SUBMISSION GUIDE

FOR NEW PUBLISHERS


Introduction

This guide is designed for publishers of printed material (comic books, graphic novels, art books, etc.) and is not intended for manufacturers of games, toys, movies, novelties, or similar merchandise.

If you are a manufacturer of such items, please contact contact@philboentertainment.com

To submit print projects for distribution consideration or if you have any questions, please contact contact@philboentertainment.com

PLEASE READ THIS GUIDE THOROUGHLY BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR PRODUCTS FOR CONSIDERATION.

To ensure a timely review of your submission package, please make sure to include all requested information.

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR SUBMISSION PACKAGE

[ ] A cover letter introducing yourself and your company.

[ ] Completed digital copies of all books you wish to distribute.

[ ] Completed Product Information Sheets for each title (see sample at end).

[ ] A 6- to 12-month production schedule or outline.

[ ] A detailed marketing plan-specifically how you will drive customers to comic shops to preorder your product from the PHILBO CATALOG.

[ ] Any other relevant company information or future plans.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

[ ] Regularly offering multiple titles to the direct market but we will accept a limited amount of mini-series and short term projects on a case by case basis to be reviewed/ approved by the owner.

[ ] Robust marketing and outreach plans.

[ ] Established relationships with printers.

[ ] Understanding of publishing fundamentals.

[ ] Prior retail or direct sales experience.

[ ] Financial resources to support a product line for 1-2 years.

WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO

Philbo Distribution is a new distributor of English-language comic books, graphic novels, and related pop culture merchandise for comic shops and specialty retailers.

We do not publish comics. Instead, we solicit and distribute finished printed materials to retailers.

We produce a monthly catalog, used by retailers and consumers to place preorders.

These preorders determine how many units we order from publishers.

Once the product is shipped to our location, Philbo fulfills retailer preorders on your behalf.

BEFORE YOU SUBMIT

Researching the current comic book market is highly recommended. Speak with comic shop staff, attend trade shows, and review recent Philbo catalogs..

Establishing your brand via a website or social media presence can greatly help your product's success before seeking mass distribution.

THE SUBMISSION & REVIEW PROCESS 

***DO NOT SEND PRINTED MATERIALS AS THEY WILL BE DISCARDED***

Send your digital Submission Package to contact@philboentertainment.com. Our Submissions Team will review your materials and consider factors such as market competitiveness, editorial quality, pricing, scheduling, and promotional strategy.

The review process may take up to 6 weeks, though we aim to complete reviews within 4 weeks.

Incomplete submissions will result in follow-up requests and may delay your review.

MARKETING YOUR PRODUCT: 

PHILBO DISTRIBUTION is not a marketing firm. We assist in marketing as a courtesy service but by no means are we obligated to market your product outside the PHILBO CATALOG.

Your catalog listing is a great opportunity-but not the only one. We recommend:

  • Reviews during key order periods

  • Strong social media campaigns

  • Targeted advertising to niche audiences

  • Promotion by your creative team

  • Benchmarking similar titles and strategies

ARE YOU READY TO SUBMIT?

Ask yourself:

  • Have I visited comic shops to research current trends?

  • Do I have a compelling "hook" for retailers and readers?

  • Do I have a marketing budget?

  • Can I afford to produce and fulfill this project regardless of preorder numbers?

  • Do I have a 1-2 year publishing plan?

  • Have I secured barcodes and calculated print, ship, and marketing costs?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What kinds of products does Philbo Distribution accept?

A: Prose books, Comic books, Trade Paperbacks, Graphic Novels, Art Books and sequential art projects of all genres and formats. Philbo also accepts action figures.

Q: Is there a minimum order requirement?

A: No, but you must fulfill all preorders, regardless of quantity.

Q: Can I set a minimum for my own product?

A: No. All accepted products must be fulfilled as ordered.

Q: How formal should my submission be?

A: Stick to the required items. Please submit as a PDF file. NO LINKS.

Q: What is the standard discount to retailers?

A: 40% off suggested retail price. Philbo sells to retailers at 40-50% off MSRP depending on tier pricing offers.

Q: How should I rate my content?

A: 'All Ages', ‘TEEN +’, 'Mature', or 'Adult'. Consult us if you are unsure.