Guest Blogging

It’s been a while and I’m going to throw out an apology to readers and fans: I shouldn’t have gone away but sometimes the plate gets a little full. With some shuffling and a few shifts in work time management it looks like I’m getting back in the swing.

And the first thing to greet those who miss hearing my musings? I’ve written a small article for WorkingInPublishing.com titled “Where do you go from here? From intern to Publishing Professional”

You can view the article here and don’t forget to check out the rest of the site. They’re a group of industry professional that blog about entering and working in the book publishing industry. The website is an extension of a new series of ebooks they’re planning on releasing soon.

So now that you’ve either read or ignored the link I think a little on guest blogging is the topic of the day.

I didn’t solicit this guest posting, but was very happy to write. WorkingInPublishing has posted a short blog on Ryerson’s Publishing Program  and included my review from last year. A fellow classmate of mine also did a 3-part series on her experiences in Ryerson and they are helpful to have a clearer idea of just what you’re getting yourself into. Now if you did read the guest post you’ll notice it was… in my opinion… bland. What do you write about when ask ‘tell us a bit about your carreer and how you got there in 500 words or less’?

A credit to WorkingInPulishing: they gave me the creative license to write what I wanted to but a failing on my part for not being able to narrow down some harder points in the short word count.

Ultimately the message of the article is true to just about any profession one might tackle: It is what you put into it. The Ryerson program, my job hunting, my internships and ultimately my day job now with Master Point Press are measures of myself and how much effort I’ve put into being a part of this industry. Some are lucky and fall into positions (pointing at this girl with my first internship) but at some point we all have to work hard for what we want. It may not have been the most detailed, thought-provoking or mind-boggling message but it was one I think publishing professionals in particular need to really get early on. I wish I’d been told sooner, to be honest, but I’m happy where I am nonetheless.

But the beauty of a guest blog post, beyond cross publicity and opportunity to expand connections, is the experience to work with other people even if in small measure. You are reaching a greater audience and having a wonderful chance to expand your own opinions and views. So I would like to send a thank you (beyond the few I’ve already done) to the WorkingInPublishing team. Jude Kahn was cheerful and great to deal with and the posting was quick.

All that aside  there is more to look forward to in the near future. A solicited review or two in the mix along with some personal faves and how-to’s down the road.

Cheers.

You In on the SCAM? Release: Joe Mulvey’s SCAM #1

Now to share the love and highlight some work: Press release made in conjunction with ComixTribe Staff. And of course remember to check out SCAM #1: In Stores and online January 25th, 2012.

God I love this job.

—-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 11, 2012 — New York, NY — The first printing of SCAM #1, the comic book debut of writer/artist Joe Mulvey, will hit the shelves of select comic retailers on January 25, 2012.

SCAM is “X-Men meets Oceans 11″ and involves a team of super-powered grifters on the biggest con of their lives…taking down a Vegas casino and getting revenge on a former teammate who double-crossed them.

SCAM #1 is the double-sized first installment of a five-issue mini-series, and marks the latest release from creator-owned publisher ComixTribe (The Red Ten, The Standard.)

 Release Date January 25th, 2012

The first printing of SCAM #1 will be only 777 copies, and available in just 21 Comic Shops.  Physical retail copies of the books will be EXCLUSIVE to only those 21 stores for 30 days, before ComixTribe open up wider distribution for the second printing and future issues.

 CONFIRMED RETAILERS

Third Eye Comics – (Pitt Boss Retailer! Exclusive Store Variant Available!)
Double Midnight Comics – Manchester, NH
Friendly Neighborhood Comics (SCAM Tour Destination!) Bellingham, MA
Larry’s Wonderful World of Comics (SCAM Tour Destination!) – Lowell, MA
Happy Harbor – Edmonton, Alberta, CA
Alpha Comics – Calgary, Alberta, CA
Jetpack Comics – Rochester, NH
Casablanca Comics – Portland, ME & Windham, ME
Comics Den – Queens, NY
Collectors Paradise  – (Pitt Boss Retailer! Exclusive Store Variant Available!) Winnetka and Pasadena, CA

Retailers: Interested in Joining the SCAM 21?

