For many aspiring authors, the idea of writing a book can be daunting. How am I going to have enough to say to fill an entire book? How am I going to sustain the effort of writing? Having a partner to co-write a book with can be a great way to divide and conquer. For Alesia and Rosemary, writing More Time for You was one of the most synergistic projects I’ve ever experienced. For their book and the others involving multiple authors, the results have always been positive. Despite the advantages, there are also possible pitfalls to avoid.

5 Pitfalls to Avoid Working with Coauthors

To be a successful collaboration, there can be obstacles to overcome. Here are five pitfalls and how to avoid these mistakes.

1. Decision-making. The most important decision the authors have to make is what book to write and often that is the most difficult one to agree on. Having a clear idea of how the book will benefit each of the authors is one of the best ways to come to agreement. All collaborators should be able to experience benefits from having the book published. There will be many decisions along the way, so having a track record of working together is the best indicator of future success. Second best is if the collaborators are used to facilitating or working in groups to make decisions.
2. Agreements. Even the best of plans can go awry so having a concrete agreement will avoid future disputes. And put it in writing. What happens to the project content, profits, and authorship attribution if a change in life circumstances or priorities means a contributor drops out, doesn’t meet their agreed upon commitments? Having everything clearly stated up front, will make those determinations much easier in the eventuality of the breach of the agreements.
3. Accountability. While each author can serve as a cheerleader and provide inspiration to the others, writing takes time and commitment. Without a roadmap and a timeline, it’s possible for a project to go on forever. Developing a project schedule with the designated individual responsible for each task can help everyone commit and deliver accordingly.
4. Compatibility. If the contributors have all worked on projects together before, then they will probably know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. If everyone working on the book is a big picture thinker and averse to details, you’ll need to commit to adapting styles to complete the work. If both are detail oriented, then there is the danger of getting so mired in refining and reworking the content. Recognizing each other’s strengths and weaknesses at the start will help to determine how you will hold each other accountable. Or acknowledge up front that you will need to hire editorial support.
5. Copyright and profits. Who will be the designated copyright holder(s)? Be clear in writing before starting the book. For business partners, it’s often easiest to put the copyright in the name of the business. If the partnership dissolves, the plan for settling their affairs is most likely in place. Is the book based exclusively on one person’s content, with a co-author who is ghostwriting, editing, and helping in other ways to get the book finished? It isn’t always clear-cut. Similarly, to whom and how will profits be distributed? Are there expenses to pay off for creating the book before dividing profits from sales?

Whatever the agreements are putting them in writing before starting will ensure a smooth solution to problems that arise. Realize the benefits of co-authors and avoid the pitfalls.

5 Advantages to Working with Co-Authors

Despite the possible pitfalls, there are many advantages to working with a co-author. Here are five primary advantages:

1. More content. Two people have different stories to contribute to illustrate points the authors make in the book. Each has different life and business experiences. Even two people who think they know the same things can be surprised by what unique insights the other has. Working with two authors is the very definition of synergy. Conversations lead to new ideas, expanded explanations and illustrations. Two authors build on each other’s ideas and trigger new ones.
2. Editing and review. Every writer needs and editor. One partner can review what the other has written. Aside from inspiring new ideas, they can help each other avoid egregious errors. One of the most difficult aspects of writing a book is seeing what is missing. What haven’t you said that is necessary for getting your point or lesson across? Someone looking with a fresh perspective can help avoid errors of omission.
3. Accountability. Having another person in your corner, a cheerleader,  someone for inspiration can make a big difference in keeping the momentum  going.  Holding each other accountable, means a greater likelihood of meeting schedule commitments.
4. Split the costs. When it comes to self-publishing, two people can split the costs for editing, design and layout, and print production set-up.
5. More marketing and sales. When you have two authors, oh, they can be in two places at once. Multiple authors can speak more, blog more, and create more demand for their book. Essentially, multiple authors multiply the number of people they can appear in front of to promote their book.

Having the right partner will drastically the amount of work each has to contribute in order to write, publish, and market a book. Just be sure to have the right agreements in place before you start. If you would like more information about ways you can write your book contact me, Claudia Gere, for your free 15-minute consultation.

Finding clarity on these three topics is the beginning of your book writing strategy. Focus will help to inspire and motivate you to write your book.

1. Purpose. What purpose will the book you write serve, both in the context of the audience you reach and how the book will reflect on you as the authority of the book’s subject? Purpose affects what kind of a book you write. If you want to become famous and write a best seller, then you need to know what kinds of books become bestsellers. If you want to write a memoir to share with your family, then you can write for yourself and what makes you happy. If you want to be recognized as an expert in your field, then you’ll want to write one that reflects your insights and experience, and one your ideal client will consider a must-read.
2. Passion. Of the book ideas you’ve considered, which one gets you the most excited? It’ll be easier to write a book when you’re passionate about your topic. Not that you can’t exercise discipline to research and write on a topic that will further your professional goals, it’s just that it’ll be easier, especially for a first-time author, to write a book on a topic you’re close to, interested in, or even have an inner passion to get out. Books written from the heart tend to be more authentic.
3. Process. How, when, and where are you going to write your book? Decide where you will write…physically. Find a place that means business so you know what you’re there to write your book. Or you might need the opposite, somewhere you feel relaxed so the ideas flow. When one place doesn’t work, try another. Examine how you’re going to get the information out of your head and onto paper. You don’t have to sit down at the computer to write a book.

There are so many different ways to create content, interviewing successful people, other experts in your field,  basing your book on your blog, using case studies of your successes are just a few.

Strategy Leads to Motivation to Write Your Book

Having a clear picture of the why you’re writing a book, what you want to write, and how you will write, all contribute to the greater likelihood of starting and finishing your book. People don’t get stuck when they have a clear purpose, passion, and process.

There is no one right book or way to write it, so be open to different approaches and don’t let anything stop you. The sooner you start, the sooner you will be an author.

If you need help getting started, then contact me, Claudia Gere, to set up time for your free 15-minute consultation.