One of the coolest aspects of the comic industry is that everyone can get involved. People are creating new titles and new characters all of the time. They are self-publishing and trying their best to get those projects on readers’ wave lengths. But, that in itself can be a very difficult task.

On Thursday, at Comic-Con the panel How to Get Coverage was held. Moderated by Rik Offenberger (First Comics News), panelists included Albert Ching (Comic Book Resources), Alex Raymond (Hollywood Gone Geek), Chris Thompson (Pop Culture Hound, Bleeding Cool), Francis Sky (First Comics News, Massacre Twins), Glenn Hauman (Comic Mix), Heidi MacDonald (The Beat), J.C. Vaughn (Gemstone Publishing), Jez Ibelle (First Comics News), Josh Waldrop (Red Gorilla), Tanya Tate (First Comics News, JustaLottaTanya), and Tim Chizmar (Fangoria, First Comics News), plus independent comic creators Holly Golightly (Broadsword Comics), Josh Henaman (Bigfoot), and Michael Kingston (Headlock Comics).

The group gave plenty of helpful tips, including having and maintaining a good website and exploring options like Etsy and Indiegogo. They talked about having a strong social media presence, being involved in the community by offering feedback, and being professional. They pointed out the need for projects to have a hook to gain the attention of others. They provided some tips for press releases and reaching out to people via email.

It was a very informative panel and will likely help the budding creators, writers, and artists.