Virtual Classroom

Master the Art of Publishing Graphic Novels

This one-day course covers all aspects of producing graphic novels, from ideas and concepts through to quality control and sensitivity reads.
DATE

11 & 18 Nov. 2026

TIME

9.00am–12.30pm

FORMAT

Virtual classroom via Zoom

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Completion certificate

PRICE

£375 + VAT

Why should I take this course?

This one-day course covers all aspects of producing graphic novels, from ideas and concepts through to quality control and sensitivity reads.
Graphic novels and comics is one of the fastest growing sectors of publishing. Driven in part by Japanese manga and anime, they are becoming more mainstream and can represent a significant growth opportunity for companies. For children, young adults and adult readers, they can include TV and film tie-ins, as well as original works.

With the success of Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper series and many titles being listed for or awarded literary prizes, graphic novels are gaining new audiences. Globally, the comic book and graphic-novel market was estimated to be worth over $520 million in 2024.
Benefits

Control how you learn & progress

Who is it for?

Anyone who is considering launching a graphic novel list or who wants to publish a graphic novel. This includes: 
  • artists
  • business development executives
  • commissioning editors
  • designers
  • editorial assistants, assistant editors, editors
  • freelancers
  • production staff
  • publishers
  • publishing directors
  • writers.

Learning outcomes

On completing this course you'll be able to:
  • think about what you need to set up and start a graphic-novels list
  • be able to argue for starting or taking on graphic novels within your organisation
  • understand all the steps involved in creating a graphic novel, from start to finish.

Programme

Day 1

Session 1: Introduction & background

  • History of comics and graphic novels
  • Developments and trends in the UK now


Session 2: The Editor’s role
  • Different roles
  • Acquiring and commissioning
  • Business strategy


Session 3: Editorial processes
  • Big publishers versus small indies
  • Working with creatives
  • Digital versus traditional methods
  • Genres
  • Planning and scheduling

Day 2

Session 4: Hands-on/in practice

  • Practical examples of editing pages
  • In-depth analysis of artwork
  • Works in translation
  • Sound effects
  • Quality control and sensitivity reads

Session 5: Sales, Press and Marketing
  • Comic cons and literary festivals
  • Successful campaigns
  • Social media
Details

What you need to know

Delivery

The course consists of 4 sessions, each a mixture of delivery and interaction using Zoom breakout rooms and other online tools. There will be 15-minute breaks between sessions with the opportunity to do exercises and take a break. The course will run on the same day across 2 weeks, split into two ½-day sessions in the morning from 9.00am to 12.30pm. Any information to be completed beforehand will be sent via email.

Zoom

You will need to activate a free Zoom account to join the course. This takes 2 minutes and does not require any payment. It is purely for administrative purposes. 

Certificate

Upon completing the course you will receive a completion certificate from the Institute of Publishing.

Accessibility 

Please contact us with any accessibility or special requirements, for example having in-session captions or the learning materials sent to you in advance. 

In-company

This course is available for in-company training, either virtually or in person at your office. Course content is tailored to suit your requirements. Group sizes range from 5 to 12 attendees. To find out more, email us or call +44 (0)20 8874 2718.

What our students say about us

I enjoyed the course immensely! Emma's presentation was so thorough and engaging. I now have a greater understanding of the Graphic Novel publishing process and industry.

- Freelance Editor, Writer & Designer, Word Works

Emma was so generous in sharing her experience of every stage of graphic novel creation - from scripting to artwork to publication. The way she covered the detail was really helpful and engaging. Emma made everything accessible, interesting and relevant. I enjoyed every moment - after the first session, I couldn't wait for the second session to come round.

- Writer, Your Story My Words

About the trainer

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Emma Hayley

Trainer
ABOUT EMMA HAYLEY
Emma Hayley is Founder and Managing Director of SelfMadeHero. Established in 2007, the publishing house specialises in graphic novels. Emma has won several awards, including a Nibbie for UK Young Publishing Entrepreneur of the Year and Tripwire magazine’s UK Indie Press of the Year. In 2025, she was inducted into Broken Frontier’s Hall of Fame. Before publishing, she worked in journalism and film PR.
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