We love to collaborate

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Hello!

Thank you for your interest in collaborating with us! 

First off, by us, I really mean me—Terrel. 

Secondly, by collaboration, I mean I’m looking to acquire stories that fit with our collection. 

I love bringing dance stories to life, and I'm 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 

                   Please note I want stories with conflict or a hero's journey, not simply sequenced movement.

• Dancing Happily Ever After

                   Sequels or offshoot moments from public-domain stories. 

• 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'd hire/pay you—essentially a ghost writer with credit. 

If you have strong opinions about your story or production details, I'm happy to refer you to designers who will work to create your vision.   

• I prefer collaborators provide a story draft, and I run with it. 
• I handle editing, illustration, design, production, and publishing costs and decisions. 
• 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. 
• Compensation includes: 

                   - $750 if you'll champion the book on social platforms | $500 if not 

                     ($250 if you want your name on the cover) 

                   - 200 paperback copies (25 initially while book's still being reviewed/early feedback)

                   - 20 hardcover copies                

• You'll receive a final draft for feedback, but I reserve final decisions 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. There are no costs for you. 
• The copyright will be held by Terrel/Once Upon a Dance. This makes for smoother logistics and easier for cases of copyright infringement. 
• Please note, it may take up to 18 months for your story to be illustrated and published. 
• If you are in Seattle/Boise/Columbus, we’ll need to discuss sales restrictions as I have direct relationships with many of the book, toy, and dance stores.  

With limited bandwidth, I want 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). 

Again, if you’re seeking a publisher for a custom vision or one that fits your brand, I’m happy to refer you to self-publishing pros, graphic designers, or helpful resources.

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

Warmly,
Terrel