Comments on: How to Coauthor a Book

By: John Soares

John Soares — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 21:27:10 +0000

In reply to Michael Kauffmann. Good for you Michael! I'm sure it has something to do with trees, or at least natural history. I'll be watching for your announcement.

By: Michael Kauffmann

Michael Kauffmann — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 20:23:45 +0000

Great advice John- I’m in nearing the end on a co-authorship project. We are all spread across northern California and I think our key to success so far has been effective and clear communication, in addition to many of the ideas you shared.

By: John Soares

John Soares — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 17:29:37 +0000

In reply to Anne Wayman. That's why it's so important to have a written agreement about who is doing what. Perhaps you prefer writing on your own anyway.

By: John Soares

John Soares — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 17:26:53 +0000

In reply to Tom Bentley. I'm glad your coauthoring experience went so well. Seems like it would be harder to do with fiction, but it obviously worked out. When I was a teenager I really enjoyed the sci-fi novels of Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle.

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 17:25:10 +0000

My one experience with co-authoring never got off the ground, largely because we couldn’t decide who would write what… this is a good list.

By: Tom Bentley

Tom Bentley — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 17:12:29 +0000

John, a very clear and thorough overview of the process. I’ve collaborated with a writer friend on a long short story (15,000 words), where we wrote alternating chapters and then offered editing suggestions to each other. The range and tone of expression (and interpretation) in fiction differs greatly from writer to writer, so I was surprised and pleased at how the story turned out, as was he.

We’ve been discussing writing a novel together, and much of what you write here would apply in that instance as well. Thanks!

Oh, and congrats on your book’s continuing sales—that’s impressive!

By: John Soares

John Soares — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 16:23:28 +0000

In reply to Laura Spencer. Thanks Laura. What I enjoyed most about writing 100 Classic Hikes in Northern California was going over all the photos with my brother. He especially took some great pics.

By: Laura Spencer

Laura Spencer — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 16:03:49 +0000

Having co-authored several e-books myself, I can attest to the wisdom of your advice here. Everything you advise is exactly right.

Personally, I really enjoyed the co-authoring process and found it to be quite motivating for me. I would recommend co-authoring to anyone, provided these guidelines are followed.