Independent bookstores are among the numerous brick-and-mortar businesses struggling as a result of the growth of e-commerce and online marketplaces. Although some bookshops have closed in recent years, the subject of whether bookstores are dying is not one that can be answered in black and white.
The number of independent bookshops in the United States has grown over the previous ten years, according to the American Booksellers Association. There were 1,651 independent bookstores in the nation in 2009, and there were 2,524 by 2019. This demonstrates that there is still a need for and willingness on the part of customers to support traditional bookstores. In addition, a lot of independent bookshops now provide online buying and delivery choices, hold community events, and host author readings in an effort to stay competitive in the market.
It’s important to remember, though, that not every independent bookshop is doing well. Location, rent expenses, and a bookstore’s capacity for consumer attraction are just a few of the variables that affect how profitable the business is. It’s difficult to make a living in the independent bookselling business since, according to a Forbes article, the typical independent bookshop only makes a profit margin of 2 to 3%.
Some indie bookstores have found success selling comics and graphic novels in addition to standard books. In recent years, comic books have seen a rise in popularity, in part due to the success of superhero films. The market for comic books and graphic novels in North America has a value of $1.21 billion in 2019, according to a study by ICv2. Independent book stores now have the chance to serve this expanding market, which will boost their earnings.
The 23-year-old Webtoon creator Rachel Smythe is one of the industry’s rising stars. She became popular for her rendition of the Greek epic of Hades and Persephone. With over 1.1 million members, “Lore Olympus,” a series by Smythe, has grown to be one of the most well-liked Webtoons. Her accomplishment demonstrates that independent authors can succeed in the comics industry and earn a livelihood, but it takes perseverance, commitment, and a distinctive viewpoint to stand out in the competitive market.
In conclusion, even while certain independent bookshops might be having a hard time, the business as a whole is not necessarily in trouble. Bookstores with the potential to succeed are those that adapt to the shifting market and provide distinctive experiences for their patrons. In addition, there is still profit to be realized from the sale of comic books and graphic novels, and independent authors can succeed with perseverance and a distinctive viewpoint.
Your query has nothing specifically to do with the subject of the article. A graphic novel’s page count can change, nevertheless, depending on the plot and the medium. Graphic novels can range in length from 50 pages for some to 500 pages or more for others. In the end, it all comes down to the author’s intentions for the narrative and the amount of information they want to include.
The theme of the piece, which examines the state of independent bookshops, is not immediately relevant to the query of whether one may support themselves as a graphic novelist. However, it’s conceivable that independent bookshops may support and advertise graphic novelists’ works. In the end, a graphic novelist’s capacity to support themselves depends on a variety of variables, including the caliber of the work, the intended audience, and marketing and distribution efforts.