How to create and publish a graphic novel

Learn how to turn your idea into a graphic novel, and get it published

An endlessly versatile art form which places no limits on the ambition of the storyteller, the graphic novel has produced masterpieces as varied as Alan Moore's legendary Watchmen and the groundbreaking graphic journalism of Joe Sacco's Palestine. Curated by independent book publisher SelfMadeHero, this in-depth, full-day seminar covers everything you could need to know about the art of the graphic novel, as well as the mechanics of getting your work published.

With tutors including Paul Gravett, curator of the British Library's exhibition Comics Unmasked: Art and Anarchy in the UK, and Guardian cartoonist Steven Appleby, you'll learn about the unique possibilities the format offers, how to work with an artist or writer, and how to plan and execute a project. The day also includes a primer on the realities of the graphic novel industry, making this an ideal all-round course for budding writers and artists who'd like to try their hand at creating a graphic novel or comic book.

This course is for you if…

• You're a writer, artist or graphic novel enthusiast keen to learn more about the art form
• You're an illustrator or comic book artist who wants to work with writers or publishers
• You're currently working on a graphic novel, and want to learn how to approach agents and pitch to publishers
• You're a published author who would like to gain a greater understanding of the graphic novel industry

Course description

This large-scale, seminar-style course covers everything aspiring artists and writers need to know about creating, writing and pitching a graphic novel or comic book. Topics covered on the day include:

• An in-depth introduction to the history of British comics
• Advice on the writing, plotting and editing process
• How to create convincing and memorable characters and storylines
• Realities of the industry, including how to write and pitch a book proposal
• Best practice when approaching agents and publishers
• Guide to the best resources for graphic novels – from websites to shops, books and events

Tutor profiles

SelfMadeHero is Britain's leading independent graphic novel publisher. Showcasing the finest writers and artists from across the globe, from Bryan Lee O'Malley to David B., SelfMadeHero's list encompasses the finest fiction, biography, history and humour in the graphic novel medium.

Paul Gravett is Britain's best-known comic book critic and the author of many books, including Great British Comics and Graphic Novels: Everything You Need to Know. Along with John Dunning, he curated the British Library exhibition Comics Unmasked: Art and Anarchy in the UK. His latest book is Comics Art (Tate Publishing). His writings and reviews appear regularly in the Guardian, The Independent, The Times Literary Supplement, ArtReview, Comic Heroes and other publications.

Steven Appleby is the creator of comic strips for newspapers, a radio series for the BBC, a musical theatre show and the animated television series Captain Star. He has published over 25 books, and his paintings and drawings have appeared in numerous gallery exhibitions as well as on the cover of the Pixies' album Trompe Le Monde. His latest book, The Good Inn, is co-authored by Pixies frontman Black Francis and writer Josh Frank, and published by SelfMadeHero. He lives, works and daydreams among his unusual family in London.

Karrie Fransman has created comics for the Guardian, The Times, The Telegraph, New Statesman, Time Out and Psychologies Magazine. Her acclaimed graphic novel, The House That Groaned, is published by Random House's Square Peg imprint. She led the London Print Studio's excellent graphic novel course in 2011 and 2012.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website