Mastering Co-Authoring: 10 Essential Tips for a Successful Writing Partnership

For anyone who has followed me on social media, you'll know I've been heavily involved in co-authoring throughout the years. I've had 3 different co-authors, and I'm sure I'll have others in the future. In fact, my alter-ego (Lexi Lawton) is in the early stages of planning a co-authored series. People are constantly asking me how it works and what the process is like. So, I decided it was time to share the secrets of my success.

Like everything else with writing, your mileage may vary and no two authors will do things the same. These are just my personal tips and experiences, but I hope they'll help if you plan to embark on a co-author journey. 

So, how have I managed to co-write so many books with different authors? Without wanting to rip our hair out, scream at each other, scrap the project, and give up on writing for the rest of our lives? Here are my top 10 tips for co-writing a book successfully:

1. COMMUNICATE

Communication is crucial. If you and your co-author can't or won't talk to each other, the project is doomed from the start. Talk often and about everything, even things unrelated to the book. Building a strong friendship is key to a smooth collaboration. Even after the projects are done and we've parted ways, I'm still good friends with my co-authors. We check in routinely and support one another.

2. NEGOTIATE

Disagreements are inevitable. Be prepared to negotiate and find compromises. During the editorial process for DANGEROUS LOVE, there was a scene where Dr. Parker falls to his knees. Our editor and Jody felt it was too much and should be removed. I defended the scene initially but eventually compromised, making the scene stronger as a result.

3. ESTABLISH EXPECTATIONS

Every author has their own processes and work speeds. Discuss and set reasonable expectations. If one author is more available, adjust the workload accordingly. For example, while writing INFERNO with David, he wrote most of the first draft due to my other commitments. To balance things out, I handled writing the query letter, synopsis, and a bulk of the edits.

4. CHECK YOUR EGO AT THE DOOR

There's no room for egos in a partnership. Believe in your writing, but be open to suggestions and changes from your co-author. Initially, it might sting, but it will result in a more cohesive and well-written story. And always remember that you're working with your co-author because you (hopefully) enjoy their writing, their personality, and you respect them as a fellow writer. You both have the same end-goals in mind. 

5. PLAN THOROUGHLY

Before you start writing, plan your book in detail. Outline the plot, develop your characters, and decide on the structure. This reduces misunderstandings and keeps both authors aligned. Personally, I am not a planner. I much prefer to just jump in and start writing. This is the reason I find it so easy to co-write with Rosie Somers. She loves to plot and plan, so we brainstorm together, but then she organizes all of it, and I can dive into the actual writing. 

6. DIVIDE RESPONSIBILITIES

Clearly define who is responsible for what. Whether it's writing specific chapters, handling research, or managing edits, having defined roles prevents overlap and ensures accountability. It also helps in leveraging each author's strengths. (See tip number 5 above!) Most importantly is to be realistic with this aspect. I cannot stress that enough. Don't commit to doing something you know you can't do. Whether that's writing about a topic you know nothing about or writing a set amount of words each day. Do what you know you can do, and when you can't meet your agreed upon responsibilities, communicate that with your co-author.  

7. USE COLLABORATIVE TOOLS

Leverage technology to your advantage. Tools like Google Docs, Trello, or Scrivener allow real-time editing and tracking progress. These tools help keep everything organized and accessible to both authors at all times. Personally, for every co-author project I've ever worked on, we've always used Google Docs. It's free and very easy to use, and I like that you can organize everything into neat little folders. 

9.  RESPECT EACH OTHER'S WRITING STYLES

Every author has a unique voice and style. Respect and embrace these differences. Instead of trying to blend them into one, use them to create a richer, more diverse narrative. For example, if you're writing a dual POV story, let each writer take on a single POV, which can serve to make each character voice different and unique. I co-write a book with Rosie Somers (currently unpublished) where each chapter is a letter of eulogy, and we took turns writing those so each letter / character had a distinct voice. 

9. BE OPEN TO FEEDBACK

Constructive criticism is vital for growth. Be open to feedback from your co-author and willing to provide it as well. But do so from a place of genuineness. Offer feedback because you think it will improve the story, not because you feel your way is better. Be willing to listen to your co-author's thoughts on whatever feedback you provide and then be willing to negotiate as needed. The most important part of his is to think about how you'd feel. If your co-author approached you a certain way, how would you feel and react? If the answer is not good, then think about that when providing feedback. Do so in a way that's constructive, helpful, and open for discussion.

10. HAVE FUN!

Writing with another person requires patience and flexibility. If you can manage it, have fun! Brainstorm crazy ideas, laugh about them, joke about mistakes, and congratulate each other on breakthroughs. Because at the end of the day, if you're not having fun, then why are you doing it? Embrace and enjoy the process, and if you find it's not working, take a step back and reevaluate. 

Writing a book is often a solitary experience. Sharing the process with someone else can be nerve-wracking and terrifying, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Co-authoring has allowed me to make wonderful friends and create books I'm proud of. By following these tips, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable co-writing experience.

So, if you're considering co-authoring, go for it! Embrace the challenge, enjoy the process, and create something extraordinary together.

Have you ever co-authored a book? What did your process look like? 

Do you have any other tips to add? 

Share your thoughts in the comments!