Eric Hobbs's Blog, page 2
June 17, 2010
Interview @ Jazma Online
Just did an interview over at Jazma Online. It's a quick one, but I talked a bit about AWAKENINGS and THE BROADCAST both. Worth a look for those that are interested. Check it out.
June 16, 2010
Retailer Mailings
So a little while ago I talked about collecting a list of indie friendly shops to use when promoting your work. With that done, the obvious question is: what's next? For me it was pretty simple. I printed up 2500 bookmarks and sent them out to about 65 shops across the country.
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Most got 25, some 50, and a few of the larger shops in big cities got 75. The rest went to NBM so that they could distribute them at Book Expo America, the American Library Association's annual convention and Comic-Con in San Diego.
Now, I have no idea how well this will work, if at all. I'll keep everyone posted when initial orders start to roll in. That said, if you do something similar with your book I would definitely use it as an opportunity to tell retailers a little more about your book. For me, I included the follow letter…
My name is Eric Hobbs, and I'm writing to familiarize you with a graphic novel I've written titled THE BROADCAST…
What's it about? Set in 1938, THE BROADCAST is about a rural Indiana town that loses power halfway through Orson Welles' infamous radio play having never learned the panic-inducing news bulletins are a hoax. Fearing the worst is upon them, four diverse families band together in an effort to make it through the night. Tensions build, however, as differences surface, and it isn't long before all involved realize they have as much to fear from each other as they do the "alien invasion" heading their way.
Who's involved? THE BROADCAST will be released by NBM in August. While this is my debut graphic novel, it's not my first foray into comics. I was the writer/creator behind the critically-acclaimed webcomic AWAKENINGS. Meanwhile, Noel's fanbase continues to grow. His work on ELK'S RUN earned a Harvey nomination, and his most recent title, TUMOR, garnered rave reviews when it landed on the Amazon Kindle before being collected by Archaia.
Who will be interested? THE BROADCAST fills the void between character-driven indy books and the high-concept comics being produced by the big two. It's perfect for readers who enjoyed Jeff Lemire's THE NOBODY at Vertigo or the cinematic storytelling techniques used in Darwyn Cooke's adaptation of PARKER: THE HUNTER at IDW.
How will this be promoted? NBM does a great job getting their books reviewed by high profile outlets prior to a book's release. Additionally, Noel and I will be sponsoring a "Your Broadcast" writing contest that's designed to bring attention to the book, and I will be running a few online ad campaigns in the weeks immediately following the book's release.
How do I order? THE BROADCAST is "spotlighted" in the June issue of PREVIEWS (page 301) and is available for pre-order using code "JUN10 1062″.
I understand that any store is taking a risk when they decide to stock an independent title from up-and-coming creators, but I'm hoping this information and the promotional bookmarks I've enclosed will help you build awareness with your customers so that any shelf space you dedicate to THE BROADCAST isn't wasted.
If you have any questions about THE BROADCAST, or would like a PDF preview of the finished book, please don't hesitate to contact me at the e-mail address listed below.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to building a strong relationship with your store in the years to come.
Your Partner in Comics,
Eric Hobbs
eric@erichobbsonline.com
Not much to it, right? Well, I'm hoping this will convince some retailers to play an active role in promoting the book. Sure, they could just drop the 25 bookmarks on the first 25 customers through the door but that doesn't do either one of us any good. However, if they know their customers, and any retailer worth a damn does, well, maybe they can talk it up a bit to the readers I mentioned in the letter. If so, maybe that's enough to convince them they should buy a copy or two for their store.
Time will tell.
Don't forget, time to pre-order THE BROADCAST is running out. Use order code "JUN10 1062″ with your local shop or pre-order it on Amazon today!
P.S. — I know there's a typo on the back of the bookmark. Nothing like having your school-aged daughter point something like that out after you've printed 2500 up!
June 9, 2010
"Your Broadcast" Writing Contest
Some of you may have seen this over at Major Spoilers, but I wanted to make sure and post it here as well…
Hobbs and Tuazon Launch "Your Broadcast" Writing Contest
In 1938, Orson Welles used fake news bulletins to convince more than one million Americans the Earth was being invaded by visitors from the planet Mars. Most were outraged when Welles eventually stepped out of character and revealed the elaborate ruse, but everyone was relieved.
Almost everyone, that is.
Coming from NBM and already named one of the "hottest graphic novels of summer" by GraphicnNovelReporter.com, THE BROACAST is about a rural Indiana town that loses power halfway through the infamous radio play having never learned the so-called attack is a hoax. Fearing the worst is upon them, four diverse families band together in an effort to make it through the night. But tensions build, as differences surface, and it isn't long before everyone involved realizes they have as much to fear from each other as they do the "alien invasion" heading their way.
In anticipation of the book's release, writer Eric Hobbs and Harvey-nominated artist Noel Tuazon are launching the "Your Broadcast" Writing Contest where one winning writer will receive a signed copy of THE BROADCAST along with an original piece of art based on their story.
"I've always been fascinated by that night," Hobbs explained. "Not only by the stuff that happened with Orson… but by the events that took place all across the country. There are thousands of true stories but an endless number of stories writers can tell."
Interested writers are asked to submit short stories that take place on the night of Welles' infamous WAR OF THE WORLDS broadcast. Hobbs will read the entries, and Tuazon will create an 11X17 sketch that serves as a depiction of the winning story.
"Noel's work is perfect for a project like this," Hobbs continued. "Forget the signed book. Someone's going to get a beautiful piece of art for their wall by one of comic's most unique talents."
Stories should be sent as attachments to broadcastcontest@gmail.com. Entries should be no longer than 2500 words and must be received by August 30, 2010.
THE BROADCAST is available in the June issue of PREVIEWS (page 301) and can be pre-ordered using order code JUN10 1062. Visit erichobbsonline.com for an exclusive 21-page preview of the project.
June 2, 2010
Pre-Order THE BROADCAST Today!
My book from NBM is finally available for pre-order in this month's copy of PREVIEWS.
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Set in 1938, THE BROADCAST is about a rural Indiana town that loses power halfway through Orson Welles' infamous WAR OF THE WORLDS broadcast having never learned that the infamous radio play is a hoax.
Fearing the worst is upon them, four diverse families band together in an effort to make it through the night. But tensions build, as differences surface, and it isn't long before all involved realize they have as much to fear from each other as they do the "alien invasion" heading their way.
Now, I know this probably sounds like a departure from the work I did on AWAKENINGS which brought most of you here. And, truthfully, it is. That said, it's probably my best work to date and Noel's art is like an old black-and-white movie on the page. You're going to love these characters and will find yourself on the edge of your seat when reading THE BROADCAST just like you did with AWAKENINGS.
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Most of you probably know indie comics are a tough business. Most comic shops order books from the big two and that's it. So if this sounds like something you'd like then you MUST, MUST, MUST make sure you pre-order it with your local shop. Not only will that ensure you get yourself a copy, but it might convince them to get a copy or two for the store.
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Click here to read a giant 21-page preview of the book. After that, hit your local shop and use order code JUN10 1062 to pre-order your copy. Today!
