Zwol.org

That got your attention. Fact is, most comic companies want to own you or your title.

Are you into comics and looking to join a start-up comic company?

I am a freelance designer/artist who runs my own indie comic company. It is only in its infancy and so I'm looking for dedicated people to join me!

Perhaps you're an artist with a unique style or a writer with weird and strange ideas? Maybe you just love comics and want to be involved?

I can't take on everything because my time is limited but I would love to hear from interested indie comic artists and writers who are looking to build a better underground. I cannot offer pay but there's nothing you have to pay either. If I decide to take on a title I have years of design experience and can offer promotion, logo design, websites, etc.

Rest assured: I'M NOT LOOKING TO MAKE MONEY OFF YOUR IDEA!
YOU WOULD HOLD ALL RIGHTS AND PROFITS FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS!

Sales of your titles would go directly to you. Mutual projects would be split down the line.

I hope to eventually hire people as it becomes possible in the future growth of Seven Legs Comics!

I'm simply seeking to build an alternative to try and help out those of us who struggle in the mad world of comic marketing! I've had great response, getting dozens and dozens of emails from interested comic indie writers and artists alike. I thought I'd post once more to see if anyone else is interested.

I'm currently working on the next stage in helping out the indie comic community - a new online forum/workshop which will allow this growing collection of writers and artists to build something unique, marketing and maintaining full control of their work.

I also come up with fun ideas for writers and artists to contribute to, if they feel up to it.

Email me for the latest information:
www.sevenlegs.net
stan(at)sevenlegs.net

How is this not a vanity press?

Sorry for not replying sooner. I don't come here too often. A vanity press or vanity publisher is a term describing a publishing house in which authors generally pay to have their books published. I'm not charging anything.

I'm currently building a forum/workshop for indie writers and artists to collaborate (if they decide to) and review (if they want) each other's work.

I see the focus may, at first, be a collection of mainly writers, looking to collaborate. That's fine. I can work with a number of them with a very limited supply of artists, focusing more on short story format over comic format. But comics will be included when possible.

I am working on a few anthology publications. Contributing to any of the anthologies I create is up to each writer or artist. I don't accept every submission but I'm not as strict as someone with money invested in it. POD publishing just requires time in layout and organization, which I'm happy to do. I may eventually work up to carrying stand-alone titles in the future. This is just a starting point for me.

Submissions that are accepted just get some free publicity and free design. The anthologies are to be released at base cost or, if possible, free digital download.

Let's say we have 30 writers and artists working together and they create a free 300 to 500 page book. It may significantly increase one's exposure and help the writer and the artist.

Basically, it's just a place to work, learn and grow by building a stronger indie network of comic fans. Artists or writers with solid careers in the field would most likely want to look elsewhere.

If there isn't enough participation, the workshop will be closed but I can operate on only a few contributors because it costs me virtually nothing. I'm just trying out some alternatives to see if there's some people who are interested.

I also offer my design help, having worked as head of graphic design for a dozen years for a retail business. Some artists may find this valuable but I think many writers will. I may even decide to draw a writer's submission myself. The more I take on, the more exposure my art or writings will get in an anthology.

For the small core of artists, it gives them access to many writers and their network of friends who will see their work. I'm hoping it proves beneficial for many aspiring comic writers and artists alike. Yay!

- MadManStan