We love to collaborate

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Hello!

Thank you for your interest in collaborating with Once Upon a Dance! And by “us,” I really mean just me—Terrel. I'm love collaborations and want to make the most of our time, so here's an overview before we dive deeper.

I'm especially excited about projects that align with our existing series: 

(I've noted a few books I'd appreciate a collaborator):

• Prop-Based Dance Stories for Classroom and Anytime Fun 
• Dance-It-Out! Creative Movement Stories 
• Dancing Shapes: Ballet and Body Awareness for Young Dancers 
• Dancing Happily Ever After
• Ballet Inspiration and Choreography Concepts 
  • Jumping Book, Turning Book, Cross Training, Variations 
• Ballerina Moments: Insights, Ideas, and Inspiration about Dance 
  • Ballerina Career, Ballerina Performance 
• Konora’s Teacher Books
   

I'm open to new ideas too—anything that encourages dance and supports dance educators. As a one-woman show on a mission to spread joy and dance-positive messages, I’m looking for collaborators who want to be part of the Once Upon a Dance brand. Our stories are positive, feature uplifting characters, and often spotlight strong women and girls. If your story has a sad ending, it’s probably not the right fit.

• I prefer collaborators provide a story draft, and I run with it. 
• I handle editing, illustration, design, production, and publishing costs. 
• I'm happy to consider your illustrator or a specific style but like to make the final call. 
• I prefer the book be authored by Once Upon a Dance to leverage brand recognition. You’ll be listed as a co-author on the copyright page and Amazon metadata. If you require your name on the cover, the compensation changes accordingly. 
• Compensation includes: 
  • 10 hardcover copies 
  • Unlimited paperback copies to sell (and keep full $) through 2030 
  • $500 assuming you'll share on social media or $250 if you want your name on the cover 
  •  If you are in Seattle/Boise/Columbus, we’ll need to further discuss restrictions as I have direct relationships with many of the book, toy, and dance stores.  
• You'll receive a final draft for feedback, but I reserve final decision-making on content and production. 
• You can choose a nonprofit charity (arts, animals, environment, or humanitarian causes—no political or medical orgs, please) to receive 100% of royalties through 2030.
• All production and publishing costs (ISBN, copyright, editing, design, awards, etc.) are covered by me. 
• The copyright will be held by Terrel/Once Upon a Dance. This makes for smoother logistics and easier for cases of copyright infringement. 

With limited bandwidth, I prioritize books that become part of the Once Upon a Dance collection—complete with title listings, branding, and featuring Ballerina Konora (my daughter). If you’re seeking a publisher for a custom vision, I’m happy to refer you to self-publishing pros or helpful resources.

Thanks again for your interest. I look forward to possibly dancing a new story into the world with you!

Warmly,
Terrel