2026.06.20: How to Launch Your Graphic Novel – Free Masterclass
WHAT: How to Launch Your Graphic Novel free online masterclass
WHEN: 1 pm ET, Saturday, June 20, 2026
WHERE: On Zoom -- click here to RSVP
On Saturday June 20th, I’m teaching a free masterclass for creators launching graphic novels and illustrated books for kids and teens. The framework I'll be teaching applies to all types of books and comics, whether you’re working with a traditional publisher, self-publishing, or crowdfunding on a platform like Kickstarter.
We'll talk about how to:
- make a plan that works with your strengths
- avoid burnout when you have a lot to do and little time
- be resourceful when you have very little money to spend
- stay authentic (even if you’re an introvert!)
This masterclass is the kickoff to my six-week live bootcamp, How to Launch Your Graphic Novel, which begins July 7.
The masterclass is free to attend—sign up through Kids Comics Unite. Email me if you have any questions, and I hope to see you there!
KCU Logo Contest!
Until now, Kids Comics Unite has been a private online community, but the next chapter in its existence will be a public website... loaded with useful resources for creators and professionals in the field of kids graphic novels.
But before we launch the website, we want to shape a new visual identity for KCU!
We are seeking artists and designers to help us craft that identity. And to do that, we're sponsoring a logo contest! Yes — IT’S BRANDING TIME.
The upcoming Kids Comics Unite website needs a brand spankin’ new logo, and that design could be yours.
The winner of the contest will get:
- a $500 cash prize
- a free one year subscription of Kids Comics Insider, and
- free attendance to the 2022 Kids Comics Intensive!
That’s a total value of $2,060. Sweet!
Are you enticed?
The creative brief and how to enter:
Click here to read the Logo Contest Guidelines
The deadline for entries is 11:59PM EST on June 30th, 2021.
We can't wait to see your work!
Have more questions? Here is our Q&A sheet and replay of the live Q&A session! If you have another one, leave a comment below or leave a message inside Kids Comics Unite!
Kids Comics Unite Community Development and Marketing Internships!
I am looking for Kids Comics Unite’s first “crew members” who will help me turn Kids Comics Unite into a website chock-full of resources, and continue growing and improving our fabulous community. You'll play a critical role in charting the future of KCU, and help create new programs that support all our members and leverage the knowledge and insight of our super users.
What You’ll Do:
- Help shape the future of KCU
- Help plan and launch the KCU website
- Celebrate, organize, and boost the resources and stories that come from our community
- Edit videos for posting internally and on the KCU YouTube channel
- Write a monthly KCU newsletter
- Oversee the future KCU blog
- Organize internal processes to support the development of consistent, high quality content and programs
- Track and report on our performance and make recommendations for improvement
What You Should Have:
- Passion for helping artists and writers build their careers, and for helping the kids graphic novel market grow
- Strong interest in the business and marketing side of publishing and online community building
- A friendly personality, team spirit, and desire to help others
- The ability to commit time and focus every week to this position
Skills I’m Looking For:
You don’t need all these, but at least some of them.
- Excellent listening and analytical skills and ability to spot “patterns in the noise”
- Strong organization skills
- Some experience in blogging, email or social media marketing, and/or community moderating
- Video editing expertise
- Great writing and editing skills
- Bookkeeping, finance, or administrative experience
What You’ll Get:
These are part-time paid internship positions. They include:
- Monthly private mentoring session with Janna
- Monthly stipend (tbd, depending on experience, scope of work, and time involved)
- Free membership in all KCU programs
- Behind the scenes experience in building a thriving online community, advising comics creators, and marketing a creative business
- Completely flexible schedule
Fill out this form to apply:
https://forms.gle/shErx1scT91Lksvi7
The application period is open until Wednesday, April 28, 2021. If you want to apply, you must submit your application by EOD on April 28th.