We have now done some 36 pages in a comic autobiography This is Where The Smoke Comes out and that is published online at that url on our website using a php based comic reader.
Our previous SF work is also available, Terraform
The only advantage of the server php approach is that I can track if anybody bothers to look at them. The downside is it is server side programming, not something most can do, and your not getting any money for it. As the web is filled by bots, most accesses are not actually people, and this can be checked in the site logs for a reality check.
The php comic reader displays the page .jpg file and tracks what pages your on, and allows web button randomly or backward and forward access. My version works on mobile devices as well as desktops and laptops. You can have it if you ask.
I have also made .cbr (Comic Book Reader) and .mobi (Kindle/ComiXology) versions at various times and they work well too. Use CBR for most checking of the content as it is so fast and easy.
The .cbr file is just the sequentially numbered .jpg files zipped together, then renamed. Easy and efficient. There are lots of free CBR readers available, but I use YACReader on windows and PerfectView on Android. Works well to show each page with an easy interface. As long as the text is large enough, it works well on a phone screen. The app also starts up fast, which is much appreciated. Doesn't have any DRM to control copying for a commercial work though.
Our first book, Hot CAR-toons, Dudes, Dudettes & Stuff At the Heavy Metal Garage was for the Kindle and I used the Sigil editor to create it. It was very much like hand coding a website. But it does allow you to sell it, or try too, on Amazon.com. Has that DRM stuff too.
The Kindle Comix Creator is a much simpler tool that builds a comic for Kindle or ComiXology and automatically adds the panel zoom feature that makes reading a comic easier on your phone if you turn it on. It outputs the .mobi and all you really have to do is import your numbered pages and it does the rest, with options to edit if required.
I don't know what it takes to have a book on ComiXology, or if it is possible for an independent publisher to do or not. My experience with Amazon is it is simple, but the reach they have doesn't necessarily help with your niche title, and their free promotion stuff isn't a good idea in practice.
On a phone, startup of the Kindle Reader is kind of slow, but it really depends how often your using that app anyway.
I could put the .cbr and .mobi versions of my last works on line as well but there doesn't seem any point. But if you want it I will give it to you.
WEBTOON is a Korean server base format that you can upload your work too, that looks interesting if you make work for this layout. It displays a fixed size panel to the reader one at a time. Most comic and manga don't have fixed size panels, so having both styles requires work. Publishing requires making an account and uploading the files. I have read a few comics on it and seen the creator videos they have. Not planning on putting anything on it at the moment though.
We can be contacted at Art & Technology.
No comments:
Post a Comment