TEN BEST THINGS ABOUT COAUTHORING

and the TEN WORST THINGS ABOUT COAUTHORING

by Mary S. Palmer

Writing is a lonely job, so when you coauthor, some of the isolation is relieved. While there are advantages, cooperative writing also has its problems.

After writing books with two males and two females, I see these as the ten best things about writing:

1. Two heads are better than one as the old saying goes. Another person's input can provide valuable input.

2. A built in editor is another advantage. A coauthor frequently catches errors early-on.

3. Sharing ideas is good feedback which also gives a different take on a situation.

4. Sharing work helps a lot. Two authors can divide it up and each can write a scene or a chapter, or fill in either.

5. Sharing talent allows the person to write what he or she is best at, whether it be plotting, characterization or theme.

6. Blending style means each author learns to adjust to the other, providing a smooth flow.

7. Diversity is important. Each author can insert his or her different angle.

8. Balance is a plus. An opinion from each author often provides a new perspective.

9. Sharing the joy of achievement when the book is completed.

10. Marketing involves good public relations. With two different sets of friends and associates, both authors can increase interest and have a better platform.

Still, writing with another person has its problems. You need to come to terms with these from the onset of the writing project. Here are ten of the worst things about coauthoring:

1. Having a meeting of the minds necessitates that you come to an agreement about the book in all of its aspects before you start writing.

2. Objectivity is important. You have to be open to your coauthor's ideas.

3. Settling differences is always easy. Each must be willing to concede some points.

4. Agreeing to combine your styles avoids issues. You can adjust and blend things together.

5. Time and scheduling is crucial. It's difficult to be "on a roll" writing and the other author isn't keeping up.

6. The cover design may be controlled by the publisher but both parties have to agree before it is finalized.

7. Sharing chores equally keeps things on an even keel. Decide who writes what and if the work will be divided by chapters before it becomes a problem.

8. When editing, agreement on changes is important.

9. Both authors need to proofread, edit and read publisher's editorial staff's comments or something will be missed.

10. Marketing and public relations has to be shared price-wise as well as the planning and attending of scheduled events. Disagreement on the how, when and where can lead to huge problems.

Does this sound difficult? Maybe it is because it's always difficult to get people to agree--on anything. It can be done if both parties involved in the coauthoring are willing to cooperate. I can tell you that this venture can be a rewarding experience. However, it isn't always easy. Neither is life.

Thanks for dropping by,

Mary S. Palmer

Here is a short introduction to BAITING THE HOOK. I hope you enjoy it.

When the storms of life blow, can true love stay afloat?

Childhood friends Davey Simpson and Pokey Merrill overcame the lies that kept them apart and are now engaged to be married. Now they’re fighting to stay together and to stay alive.

Davey secretly infiltrates the KKK to protect his best friend, a black man running for governor of Alabama. Pokey secretly undergoes experimental surgery to regain the use of her legs. And both secretly doubt if they are good enough to deserve the others’ love. Amidst murder and politics, Davey baits the hook to reel in the bad guys.

Can Pokey and David survive the rough seas of insecurity, hatred and deceit? Can their love?

To read an excerpt from BAITING THE HOOK, please click HERE.

When a fisherman is accused of murder, Alabama's first black lieutenant governor may give up his career to defend his friend.

Davey Simpson, a fisherman, is charged with the murder of a powerful Alabama politician’s son. His childhood friend, Ben Johnson, an attorney, has to decide whether to resign as the first black lieutenant governor of Alabama in order to take Davey’s case.

While in the Mobile County Jail awaiting trial, Davey has a unique way of surviving confinement. Since he can’t endure living in the present, he lives in the past, recalling memories of his two childhood friends—his lost love, Pokey, and his best friend, Ben.

Those memories allow Davey to escape the unbearable loneliness of incarceration.

Davey’s plight causes childhood friends, separated by time and space, to reunite and renew their relationships. Unexpected twists reveal the many complications involved in the case and in Davey’s life.

To read an excerpt from TO CATCH A FISH, please click HERE.

Reporter Mona Stewart finds herself in another world of warring factions and one of them holds the key to immortality and cures for fatal diseases.

In the inner space of outer space, an earthling, reporter Mona Stewart, discovers that living almost forever in idleness, and without challenges, is much worse than having too much to do. The only reprieve from boredom for the Svarians is outwitting the Aliens.

To read an excerpt from TIME WILL TELL, please click HERE.

Learn more about Mary S. Palmer on her website and blog.

Mary's essay "The Big City - Then and Now" is published in NEW ORLEANS BY NEW ORLEANS from Books by Authors.