Collaborate with novelist on publishing journey content or author interviews.

Okay, scanning the provided Reddit post and comments.

Potential Collaborator Identification:

1. Commenter 3 (who self-pubbed nine books):

   • Influence/Expertise: This user has self-published nine books, which shows significant experience and practical knowledge in self-publishing—a key area for the original poster (OP). They also offer a nuanced perspective, suggesting that the decision isn't just about when to publish, but whether to self-publish or go the traditional route.
   • Activity: Actively engaging in the discussion with relevant, experience-based advice.

2. Commenter 1 (advising on the spy novel):

   • Influence/Expertise: Shows an understanding of traditional publishing timelines, noting that it takes a long time to work through the process even after getting an agent.
   • Activity: Provides actionable advice.
   • Screening: While knowledgeable, their expertise isn't as explicitly stated or as extensive as Commenter 3's demonstrated track record. They are a good community member, potentially with deeper knowledge, but Commenter 3 is a stronger primary candidate for a KOL-style collaboration.

Primary Collaboration Target:

• The user who commented: "I've self-pubbed nine books..."

Collaboration Suggestions & Expected Benefits (for the original poster or a platform featuring them):

1. Collaboration Type: Interview / Q&A Session (e.g., for a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel)

   • Suggestion: Invite Commenter 3 for an interview focused on their journey of self-publishing nine books. Topics could include:
     • The pros and cons of self-publishing vs. traditional publishing they've experienced.
     • Key lessons learned from publishing multiple books.
     • Advice for authors deciding on their publishing path, especially those like the OP who are waiting on traditional routes.
     • Practical tips for navigating the self-publishing process (e.g., editing, cover design, marketing).
     • How to decide if a standalone novel should be self-published while others are in the trad-pub pipeline.
   • Expected Benefits:
     • For the OP/Platform: Provides valuable, experience-backed content for an audience of aspiring or early-career authors. Offers a clear perspective on self-publishing, which is highly relevant to the OP's current situation. Drives engagement from users seeking publishing advice.
     • For Commenter 3: Opportunity to share their expertise, potentially promote their own books or author platform, and be recognized as a knowledgeable voice in the self-publishing community.

2. Collaboration Type: Guest Post or Article Contribution

   • Suggestion: Invite Commenter 3 to write a guest post on "The Realities of Self-Publishing: Insights from 9 Books" or a similar topic. This could be for the OP's blog (if they have one) or a relevant writing community platform.
   • Expected Benefits:
     • For the OP/Platform: High-quality, authoritative content that addresses a common pain point for writers. Can attract readers interested in self-publishing.
     • For Commenter 3: Builds their authority, provides a backlink if they have a platform, and reaches a new audience.

3. Collaboration Type: Joint "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) or Panel Discussion

   • Suggestion: If the OP is part of a larger writing community or platform, they could co-host an AMA session with Commenter 3 (and perhaps even Commenter 1 if their broader expertise can be confirmed) focusing on "Navigating Publishing Options in 202X."
   • Expected Benefits:
     • For the OP/Platform: Creates interactive and engaging content. Positions the platform as a resource hub. Allows for real-time answers to audience questions.
     • For Commenter 3 (and 1): Direct engagement with an interested audience, showcasing their knowledge and helpfulness.

Overall Expected Benefits for the Original Poster (from collaborating with Commenter 3):

• Gaining Clarity: Direct access to someone with extensive self-publishing experience can help the OP make more informed decisions about their current and future novels.
• Content Creation: Leverages the collaborator's expertise for engaging content if the OP has a platform.
• Networking: Builds a connection with an experienced author in a relevant field.
• Audience Value: Provides their own audience (if applicable) with practical insights into the publishing world.

The previous analysis about the OP being a good candidate for sharing their journey remains valid. This current analysis focuses on finding collaborators for the OP from the provided Reddit interaction. Commenter 3, with their nine self-published books, stands out as the most valuable potential collaborator from this specific thread.