ComixTribe has a limited number of spots left for retailers interested in becoming one of only 21 retailers carrying SCAM #1 in January.  These spots will be filled first-come, first-serve, so if you are a progressive retailer looking to support quality creator-owned books and want exclusivity for 30 days, contact tyler.james@comixtribe.com (or DM @tylerjamescomic at Twitter) immediately.

Readers: Don’t Miss Out On SCAM #1 First Printing!

Want to make sure you get a copy of SCAM #1? Readers have three options available to purchase:

1.) Pre-order now from any of the retailers listed above to reserve your copy and pick-up January 25, 2012.

2.)  If your retailer is not carrying SCAM #1,
Pre-Order Online Today!

3.) Buy it digitally on January 25, from digital distribution partners, including Graphic.ly, DriveThruComics, MyDigitalComics, and Wowio.

Book Tour

New England Comics Retailers Alliance (NECRA) store tour
Saturday February 4th, 2012 @ 11:oo am –  Friendly Neighborhood Comics in Bellingham, MA
Saturday February 4th, 2012 @ 3:oo pm – Larry’s Wonderful World of Comics in Lowell, MA

     Story & Art – Joe Mulvey
     Digital Inks – John Ercek and Jules Rivera
     Colors – Andrew Crossley
    Letters – AndWorld Design
     Cover – JoeMulvey and Andrew Crossley
     Editor – Tyler James and Steven Forbes
     Publisher: ComixTribe
     Format: 44 pages, Full color
     Rarting: Teen + Up
     Price: $3.99
©2012 Joe Mulvey

Special Variant Availabe: 
SCAM #1 Artist Edition Sketch Cover, featuring an original cover sketch by Joe Mulvey. These are limited to 100, signed, numbered. Note: Additional Artist Edition covers can be purchased for $24.99.

Joe Mulvey is a freelance graphic artist from NYC, trying to spread his love of comics and take over the world one panel at a time. Visit him at joemulveyart.com, or follow him on Twitter @joemulv

“Joe is one of the good guys,” says ComixTribe publisher Tyler James. “He’s been doing some incredible comic book advocacy work this year, most notably with his “What Do You Really Know About Comics” column at Comics Bulletin.com. He’s helping to grow the comic market one reader at a time and I’m thrilled to be helping him get SCAM out.”

ComixTribe is a publisher of creator-owned comics, including EPIC, Tears of the Dragon, The Red Ten, The Standard, SCAM, and Runners.  In addition to being a publishing imprint, ComixTribe is also an online community, with the mission statement: Creators helping creators make better comics. ComixTribe also sponsors the annual 30 Characters Challenge, an online art event where participants challenge themselves to create 30 brand new characters in just 30 days, one for every day of November. Visit ComixTribe.com, @ComixTribe on Twitter and on Facebook .

For Publicity and Public Relations Solicits:
Review Copy Requests, Interviews and more please contact

Lisa-Marie Wilson
Lisa-Marie.Wilson@comixtribe.com

Managing People: Never Easy

I’m not a manager in terms of title but on a day-to-day basis at my job I am in charge of up to 10 freelancers. It’s a wonderful aspect of the job, I get to talk to them about the projects (proofreading and .html epub ‘fixing’), most of them are or were in the publishing program so we have a great deal in common and we’re all in the same boat: trying to get into the industry.

The opportunity is fantastic, and although the pay isn’t amazing most of the freelancers express a sincere excitement to the process and we always encourage teaching and expanding their knowledge in any way we can.

I like managing them, keeping in touch and answering questions. Why just yesterday I created a lengthy walk-through on how to create a TOC and meta TOC in Sigil for our epub’s and quit a few thanked me for the walk-through and have already started including it in their work. It’s is probably one of the best introductions to a management position I could imagine.

