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.

Here are a few tips: Practice regularly to improve, use references for inspiration, start with simple designs and improve over time, focus on storytelling, use digital tools for better lines and shapes, and consider collaborating if you're better at storytelling than drawing. Keep practicing and enjoy the process!

Yes, you can become a manga artist without a fine arts degree. Many renowned manga artists are self-taught. Focus on improving your drawing, storytelling, and panel layout skills. Study existing manga, practice daily, and develop your unique style. Digital tools like Clip Studio Paint can help, but traditional skills are also valuable. Share your work online, enter contests, and consider self-publishing or working with publishers. With dedication and practice, you can succeed.

Upload your manga to platforms like Webtoon, Tapas, or DeviantArt. Share it on social media like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook using hashtags. Create a website or blog to post your manga and updates. Connect with other manga creators and join online communities. Post regularly to keep readers interested. Engage with your audience by asking for feedback and running polls. Share your manga on forums or Discord servers where people like manga. By staying active and consistent, you'll attract more readers and grow your following.

You can create your manga on A4 sheets and scan your artwork to upload it to a website. Many platforms like Webtoon and Tapas accept scanned images of traditionally drawn manga if the quality is good. Using software can make editing and coloring easier, but it's not a requirement. As long as your artwork is clear, well-drawn, and high-quality, you can publish your hand-drawn manga online.

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.

Yes, the publishing printers mentioned in the article are Japanese, and many printing presses can print in any language you require.

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.

To get your anime on TV, create a strong pilot episode or short film. Pitch it to networks like Toonami, Netflix, or Crunchyroll with a solid synopsis and character designs. Many networks prefer working with known studios, so consider teaming up with one. If that doesn’t work, self-publish on YouTube or Patreon to build a fanbase. Working in the animation industry can also help you gain connections.

Yes. You can upload it to platforms like Webtoon, Tapas, Instagram, DeviantArt, or Wattpad. You can also create a free website or blog using platforms like WordPress or Wix to reach a wide audience.

Yes! Plan your story and characters, design them and the setting, sketch your manga into pages and panels, then ink and color your drawings by hand or digitally. Finally, share your manga online on platforms like Webtoon, Tapas, or Instagram. Keep practicing and have fun!

Yes! Plan your story, characters, and setting. Use the brushes and tools to draw, and organize your work with layers. Add dialogue and sound effects with the text tool, then export and share your manga on platforms like Webtoon or Tapas. Ibis Paint X is perfect for creating manga!

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 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!

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.

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.