International Publication Pathways for Australian Comic Books and Graphic Novels

Abstract

This article answers the question, ‘What are the pathways that Australian creators of comic books and graphic novels commonly follow in order to be published by international publishing houses?’ This research question is significant because it combines two historically distinct fields of research—comics studies and publishing studies—and because it identifies the business practices that determine the comic books and graphic novels by Australian creators that are read by both Australian and international audiences. This article reveals that the interactions of creators and publishing professionals prior to a submission have a formative influence on the pathways to successful publication.