Independent Comic Book Project - self published by an author, self/crowd funded

1. have an idea for either a character or a story
2. develop a plot outline
3. develop character profiles and model sheets
4. write a script (Or get someone that is decent to write it for you)
5. edit (Not just for grammar, other things like story flow, consistency, voice etc.) Not usually optimal to self edit. This is vital if you are serious about breaking in and being taken seriously.
6. Hire/become Production Manager (This might be a much earlier step to be taken by some)
7. determine initial proposed print run - if it is small run POD each book will be insanely more costly than full web press gang run.
8. plan / begin to arrange distribution 
9. negotiate rates/schedules with production staff
10. (Optional) open escrow if applicable.
11. create 3 to five promo pinups/ pages might help sell the idea to advertisers.
12. start seeking advertisers
13. continue to develop distribution plan
14. (optional) create funding pitch for Wonderfunders or other crowdfunding sites
15. go live with funding pitch
16. begin art work in earnest
17. lock down initial print run 
18. coordinate book layout
19. continue seeking advertisers     
20. start pencils             -May need additional rewrites before starting. There are just some things that are impossible to draw as static drawings... not many but some... for instance you can't fit a half hour of film animation into one panel.
21. review pencils
22. pencil adjustments 
23. inks
24. review inks
25. ink adjustments
26. colors
27. review colors
28. color adjustments
29. lettering
30. review lettering
31. lettering adjustments 
32. write editorial
33. advertisers art submitted -The earlier you can get this the better obviously 
34. create indicia
35. digitize for print
36. Pre-sell/promote  
37. contract with printer (Some of our members recommend local printer so that you can do press check)
38. print
39. arrange distribution   - This is a good idea but depending you may want to have the groundwork laid for the distribution as soon as you have some production ready art (step 9) Some of our members recommend 3 promos and 3-5 pages of sequential art at that stage.N
40. sell, sell, sell

From wonderfunders