7 Tips on How to Co-Author A Book
If you are thinking of co-authoring a book, you should know that it is not an easy prospect. To co-write a book with someone is to share the work and the credit with another writer.
It is a totally different process, and if you are going to write a book with someone, you will need to know what you are doing.
Here are 7 ways to co-author a book:
- Trust is Key
When it comes to co-authoring a book, it is important that you trust one another. Remember that you will be working with one another throughout the entire writing process. As a rule, it is important that you choose a writer that you trust.
It is a good idea that you choose a writer that you are already friends with. By choosing someone that you are already friends with, you will no longer have to get to know your co-author. You could get started on the writing process, without having to learn his or her mannerisms, quirks, or pet peeves.
If you are going to work with someone that you are not too close with, you will have to earn each other’s trust. You will also need to treat one another with a certain bit of decorum. If you work with a friend, you could just joke around because you know your co-author’s sense of humor.
If you are going to work with someone who is not a close friend, then you should try to earn your co-author’s trust. Get to know him or her, and you’ll eventually become friends in the process.
- Know when to be assertive
Even if you trust your co-author, there will be times when you will have disagreements. Your co-author might feel like he or she wants the story to go a certain way, and you want it to go another way.
While it might be a bit uncomfortable to have a disagreement with your co-author, you should remember that you are a writer as well, so you should not be afraid to stand your ground and speak your mind.
- Know when to give way
While it is important that you are assertive, you should also know when to give way. This does not mean that you should assuage all of your co-writer's demands.
What this means is that you remain open-minded to his or her suggestions. It is necessary that you know when to stand your ground, however, if you are too stubborn, and stonewall all of your co-author’s suggestions, then what’s the point of co-writing a book.
If you are going to be difficult with your co-author, then it is better that you just write a book by yourself.
- Be Open-Minded
When it comes to being a co-author, it is very important that you stay as open-minded as possible. Remember that your ideas are important, your co-author should give them the same attention and consideration.
As a co-author, you are also expected to be as considerate as well. If your co-writer has an idea or wants to change a certain aspect of the story, you should hear it out.
This does not mean that you accept the suggestion right away, but it is always a good idea to hear out any suggestions given by your partner. Who knows? It might make the book even better.
- Push each other to be better
To co-write a book with someone is to do your best every writing session. Remember that when you write a book with a fellow writer, it is not only your reputation that is at stake but his or her as well.
It is important that you push each other to be better. Cheer him or her during the writing process. If you see him or her slacking off, don’t get cross and start berating your co-author.
Instead, you should remind your co-author that you are putting your own writing career on the line and that your co-author should pull his or her weight as well.
On your end, you should make sure that you do your very best throughout the whole writing process. You should not slack off and always be on time for your writing sessions.
It is also important that you put in the time, and give your opinions throughout the entire writing process.
- Review one another’s work
If you want your book to be as polished as possible, it is important that you review one another’s work. When you and your co-author plan out aspects of your book, it is a good idea that you divide the work between you.
You should choose chapters that you will write, and your co-author should choose chapters that he or she should work on. While you both work on the chapters, it is important that you review one another’s work.
Take the time, to check one another’s progress, and coordinate your work with one another.
When you review each other’s work, you should not be afraid to speak your mind. If you feel that your co-author could do better on his or her section, don’t be afraid to speak your mind.
- Respect one another
When it comes to co-writing a book, the most important thing is respect. Even if both of you are established writers, and you have a respectable body of work this does not mean that your book will be a success.
Remember that you will need to write the book together. You will need to work together on the book. This will take months or even years to finish, and it is imperative that you stay on good terms with one another.
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