Collaboration: Tips for Writing with Someone Else—Publishing as a Second Language, Part 4

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

The best way to avoid problems when initiating a collaborative partnership is to make sure both parties know from the very beginning what is expected of them now and in the future. And the best way to do that is to have everything in writing. Yes, a written contract can avoid a lot of misunderstanding and hard feelings between writing partners. If you have everything in writing with a signature from each party, then you have already agreed upon the way things should be handled both now and in the future. And if one party questions that, you just refer to the contract.

Collaboration: Tips for Writing with Someone Else—Publishing as a Second Language, Part 3

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

While working with a co-author is usually a rewarding experience, there may also be some difficult situations. Troubleshooting may not be a word you have associated with collaborative writing. But if you are aware of possible problems, you can keep your eyes open so you do not see them looming on the horizon. 

COLLABORATION: TIPS FOR WRITING WITH SOMEONE ELSE—PUBLISHING AS A SECOND LANGUAGE, PART 2

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

There are many wonderful reasons and methods for co-authoring a book. Here are just a few of them.

Collaboration: Tips for Writing with Someone Else—Publishing as a Second Language, Part 1

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

One of the most fun and exciting ways to write a book is to find a like-minded writer and collaborate. Or is it?

At your first thought of co-authoring, you probably immediately make a list of your writing friends. After all, who wouldn’t like to spend hours writing a new book with your best writing buddy. 

Here are several things you may need to take into consideration.

1. Even if you are good friends, friendship is different from co-authorship. Enjoying each other’s company is one thing. But hours editing and picking your words apart is not a party. It is hard work. And sometimes you and your co-author may have different ideas about the importance of specific information or where it should be placed in the book. I’m not saying writing with your best friend can’t work, but you will want to make sure it’s a good fit before you get started on a book project.

2. Do you need an expert as a co-author to give your book credibility? You may have learned something you really wanted to share with others but an important part of your new knowledge is technical, clinical, or medical based. A co-author who is an expert in that field would be a great choice because it would being extra credibility to your words. That is a win-win situation because not only does it bring credibility to your writing, the expert will have a book he or she can share with others.

3. Make sure your personalities will work well together. If you and your co-author have spent a lot of time together, you probably know the positives and negatives of your co-author’s personality. If you are a check list person and your co-author prefers to ponder every word, make sure you both understand that your methods of writing are very different and vow not to get aggravated with the other person’s way of working.

I have had wonderful co-authors and the experience only brought us closer together. But I am sure that is because we knew what each of us would be responsible for before we ever started. We knew each other’s strengths and made plans to capitalize on those strengths. For example, one of us was very strong in organization so she was in charge of making sure the layout of the book made sense. The other had tremendous strength as an editor so much of her job was done once the words were already on paper.

4. Before you start your book, make sure you have everything in writing. Create a contract that covers any questions that may arise. We will talk more about contracts in a later post.

Are you thinking about co-authoring? Choose wisely and ask God to show you the best person to co-author your next book. 

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Collaboration: Tips for Writing with Someone Else—Publishing as a Second Language, Part 1 from @LindaGilden on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Don't miss the other posts in this series!

Collaboration: Tips for Writing with Someone Else - Part 1

Collaboration: Tips for Writing with Someone Else - Part 2

Collaboration: Tips for Writing with Someone Else - Part 3

Linda Gilden has coauthored 11 books with 5 different coauthors and has #12 and #13 coming out in 2022, adding a new co-author to the list. She loves every one of her coauthors and enjoys collaborating on interesting projects with them. She also has written many books on her own and realizes what a treasure and blessing a good co-author is.

Publishing as a Second Language: Front Matter and Back Matter—Does It Really Matter?

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

Once you finish the body of your manuscript, it’s time to add the extras. Most books will include endorsements, acknowledgements, dedication, table of contents, bio of the author or authors, previous books by the same author or authors, a Q & A with the author, a chapter of the next book. Some people include a preface, prologue, or forward. It is not necessary to have all of these, but they are all possibilities. 

Publishing as a Second Language - One Sheets vs. Book Proposals

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

This year as I was preparing for Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference One of the top questions I received from those I mentored was—“What’s the difference between a book proposal and a one sheet?” Most had heard of a book proposal but the concept of a one sheet was new and they were not sure where to even begin to create one.

Publishing as a Second Language - Finding your Writing Voice

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

Many times writers talk about your “voice.” As a writer you don’t actually verbally speak, but within everything you write you also have a voice. What exactly does that mean? How do you know what your writing voice is and how can you recognize it?

Tips for Writers: What is a Simultaneous Submission?

PSL - Publishing as a Second Language

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

Simultaneous submission is another writing term that is seemingly self-explanatory, right? Well, yes. 

Just send a manuscript simultaneously to several publishers. But there are a few things that will help you understand how the process works.

Publishing as a Second Language—What It Means to Write on Assignment

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

As a new writer I remember hearing seasoned writers talk about writing assignments and wondering How do you ever get to that point?

           

The short answer is lots of hard work! But if you are one of those writers who would love to have editors calling or emailing you with an assignment, let’s talk about how to get there.

