Who’s worked with publishers? Tips wanted!

[shovay]

Hey Tapas community!

Our Spacers&Co crew just started posting our comic here — still exploring the local galaxy — but we're already thinking about the next step: publishing a full-length comic.

We’re super curious: has anyone here worked with comic publishers or platforms like Webtoon, Tapas Originals?

What were the pitfalls? How does it usually work? Is it worth going through a publisher or better to grow independently? What kind of rates do publishers typically offer?

We’d really appreciate any advice — the good, the bad, and the ugly!
Feel free to reply here or DM us — we’ll gladly treat you to some cosmic tea

Read SPACERS&Co: Chaotic Logistics | Tapas Web Community

[Leyelle]

I've only published in magazines and an anthology so I'm not sure I'll be any help, but if you still Want to know what I know I'll share

[GiveMeThatBread]

I'm over on the Premium side of Tapas novels, so my experience is different than a Premium comic artist. But my two cents is that working with platforms like Tapas and Webtoon are very different from traditional publishing, so comparing would be difficult. What I think it positive may seem negative to someone else lol

As for rates, each person/contract is different, and under NDA, so I doubt you'll find someone willing to reveal if they received an advance and their earnings (earnings aren't necessarily NDA but not many are comfortable sharing).

[shovay]

I'm over on the Premium side of Tapas novels, so my experience is different than a Premium comic artist. But my two cents is that working with platforms like Tapas and Webtoon are very different from traditional publishing, so comparing would be difficult. What I think it positive may seem negative to someone else lol

As for rates, each person/contract is different, and under NDA, so I doubt you'll find someone willing to reveal if they received an advance and their earnings (earnings aren't necessarily NDA but not many are comfortable sharing).

I’m really curious — what does it usually take for a project to get into Tapas Premium? Are there certain things editors are looking for — like genre, art style, audience size, or story structure? Would love to understand what makes a project “ready” for Premium!

[GiveMeThatBread]

It's the main staff on the Tapas team who consider a community title! Editors are usually freelancers on Tapas!

I can say they look for consistent engagement, art quality, story quality, etc.

A good place to look is here on their website, though a comic/novel may also get invited to creator bonus program or early access.

It is totally possible to be invited by staff without these criteria, but it usually won't happen right out of the gate unless winning a rare contest. My one novel was invited from community but that was after it had accumulated 1M views lol.

I wish you luck on the Tapas platform! Just be consistent with uploading, engage with readers, market yourself on socials, and studying what has been doing well on Tapas. Perhaps seeing the staff picks and such.