Embarking on the journey of co-authoring a book can be a rewarding yet challenging venture. My personal experience deviated from the conventional norms. We didn't have formal meetings, binding contracts, or predefined rules. Our collaboration began with a simple exchange –– "Would you like to co-write with me?" followed by an eager "Sure", and thus our writing expedition begun.
As novices in this sphere, we initially had no guidelines to follow; our primary motivation was the sheer joy of writing. A ten-thousand-word short story seemed manageable, and we easily wove it into the fabric of our bustling lives, filled with day jobs, looming deadlines, and the pressure of billable hours. Often, we found ourselves jotting down ideas on the Notes App from our iPhones, sending drafts back and forth through direct messages for further refinement. Despite the physical distance, our shared passion for storytelling made the experience thrilling. The positive response from our readers encouraged us to transform our short story into a full-fledged novel.
However, crafting a hundred-thousand-word novel proved to be a different beast altogether. The workload increased, stress levels soared, and time became an even more precious commodity. With no guiding roadmap, we often felt as though we were navigating through a complex labyrinth. Yet, despite the occasional disagreements that threatened to derail our project, we persevered and successfully completed our novel.
For those considering taking up the pen alongside another writer, it's crucial to understand that writing isn't always a bed of roses. It presents a multitude of challenges, from maintaining a unified creative vision to managing potential conflicts.
In the following sections, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of co-authoring a book, discuss strategies for effective collaboration, and delve into important considerations regarding copyright and ownership.
PROS AND CONS OF CO-AUTHORING A BOOK
The Pros:
Shared Workload: Writing a book is a massive undertaking. Having a co-author means the work is divided, making the process more manageable. Think about it – writing 50,000 words instead of 100,000!
Diverse Perspectives: Two authors bring different experiences, ideas, and writing styles to the table, enriching the book's content. My personal experience allowed me to learn new techniques such as weaving elements of pop culture, films, and music into my characters' lives, something I hadn't done in my prior novels.
Motivation and Support: Writing can often be a solitary pursuit. Having a co-author provides much-needed moral support, motivation, and constructive feedback. At times, my co-author was there to reassure me, when words were elusive, he would tell me “don’t force it, it will come naturally”, and even shared inspiring playlists to help set the right mood. Similarly, when he struggled with writer's block, I would step in to help when he faced his own creative hurdles.
The Cons:
Potential Conflicts: Differing opinions on content, style, or direction can lead to disagreements. This happens a lot with us, but in the end, we chose to write our sections independently and address any discrepancies during the editing phase.
Compromise: With two authors involved, certain compromises are inevitable. You may have to relinquish some cherished ideas or scenes for the overall good of the project. It's not always easy to let go of your vision, but mutual respect and open-mindedness can help find common ground.
Split Royalties: Any profits from the book will need to be divided between the co-authors, regardless of who contributed more or less text.
DEALING WITH CO-AUTHORING
Our journey lacked several crucial elements, including set deadlines. Our guiding principle was, "the book is ready when it is ready." While we managed to cross the finish line, the path was far from smooth. So, learn from our experience and consider the following:
Clear Communication: Regular and open communication is key. Discuss your ideas, concerns, and expectations upfront to avoid misunderstandings.
Defined Roles: Determine who is responsible for what. This could be dividing chapters, characters, or tasks such as editing or marketing.
Conflict Resolution Plan: Agree on a method to resolve disagreements, be it a third-party mediator or a simple coin toss.
Deadlines and Schedules: Establish a writing schedule and set deadlines to keep the project on track.
COPYRIGHTS AND OWNERSHIP
In the process of co-authoring a book, it's paramount to address copyrights and ownership at the earliest stage to avoid potential legal disputes. In our case, we were so absorbed in the joy of creating that this critical aspect slipped our minds. None of us considered drafting an agreement at the start. We simply began writing. Maybe it was because we trusted each other implicitly, believing that we would both act fairly when the time came.
Joint Ownership: Typically, co-authors hold joint copyright ownership. This means both authors have equal rights to the work and its profits unless otherwise agreed upon.
Contract: A written contract outlining the division of royalties, decision-making power, and other important details is essential. It's advisable to involve a lawyer in this process to ensure all bases are covered.
Credit: Discuss how authorship will be credited on the book. Will it be 'Author A and Author B' or 'Author A with Author B'? The choice can imply different levels of contribution.
Where there's no contract or agreement, it's crucial to uphold integrity and inclusivity. As authors, we shouldn't claim credit for work we didn't contribute to. If things don't pan out between both parties in the end, ensure to acknowledge each other's contribution and split the royalties evenly, contract or not.
THE BEST APPROACH TO CO-AUTHORING
Find the Right Partner: Choose a co-author who shares your vision, work ethic, and, ideally, your genre preference.
Plan Ahead: Before you start writing, outline the plot, characters, themes, and structure together to ensure you're on the same page.
Stay Flexible: Be open to feedback and willing to compromise. Remember, the end goal is a successful collaboration and a great book.
Keep Records: Document your meetings, ideas, and decisions. This not only helps you keep track of the project but also serves as evidence in case of any disputes.
Important to note, too, is the need for boundary discussions. Each author has their unique writing rhythm. Discuss non-negotiable times, such as sleep, family time, and work hours. In our case, we agreed to communicate until 8 or 9 pm, after which any notes dropped wouldn't require immediate responses until the following morning or when our day jobs were done.
During writing, you may internalize the characters, leading to familiarity –– be sensitive about this. Once the manuscript is complete, your role ends. If camaraderie has developed and the communication style persists, be mindful. Discuss how to proceed together.
Conflict resolution should be handled internally. Be brave, honest, and open to criticism, however unpleasant. Avoid discussing issues with outsiders; resolve them within your team. When dealing with your editor, maintain transparency but present a united front.
Co-authoring a book can be an incredible journey. Despite the obstacles and challenging moments I encountered, I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. The fun and experience of doing it far outweighed any conflicts or difficulties we encountered along the way. However, I'd approach it with clearer communication, mutual respect, and a well-defined plan.
Co-authoring offers a unique chance to merge creativity with another mind and produce something truly remarkable. If you're considering co-authoring, take these lessons to heart, keep these points in mind, and enjoy your writing journey!
Justine Castellon is a brand strategist with an innate ability to weave compelling narratives. She seamlessly blends her professional insight with her passion for literature. She writes about her journey as writer in between peotry and short stories. She is the author of two novels –– Four Seasons and The Last Snowfall.
(Twitter/X @justcastellon)
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