sarah Morean on Vimeo.

Last weekend I attended the Graphic Novel Writing & Illustrating Conference sponsored by the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis, MN.  This was a day-long event featuring Gene Yang as the keynote speaker and two break-out sessions where attendees could learn anything from caricature drawing to poetry as comics to the basics of webcomics and writing for comics.

The first session I attended was aptly titled “How to Self-Publish a Graphic Novel in 8 Hard Steps” delivered by Lars Martinson.

I first discovered Martinson’s work when I was just getting into comics.  His mini-comic Young Men of a Certain Mind was beautifully executed and among the first nice-looking self-published books I had ever seen.  I believe it even inspired some fan mail.

Later, in 2008, Martinson self-published a book called Tōnoharu Part 1 using a large sum of money he acquired from the Xeric Foundation.  He wrote this presentation based on his experience as a self-publisher, and it was hands-down the most useful and realistic discussion of the pros and cons of self-publishing that I have ever heard.

I recorded audio during the presentation and Lars supplied the open office document.  I have blended the two for your edification and enjoyment and will post all eight parts as individual films in the coming weeks.  Today, I give you Step 1: Draw Comics for 10 Years.

[PARTS 2-3]

- Sarah Morean