What are the Secrets?
My frequent writing partner and I have worked together for over a decade. Also, I have collaborated with other writers on various projects from novels to scripts. Writing can be lonely and isolate you, so it can be fun to write with others. Co-writing means someone to brainstorm with you, a partner to share the load, who adds depth and speed; maybe a kindred spirit to inspire (or carry) you when words won’t flow.
Collaboration gone awry can be a dangerous thing: ripping apart friends, crippling careers and poisoning once cordial personalities. It doesn’t take magic to make collaboration work — it takes trust.
In collaboration you share the benefits and you share the problems. Attitudes that are adaptable and willing to compromise spell the difference between stop and go or unfinished and sold.
Forget POWER
No such thing exists in a true partnership. Work together. Build upon each other’s words, ignite one another’s creativity and draw dimension from your differences.
Here are some collaboration rules to smooth your co-writing path:
*Trust and respect your co-writer.
*Believe in your partner’s skill.
*Share a vision of the project.
*Don’t get stuck in a your way or my way mindset. (There’s always another choice, an additional alternative.)
*Be flexible and willing to compromise.
*Forget power or joking for control.
*Blend your writing. Don’t force your style on your partner.
*Define your collaboration methods upfront — Does one write and one outline? Do you alternate chapters? One write and one rewrite? (My partner & I write together iin every sense of the word, but on some projects we divide scenes or duties.)
*Agree on terms before you begin collaboration.
*Sign a simple contract upfront. We have a brief agreement stating we share 50/50 all earnings and major expenses such as agent fees.
*Make sure you are compatible — from equipment to personalities.
*Be supportive. Life throws everyone curves at times.
*Keep a sense of humor. You can handle anything, if you can laugh about it.
*Remember nothing is carved in stone.
*Collaboration doesn’t work for every author or on every project. Don’t be crushed if it doesn’t work out. Maybe you were paired with the wrong writer or at the wrong time.
*Relax. Co-writing can be fun.