Q&A for How to Self Publish and Promote Your Manga

You can make manga at any age.

Everyone has a chance, all there is to be done is to believe you can and to study manga and drawings, as well as practice whenever possible. No one has an angelic hand when they first put their pencil on paper, they work on it for years and always get better.

Scan in your manga, then edit it on a software of your choice.

You are never too old to start a project! It sounds like this would be a great option for you since you already have the artistic skills to bring it to fruition.

If you post some of it online for free, the readers can get a piece of your work, and with that information they can determine if they like your story and artwork. Customers and fans always like to know that their money is being well-spent, so by giving them a chance to sample your work before investing in it, you're giving people the opportunity to decide whether or not your work is worth the money to them.

Start with body structure and face structure. Then, work your way through clothing and then to shading.

Yes, although the lines won't look as neat and bold as they would if you used pen or markers.

You can try printing out many different body structures and tracing them. Then, right after tracing, try to draw it yourself freehand. You can do the body as a whole or break it down into parts. Keep practicing this over and over, take it slow at first, then try to get faster. If you keep practicing, you'll see an improvement.

Ask your parents or people in your neighborhood if they need any odd jobs done so you can make the money for your supplies.

Yes. Posting your content online is a great way to promote it and gain recognition.

Absolutely, lots of mangakas do it. It helps boost your sales and it gets your name round really well, you just have to be careful and watch out for scamming websites.

A pencil, an eraser and an Artline black ink marker (fine 0.4 is best for beginners). Practice using these basic tools before moving onto other more advanced tools (Copic, Ohuhu, etc.).

That's a tough one. You can either figure out a way to convince them to let you, or do it without them knowing and build a fan base and wait to make money off of your manga until you are 18.

Usually it is the style of art that determines whether or not something is classifies as a manga. Usually the book is "backwards," but it doesn't have to be, and no, the creator does not have to be Japanese.

It’s normal to compare yourself to others, but here’s how to stay motivated: Focus on your progress and celebrate improvements, set small goals, learn from other mangaka for inspiration, remember why you love creating, accept mistakes as part of the process, and take breaks to return with fresh ideas. Keep creating at your own pace and be proud of your journey!

Collaborate with other creators, join forums like Reddit or DeviantArt, publish on platforms like Webtoon or Amazon KDP, submit to manga magazines, offer free chapters, and attend local conventions. These strategies can help grow your fanbase.

Yes, you can self-publish a manga on paper by creating and finishing your manga, scanning or photographing each page, printing copies with a printer or print-on-demand service, and binding them yourself or professionally. You can then sell or share your manga locally or online.

It's best to start with a short story: a one-shot or short story around 10 to 30 pages is a good start. If you want a longer manga, aim for one chapter of about 20 to 40 pages. Keep the idea simple and focused, as starting small will help you practice and improve before taking on bigger projects.

It's better to scan your manga rather than taking a photo. Scanning provides higher quality, clearer images, and ensures that the lines and details of your artwork are crisp. If you don't have access to a scanner, taking a photo can work, but use good lighting, avoid shadows, and keep the camera steady to get a clear image.

Yes, a manga can be considered manga even if it’s not published in Japan. Manga refers to a style of comics or graphic novels, regardless of where they're published. In Japan, most manga is published in Japanese to reach a local audience. You could work with a translator if you want to keep the original language or have a translated version available.

Yes, you can share your ideas with manga creators. Contact them on social media or platforms like Instagram or DeviantArt. Join manga communities or forums to share your ideas. If a creator likes your idea, you might collaborate, with you focusing on the story and them on the art. Remember to copyright your ideas before sharing them.

You don’t need a drawing tablet or PC to draw manga, but they can help. Without a tablet, you can draw by hand with pencil and ink, then scan and edit your work on a computer. With a drawing tablet, you can draw directly on the screen, which makes it easier to create and adjust your art digitally. A PC helps with using drawing software like Clip Studio Paint or Photoshop for editing and coloring. A tablet and PC can make it easier, but they’re not necessary.

In India, you can publish your manga on platforms like Webtoon, Tapas, Wattpad, Instagram, DeviantArt, and Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. These platforms allow you to share your work and potentially earn money. Be sure to review their rules regarding age and parental permission.

Yes, you and your team can create a manga! Work together by dividing tasks like drawing, writing, inking, and editing. Plan your story and characters, publish online on platforms like Webtoon or Tapas, and share on social media for feedback. Check platform rules about age and parental permission, and consider copyrighting your manga.

Yes! Join local artist groups to connect with other creators, attend conventions like MCM Comic Con, take manga-focused art courses, and publish your manga online on platforms like Webtoon, Tapas, or Amazon KDP. London has a creative community that can help you get started and grow as a manga artist.

Yes, you can publish your manga at 14! Here are some options: 1. Webtoon – Upload your manga and earn money if it becomes popular. 2. Tapas – Upload your manga and earn through ads or tips. 3. Self-Publishing – Publish a digital version on platforms like Amazon or Gumroad. 4. Social Media – Share your manga on Instagram, DeviantArt, or Twitter. Check the platform's rules, as some may require parental permission. You can also copyright your work to protect it.

To make manga, you'll need thick paper like Bristol board, good-quality pencils, fine liners or dip pens with black ink, a soft eraser, a ruler, and either markers for traditional coloring or software like Clip Studio Paint for digital work.

Yes, you can use comics instead of manga. While manga refers to Japanese-style comics, "comics" is a broader term that can refer to any style of illustrated storytelling, including Western-style comics. If you're creating a story with a unique art style, you can choose to call it a comic or a manga, depending on the style and culture you want to draw inspiration from. The important thing is to focus on telling a great story and using art to bring it to life!

If you can't use popular social media, try promoting your manga by publishing on platforms like Webtoon, Tapas, or Amazon KDP, creating a website or blog to showcase your work, joining online communities like Reddit or DeviantArt, collaborating with other creators, attending local events like conventions, and using email marketing to keep fans updated.

You'll need tools like G-pens, maru pens, and brush pens for inking, along with smooth manga paper or Bristol board. Black ink, white correction fluid, and screentones are useful for details. A lightbox can help with tracing, and rulers are ideal for panel layouts. If you prefer painting, watercolor or Copic markers can add unique styles. With your diploma in art, your painting skills can enhance the look of your manga.