As mentioned in my previous entry, I just found out that I have been awarded a Xeric Grant to self-publish my graphic novel Tonoharu.

Since then I’ve been rushing around trying to get everything ready. I’ve contacted printers for quotes, secured an ISBN number and barcode, started drafting and sending out press releases, worked on the design and content for my forthcoming business website, wrote this longwinded blog entry, etc., etc., etc….

But there’s still a lot left to do. It seems like there are a million business-related things that should/must be done before my book’s publication; in some cases, like four to six months in advance. And then for about a month after the book is published, there are a million other things to do.

After that it should drop off considerably. There will always be business matters that require attention of course, like promotion, order fulfillment, and taxes. But I should be able to limit it to just a few things a day, rather than a few hundred.

But that’s still a ways off yet. For now, I’m devoting almost all of my time to business stuff.

For the short term, I’m okay with that. It’s a necessary evil. But I think it’s important for me to keep in mind that the only reason I’m playing the businessman is to the service of my comics. I think it would be all too easy for “the company” to slowly start taking precedence over the art, so I have to remain vigilant that a good balance is maintained. Otherwise, what’s the point?

Anyway, next Friday I’ll return to the Creating Tonoharu series, probably. So stay tuned for that. Also, check back on Tuesday for a new JET Program Reflections entry.