From Zero to Launch – Collaborations (Part 3)
Ok, so back to what I was talking about collaborations. Specifically, what changed my mind about it. Best way to start is with the end.
Keeping with the honesty theme, money was a big reason I entertained the opportunity I was presented with at the conference. The universe has seen some monetary success, and there was a lot of room for growth. Money wasn’t the primary motivation, but it does matter. We all have to eat. I have done my share of pro bono project work in the past at the expense of profitable ventures.
That said, money was not the main attraction, however. Don’t get me wrong, the author I’m working with had a great sales pitch, but money was the last thing that they mentioned. That made a big difference to me because it wasn’t just about making money; it was about creating something significant. Something that has lasting value to the readers. The world is fascinating and just with the few ideas he spitballed, I could see how there was room for my ideas to live in harmony with his.
Those two things are what changed my mind. The opportunity to create with like-minded people in harmony.
Ok. That seems pretty generic.
On the surface, it sure does. Opportunity is usually a polite term for “I’m gonna make some money!!!” And money will rain in. Sometimes rare opportunities are more about learning all the inner door secrets of the master (for you kung fu aficionados). As well all know, those opportunities are few and far between and require a lot more work than most of us are willing to put in. That is if we even ever see the expected pay off.
So when I say opportunity, that is not what I mean. What makes it a real opportunity is because we have complementary goals. Even if I don’t make a ton of money or learn all the secrets of editing and book publishing – I am going to enjoy the journey and the time spent doing it.
In my experience, most “opportunities” clearly favored one party over another. This is not the case. Working with like-minded people isn’t a new thing either, but legitimately getting along with them and with more than a trust in the legalities that bind us, is pretty rare.
I have to mention that the collaboration is just more than two of us, it’s a team of five. While we are all writers, as a group, we have a bunch of competencies that combined make for one kickass author. One brings excellent editing skills. Another the business savvy and knowledge to create great launches. So on and so forth.
And because we collectively are doing those things, I have a lot more time to focus on writing. There’s also a higher chance that what I write will put some extra cash in all of our pockets. What I really gain out of this is some awesome experience doing what I love, with relatively low-risk.
And new friends.
I can’t tell you how much more fun I am having with these people “working” in comparison to the day job. In the past, this is the type of working relationship where I have walked away with life long friendships.
It is a wholly different challenge from what I thought being an indie author would be for me. At least the path I imagined. I am still going to work on my own books as well, but when opportunity knocks, I’ve learned that to take a small pause and listen.
What this all boils down to is: This collaboration is time well spent.