But with the sweet comes the sour. And when you manage people you have to manage the problems. It would be unprofessional and disrespectful to relay any specific issues but this morning I had to tell an employee to find new work. It was not fun and I did not like it in the least. But when managing people you have to do just that: manage them, and if they are unmanageable or not meeting the goals required it is best for you and them that it’s said and dealt with.

I at first went online looking up standard policy as in this profession there is a high turnover rate, most freelancers leaving us instead of the other way around. Standard policy was cold and cruel so I started approaching it my way, which was not clear, and probably misleading in some way. So I turned to my mother, who despite not being a ‘manager’ manages people everyday.

She helped. Helped me understand people don’t always need the traditional helping hand, that although kind I also need to be clear, firm and unwavering in my decision and that I should prepare for a bad reaction no matter how kind, clear, understanding and friendly I may be.

The message is delivered and I still don’t know how I feel. I’m not comfortable with the uncomfortable, and I expect the worst in all cases. But I did my job and that is why I am in this position.

I don’t have any real advice if you’re looking for it. I don’t know if I’ve been fair really, and even if I think I have the employee may not. All I do know is that managing people has it’s up and downs, and someone has to look out for everyone even if it means they are the ones to say the hard things.

-Lisa

We’ve changed!

Good news everyone, Vanair Publicity is no more, or rather has just changed names!

We (as in me) are now:

UpsetAppleCart Publicity and Promotions!!

Just a simple name change as I find it fits my personality much better and this is a world where children can be named Apple or Talula Does the Hula From Hawaii, so I think this can pass as a blog name.

More reviews to come along with publicity news.

Cheers!

Update: Contacts + Sesame Chicken

Yesterday I had the chance to meet up with Andrew Uys (pronounced Ace) founder of UysFaber. Talking publishing, comics, freelancing and tangents. There was sesame chicken, iced tea, steak and a beer or two! Just my kind of Monday.

Food aside, it was great to meet Andrew face to face and talk publicity and comics. Getting to know him a bit more, see where he’s coming from and where he’s going gives me a better idea of how we can help each other.  

Working with Andrew would definitely be a great introduction into the industry in Toronto and I’m the kinda gal who wants to help indie publishers, artists and authors in any way I can.

Right now he has me looking at Salt Road#1 and 2 for now which seems like a good place to start. (Nudge: You should go look too!) The next step is the nitty-gritty I think: exactly what he needs and how I can do that for him. And of course, there the fee’s to discuss. Defining your worth in $$ is never a comfortable subject, but it will be done!

Now, could that post get anymore cryptic? I might try another day. But it’s just barely post 10am, I think that gives me a smidge of leeway to not be extremely entertaining.

Check out UysFaber online to see what they’re up to and their blog, twitter @uys999 , and UysFaber’s facebook page.  

And of course, as always, more is on its way.

 Cheers.

June 30th, 2010 – CONTACTS!!

It’s been a few days, I’ve neglected my precious new blog. Silly to do when you have a goal!

But I’ve made progress. I’m going to meet up with a few people int he industry to try and get some help with understanding the industry. One is an agent who was my Professor for a Trade Overview course with Ryerson. We’ll meet for coffee, talk a little business and get some perspective on this ‘Freelance’ thing I’ve thrown myself into.

Also, I’ve been in touch with a Publicist who has her own business who was also a previous teacher. She’s taken my resume and has decided to maybe give me a few pointers. Can’t hurt right? Not to mention the fact that she remembers me after a year. That’s a nice feeling.

Besides that I’ve signed up to volunteer for OwlKids at the Taste of the Danforth in Toronto August 7th! It’ll be good, meet a few people and get out there doing things in the industry. Could make some contacts, might not, who knows! All I’m concerned with is the kids. I’m good with them, but not a big fan with the crying, the screaming, the running and pinching. But I’m looking forward to it!

So, progress is good. Don’t know where it’ll take me but it’s good. Now if I could just find someone to represent I’d be on my way….