Collaborating with someone you care about to write a life story book can be a rewarding journey, especially with a solid strategy in place. Success depends on good teamwork and careful planning. Key suggestions include clear communication, shared goals, an organized approach that uses each person’s strengths, and thoughtful handling of feedback.
We’ll clear the air and add that liking the person is a first step to success. You may be spending many hours together!
Build Your Foundation and Vision
- Communicate openly: Being honest and clear helps manage creative disagreements and handle any conflicts that come up during writing.
- Define your purpose and vision: Both people should agree on the style, flow, and focus of the book, which helps avoid disagreements and keeps things moving smoothly.
- Choose your format: Decide early on whether your project will alternate chapters between the two of you writing them, back and forth within the chapter, or everything written from one perspective with a shared goal.
- Plan and outline together: Create a basic outline to give structure to your life story book and keep you focused.
Set Roles and Processes
- Use your individual skills: Let the specific talents of each writer shine. If one of you is a better editor than writer, go that route. If both are great writers, consider using the division of tasks with alternating voices.
- Divide tasks purposefully: Try methods like:
- Alternating chapters or viewpoints: Assigning different character perspectives ensures both voices are represented.
- Plotter vs. writer setup: One oversees the outline while the other writes out the chapters.
- Co-writing drafts: Collaborating on drafts and exchanging feedback is easier using tools like Google Docs for real-time editing and tracking changes.
- Create a timeline: Establish regular writing sessions and set deadlines for drafts and revisions to maintain steady progress.
Work Together and Edit
- Value feedback: Giving and receiving constructive criticism strengthens your manuscript; keeps it professional and focuses on the writing rather than personal feelings.
- Focus on revision: Expect to rewrite and revise extensively. Thorough editing helps unify your work as co-authors.
- Stay motivated: Celebrate achievements and nurture a positive, collaborative environment throughout the process.
Whether you are writing with a spouse, partner, sibling, or even a child-parent or other familial connection, writing a book together can result in a production which can influence others and be life-changing—for the writers and the readers.