Publishing As a Second Language - A Publishing Glossary

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

When I first began writing there were times I felt like I was in foreign language class! What did these new words mean? 

Wasn’t a clip something you put in your hair when you were going out? And felt needs? Aren’t all needs felt? What about a slush pile? Things that are slushy aren’t easy to pile up. 

Publishing As a Second Language—5 Thoughts on Selling All Rights

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

“Can you help me? My story was published in one of my favorite magazines. I was so excited to get the contract I guess I didn’t read the fine print. I want to use my story again and realize I sold all rights to this publisher. What can I do to get my story back?”

There are a lot of elements to address in this question. Let’s take them one by one and see what we can figure out.

Publishing as a Second Language—Acquisition Editor, Managing Editor, or Editor-in-Chief?

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

When we enter the publishing world, lots of terms come to the surface. One of the things that can be a little confusing is:

• When I go to submit a manuscript, to whom do I send it? 
• Do I send it to the Senior Editor, the Managing Editor, the Editorial Assistant, or one of the other folks that I see listed as part of the staff?

Often when studying the masthead of the magazine (where you see the listing of editors) it seems overwhelming. There are so many names. But as long as you know who to look for, your submission will find its way to the correct person. If you don’t see an Acquisitions Editor listed and the staff is small, an editorial assistant may be your best choice.

What Does "Slant" Mean in Publishing - Publishing as a Second Language

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

“Slant” is a commonly used, every day word. You can slant things to the left or the right or walk up a steep slant in the terrain.

Being aware of slant in the writing world means that you write your article or book to a specific audience. You have done your homework by reading the guidelines and several issues of the magazine or several books by the same publishing house. You have an understanding of what they are looking for, what their worldview is, whether or not the perspective is more conservative or liberal. Determining your slant also involves understanding the readers of the particular publication or publishing house.

An Explanation of Different Publishing Rights - Publishing as a Second Language

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

Often I'm asked questions about rights. 

• What exactly does that mean? 
• Is it okay to sell all rights? 
• Why do I need to know about rights?
• I wrote it so doesn’t that mean I have the rights to my own material?

Rights is a rather complex area of writing. Every writer should be aware of the different types of rights and what they mean.

Publishing as a Second Language - The Cliché

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

Publishing as a Second Language - The Cliché

One of the terms we borrow from the French is cliché. If you are not familiar with a cliché, the New Oxford American Dictionary defines a cliché as “a phrase or opinion that is overused or betrays a lack of original thought.”

Most writers use clichés without even thinking about it. Because they know them like the back of their hands, these common phrases just roll off their tongues. It’s easy as pie to include them in writing because writers want to make sure their writing is clear as a bell. Romance writers know that all is well that ends well. Encouraging writers know that every cloud has a silver lining. Regardless of what cliché you use, it feels like old hat to your readers.

Tips for Getting Writing Clips — Publishing as a Second Language

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

“Send published clips with submission.”

“Query/clips for fiction.”

“Query/clips or complete manuscript.”

These are all taken right from the market guide. But you may wonder what that word “clips” means to a writer.

The term originates from the time writers clipped, or cut, their articles from newspapers or magazines so that they would have examples of their writing to share with other editors. Writers requested extra printed copies of the articles they wrote in order to make sure they had enough clips to share.

ReWrite - Publishing As a Second Language

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

Ah! The beginning of a new year. A time to start over. A time to set new goals and try new things.

Our word this month is rewrite. Just the words, “I’d like you to do a rewrite,” can put panic in the heart of a writer. The word itself literally means to write again. You might look at it as a way to start over and make your writing better, not something to fear.

Publishing As a Second Language—The On's of Article Writing

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

Several terms you will hear that pertain to article writing begin with the word “on.”

ON Speculation

Many times you will hear this term shortened to on spec. This usually follows a query and issues an invitation to send your article on speculation. That is a tentative “yes" meaning that once your article is received they will read it carefully and if it fits their needs, will accept it. Acceptance on speculation leaves the door open for the publisher to reject the work if it is not up to the standards set in the query. If you have studied the publication and its guidelines and have written a strong query letter that shows excellent writing skills, the possibility of acceptance for an on spec article is high.

“I don’t worry about money, this is my ministry.” How many times have I heard these words at Christian writers conferences when the subject of money comes up? Many writers seem to think that talking about making money for your writing is a sin. But the Bible reminds us “the worker deserves his wages” (1 Timothy 5:18). That doesn’t just apply to construction workers, teachers, or bank executives. Writers are on that list as well. No matter what market you write for, secular or inspirational, your time is valuable to you and to those you write for.

Publishing as a Second Language, Part Two—Cover Letter vs. Query Letter

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

If you missed the first post in this series, Linda covers Glimpses From a Writer's Glossary

Of all the terms new writers hear when they begin their careers, cover letter and query letter are some of the more confusing. Both are letters that go to editors, so shouldn’t you just write a good letter and be done with it?

Cover letters and query letters each have their own functions. It may not be a deal breaker if you send one in place of the other, but it may look unprofessional.