Last year, as the pandemic zapped the joy out of the holidays, four author friends and I joined forces to pour our energy into a positive project and keep our writing flowing. What started as a small side venture has now become a big, beautiful book filled with five novellas meant to lift spirits this holiday season. IT’S A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS hit shelves October 12.

This project was a first for me in many ways. It was my first time to write a novella, my first time to self-publish, and my first time collaborating with a team of five authors. I’ve learned a lot along the way, and I’m happy to share some tips with you.

Lesson #1: Many hands make for light work. 

As a traditionally published author, I quickly learned that self-publishing involves countless steps. It was helpful to be able to divide and conquer the endless to-do list from start to finish.

We each found our niche and focused on tasks that fit our skillset. After each of us wrote our novella, Janyre Tromp and I each took the drafts through developmental and line edits before passing it to copyeditor and proofreader. Lynne Gentry took over the creation and placement of ads, banking them on social media and making adjustments as needed. She, Kelli Stuart, and Allison Pittman also researched keywords, made branded graphics, and worked together to list the book on Amazon. Thankfully we all divided marketing and PR outreach, which helped build buzz for launch day and beyond. Tip: Find your talents and let each person focus on what brings them joy.

Lesson #2: Every crew needs a captain. 

The way I see it, good people doing good things is always a good thing. But it does help to have the right leader to keep the ship moving forward at a steady pace. I am not a good captain, as asking people to contribute makes me cringe. Thankfully, Janyre stepped up as a wonderful captain and our crew worked seamlessly together even when crunch time added a little last-minute mayhem. Tip: Find a captain who is comfortable keeping everyone in sync and who can manage in a way that encourages everyone to sing as they row.

Lesson #3: It takes a village. 

Because this book is being sold at a low price point and divided five ways, it’s truly a passion project meant to deliver smiles. This means we’ve essentially had a marketing budget of zero. Aside from a few low-cost ads, we’ve relied on friends and readers to help us spread the word about this heartwarming collection. We’ve been amazed by the number of people who have rallied around this little engine that could. We don’t take any of that kindness for granted, and we’re thrilled to discover these stories are bringing sentimental sparks of joy to those who discover them. Tip: Never underestimate the support you might find in the writing and reading community. And be sure to pay it forward. Kindness does a soul good.

Overall, this has been a positive project, and I’d definitely collaborate again in the future. I encourage you to find a group of like-minded writer friends and see what magic you can stir up together.

BIO: Julie Cantrell is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, editor, story coach, TEDx speaker, and ghostwriter whose award-winning works cross multiple genres. Learn more: www.juliecantrell.com or join all five authors of It’s a Wonderful Christmas at Her Novel Collective.