Comics stores let you do what now?!

[MadamBubble]

Is this true? That most comic book stores support local content? Like I can just walk in and ask them put my comic on the shelves? it's probably not as simple as that, since there's probably a process to making that happen.

So does that mean if I play my cards right I'm saved? Or is there some other factor I'm not aware of?

[craftymarten]

Most comic shops will be happy to stock your comic but for me I'm not at the point where I can afford it yet. My printing costs are coming out as about 50% of what I charge for books and shops take 30-60% of retail (sale or return) so I'd be earning £1 from each sale at most. I'm hoping I can order a larger number and get my prices down enough to be worth it.
It's really cool seeing your own books on a shelf though!
Some shops might want to check your comic is up to standard and some will want a barcode/ISBN on it too so it really depends on what your local shop is like.

[fischhead]

@craftymarten That's pretty much what I was thinking

@BubbleGirlJosephine The only article I could find says it depends on your store and who you know. I asked about this situation at a Madness Games and Comics a while back, and they didn't allow independent promotion. Local stores might be different, so you probably just need to talk to the right person.

[Zaboem]

Yes and no, this will vary from one store to another. When I went around trying to market my wife's book in local bookstores and comic stores, I got different reactions. Some gave us the run around. A hybrid comic-book shop refused to offer her valuable shelf space until after we performed more local promotion. The most welcoming was a neighborhood comic shop. The deal was that we could rent the space for a small commission on each sale that the store made, a good deal for both sides.