For most comic creators, there was the joy and anticipation of someday working on their favorite characters. But joy only gets you so far when it comes to paying the bills. DC Entertainment has been working on making adjustments to the way creators are paid and credited and they're now ready to implement it.
What's interesting is the current plan dated back over thirty years. Looking at the comic market today, things have obviously changed in many ways. Moving forward, DC has implemented a new structure in the hopes of being fair and competitive.
One of the changes is looking at a books net revenue instead of the cover price. This gives DC some flexibility in selling their books in new distribution channels that have different pricing models.
A big change is no longer looking at digital and physical sales as different things. Digital sales will now be added to print sales. Creators get further payment based on numbers and digital sales will now be used for the participation payments.
Going further with digital comics, DC will no longer separate the direct market, digital, and newsstand sales. They have added a new threshold for collected editions and are designed to "generously" reward high sales. Digital First creators will also be eligible for additional compensation to share the financial success of their books.
Another big change is something we've brought up before--Colorists. Color Artists are now being added to the participation pool. They will now get cover credit alongside writers, pencilers, and inkers.
All of this goes into effect beginning July 1, 2014.
To make things easier for creators, also beginning on July 1, payment can be received through electronic means. Those in a work-for-hire situation had to be paid by a physical check (if they live in the United States). Now they can receive their payment faster and more efficiently. Creators with questions can obviously reach out to their editors and the Talent Relations team.
It's DC's goal to keep their creators happy and remain competitive in the market. With the changes we're seeing in how comics are distributed and consumed, it makes sense that changes like these have to be made. It looks like DC is moving in a positive direction. We'll have to wait and see if all these changes please the creators.
Bottom line, we need publishers and creators to be happy so we can continue to get great comics.