How to print your webcomic: part two

Editor’s note: This is Part 2 of our blog post on taking your webcomic to print. Our last post was more about comic books, but some reader feedback reminded us to dive deeper into how to make a webcomic and take it to print.

So, you want to make a webcomic and take it from the shiny screen to paper? Perfect.

With all that content, you’ve already done the hard part: Coming up with comic ideas, writing, and editing. The rest is just a little finessing, a little formatting, and deciding what kind of book you want to make.

Really. It’s easier than you think:

1. Gather your files

You’ll want to use your original art files at a resolution of at least 300 DPI. Don’t use the files you uploaded to the web, since the typical 72 DPI web resolution doesn’t print well.

2. Choose a tool

If you already know and love Adobe InDesign, you’ll want our free plug-in. It helps set trim and bleed guidelines for each size and format. If not, Blurb BookWright gives you drag-and-drop simplicity and one-click ebook conversion. It’s a free download.

3. Choose a format

Blurb’s Standard Color and Standard Black and White trade books have been super popular with webcomic creators. Available in three sizes 5×8, 6×8, and 8×10 inches, which match well with most comic specs. A magazine is also a good choice if you want more page real estate.

4. Design your book

Start placing your image files. Design a cover. Decide if you want page numbers. Be fancy and write an introduction (if you want). Webcomics aren’t done in full pages but rather in 3- to 4-panel strips. In this case, you’ll probably want to create your own reusable layout in BookWright or InDesign.

5. Upload and order your comic

You do this right from the InDesign plugin or Blurb BookWright.

Wait, that’s it?

Well, pretty much. Each webcomic has its own unique formatting—there are no formal standards—so you might have to try out different layouts. You might also want to add something special to your print version, which gives super fans a reason to buy. Here are some ideas:

1. Create hardcover and softcover editions.
2. Include bonus content like early concept art, discarded chapters, alternative endings, and behind-the-scenes secrets.

How do I sell my webcomic?

Any book created with Blurb can be sold on the Blurb Bookstore. Trade books can be distributed through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online retailers. With trade books, you also get a free ISBN, which might make it easier to get it into your local comic book stores.

Happy comic book making! We can’t wait to see what you create.