New Zine-in-Progress

I recently took a zine-making class with Erika Rier.  It wasn't about making mini-zines (out of 8.5"x11" copy paper).  Her course was about the zine type that is done as a collection of print-ready sheets for reproduction by a printer (each sheet has a two-page spread).  So, the original work (on sheets) is not intended as a work of art itself.

My effort has been ambitious...a 12-page zine (including the front and back covers).  Oh my gosh, what a lot of work!!  Each student is creating his/her dummy, storyboard, and sheets that will have evolved over the process to the point of having a printable version of all the sheets.  

My subject choice was owls.  Doing the detail work is intensive.  Because, for example, lines that continue from one page to a different page (likely on different sheets) -- have to be checked to ensure they connect properly.  

Below is a photo of one 'sheet' from the total of six that I'm still working on.  On top is a separate drawing of a new character to audition for an open space needing to be filled.  Providing that it is the one used, it will have to be separately drawn on the sheet.  A lightbox can work great for this, provided the substrate is a weight/thickness that allows the drawing to be seen through the paper.  Then the tracing is easy.

Do you have experience mass-producing and selling your zines?  If yes, do you have any tips for someone new to doing this?