We love to collaborate

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Hello!

Thank you for your interest in collaborating with us! And by us, I really mean me—Terrel. 

I love collaborations and am excited to talk further. However, I 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, and I've noted a few books I'm actively searching for a collaborator: 

• Prop-Based Dance Stories for Classroom and Anytime Fun 
• Dance-It-Out! Creative Movement Stories 
• 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 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: 
  • $500 assuming you'll share on social media | $250 if you want your name on the cover 
  • Unlimited paperback copies to sell (and keep full $) through 2030 
  • 10 hardcover copies 
  •  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 organizations, 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 at the back and/or front, branding elements, 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