CoWriting Rules to Make Writing with Others Easier

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

Cowriting sounds like such fun and it indeed can be. But there are things to consider before you enter into the cowriting world. You've heard the adage, "Never lend money to a friend," and co-writing can be similar. Here's why we have the adage about lending money. When we lend money, we expect repayment, and often, that doesn't happen, or if it does, it happens slowly. Friendships are lost over less. 

Choosing to join a like-minded friend in a writing adventure can be a wonderful experience, but there are things you should know before entering this "marriage" of words. Every writer has expectations for their work, and your expectations must be placed on the table before you begin. Cowriting is a give-and-take thing, and setting the boundaries of expectation is vital.

CoWriting Tips for Writers

Realize your writing styles may differ: It's important to note that every writer has their style, and when we enter into a cowriting project, it's vital to chat in advance and draw a line in the sand. Cowriting is a joint effort where two different styles must come together and meet on common ground. Most publishers have a style sheet that is sent to every author upon being assigned to an editor. These guidelines help the writer remain consistent with how the publisher wants their products to look. Take time and make a style sheet of sorts. Decide who will write what and who will take the lead. Will you write alternating chapters or split a chapter? Decide on a format and an expected deadline for each other. In other words, you will submit your work on chapter one by _____, and it's done as expected. 

When things jump track, discuss it: We all know that a project can begin with one intent, and there's an unexpected curve midway through. The wonderful thing about curves is they route us in new ways. However, when you are cowriting, it's best to voice those curves when you see the sign. Not after the fact. Why? Common courtesy. We spoke earlier that everyone has their own style, and while some can jump the track easily, others cannot. In non-fiction, this is especially important since there is something you may be working to achieve with teaching. A rabbit trail can throw everything off. Curves can be a lot of fun in fiction, interjecting incredible twists to our plot, but common courtesy is important. Still, be courteous.

Cowriting is a give-and-take: Writers can be very possessive of their work, but when you cowrite, there may be times when some of your writing may not fit. Communication is vital, and what if you hit that spot where you feel your way is the best? Read the work together to find the workaround. You can do this when you realize the project is what is most important. Practice giving and taking and learning the art of working together. You may have to sacrifice something today for something better in the long run.

Stick to the plan: Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, plot and outline the book and then stick to the plan. It's alright to veer from the plan occasionally, but that is not always in the best interests of the work or your partnership. If significant changes arise, discuss and decide what is in the works best for the story or the project's teaching goal. Sometimes, good ideas are spiffy, but they may not work now, but later, it’s the perfect fit.

I co-wrote a book entitled Heart’s Song with Aaron Gansky. The idea and the invite were his so for me, it was easy to take the back seat and let Aaron drive. Our biggest problem was he was on the west coast and I lived on the east. Finding a time that was a middle ground for us both was a challenge. Still, when we wrote, if I saw an opportunity to take things in a different direction, I’d send him a note and say, what about…? Most of the time Aaron was on board. If we hit an idea where he wasn’t, he was sweet enough to explain why it wouldn’t work. We had such a blast writing the book that we turned out a 120K word manuscript in three weeks.

My co-writer and I were great writing partners and that made the experience wonderful. I’ve spoken with others who swear they’d never co-write again. You do have to learn to play well with others. If you decide to embark on a co-writing experience take these four things into account and lay a solid and successful pathway for you both. 

TWEETABLE

CoWriting Rules to Make Writing with Others Easier from @CindyDevoted on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Cindy K. Sproles is an author, speaker, and conference teacher. Having served for a number of years as a managing editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and Ironstream Media, Cindy now works as a mentor, coach, and freelance editor. She is the co-founder of Writing Right Author Mentoring Services with Lori Marett and she is the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Cindy is also the co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries and WWW.CHRISTIANDEVOTIONS.US, as well as WWW.INSPIREAFIRE.COM. Her devotions are in newspapers and magazines nationwide, and her novels have become award-winning best-selling works. She is a popular speaker at conferences and a natural encourager. Cindy is a mountain girl, born and raised in the Appalachian mountains, where she and her husband still reside. She has raised four sons and now resorts to raising chickens where the pecking order is easier to manage. You can visit Cindy at WWW.CINDYSPROLES.COM or www.wramsforwriters.com.