^the UK Independent 

Distribution Network

Comics

Think your comic is good enough to sell in comic shops all over the country?

Can't afford Diamonds distribution fees or news-stands risks?

We are a group of independent comic publishers looking to present our publications to the people that matter - comic buyers!  To this end, we're giving our local comic shops the opportunity to stock the titles on this distribution network.

We're looking for volunteers to become Reps.  They will have to be keen, enthusiastic and confident with a strong interest in UK indie comics.  Often that means publishers themselves.  Every so often (probably monthly/ bimonthly), the Rep will receive promo copies of comics and marketing devices, such as posters, badges etc etc., as a single presentable package.  There job will be to visit their local comic shops and other places, such as bookstores and newsagents.  They will show the owner/ manager the promo items and attempt to secure a sale-or-return order.  The order is then fed back to the publisher who sends the comics either to the Rep or direct to the shop.  On the next catalogue run, the Rep collects any takings.

Unfortunately there is no pay.  However, the Rep does get to keep all the comic books and items used for promotional purposes.

First of all, is your comic good enough to sell in comic shops?  We're not being unduly hard but comic shops won't accept your publication unless it is of a reasonable standard of presentation.  After all, we're competing with the likes of Marvel, DC and 2000AD here (we're not saying yours should necessarily be of that quality but it shouldn't be far off).

If you think it is, please submit a copy to this address as a sample.  If we agree, we're onto the next stage.

All comics will be sold in comic shops as sale-or-return.  That means you will send a sample copy out to your contact in that area.  They will take it to their comic shop who will then ask for a number of copies, or decline the offer (that's why you need only send a sample).  You can then send copies on a sale-or-return basis to these shops.  Generally you will have to give the shop a discount of around 33%.