By The WBR Team
You’ve achieved remarkable success in your field. You have a wealth of knowledge and a burning desire to share your expertise with the world. So, you’re writing a book. But what if we told you there’s a way to amplify your message, reach a wider audience, and make the entire process more enjoyable?
Enter: co-authoring.
While sharing creative control might feel like you’re complicating an already complex process, the benefits of collaborating on your business book can far outweigh the challenges.
Why co-author your book?
Let’s face it: writing a book demands dedication, focus, and a significant time investment (usually months to years). Co-authoring can alleviate these pressures while offering a host of advantages. You can:
- Divide and conquer: Splitting the workload can dramatically reduce the time it takes to write and publish your book.
- Expand your reach: A co-author brings their network and audience, instantly expanding the potential reach of your book. Imagine tapping into a whole new pool of ideal readers eager to absorb your combined wisdom.
- Complement your strengths: Identify a co-author whose expertise complements yours. Perhaps they excel at storytelling while you shine in data analysis. This synergy creates a richer, more well-rounded book that resonates with a broader audience.
- Combat writer’s block: We’ve all been there. Staring at a blank page can be a creativity killer. A co-author provides a sounding board, fresh perspectives, and renewed motivation when the writing gets tough.
- Enjoy the journey: Writing a book should be a rewarding experience. Sharing the journey with a like-minded individual can make the process more enjoyable, collaborative, and, ultimately, more fulfilling.
Finding the perfect co-author: where to begin
Choosing the right co-author is crucial for a successful collaboration. Look for someone who:
- Shares your vision: Ensure you’re aligned on the book’s core message, target audience, and overall goals.
- Possesses complementary expertise: Seek out an individual whose knowledge base complements yours, adding depth and breadth to your book’s content.
- Demonstrates strong communication skills: Open, honest, and frequent communication is critical for a harmonious and productive co-authoring experience.
- Shares your work ethic: Choose someone as committed to the project as you are, ensuring a balanced workload and timely completion.
Setting the stage for success: actionable tips for co-authoring
You’ve found your ideal co-author, ironed out the details, and are ready to launch this book into the stratosphere. But how do you actually write a book with another person?
Flexibility and open communication are key. Here are a few tips to make the process run smoothly:
1. Brainstorming as a team
- Find your groove: Everyone has their creative process. Some people thrive on structured outlines, while others prefer mind maps or free-flowing brainstorming sessions. Find what works for both of you and create a space where ideas can flourish.
- Embrace curiosity: Be open to exploring your co-author’s ideas, even if they differ from your initial vision. You might discover unexpected gems that elevate your book to new heights.
- Outline, outline, outline: Once you have a solid foundation of ideas, create a detailed outline. This roadmap will keep you both on track and ensure a cohesive flow throughout the book.
2. Writing as a team
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to the actual writing process. Some standard methods include:
- Chapter by chapter: Each author takes turns writing complete chapters, ensuring a consistent voice throughout the book.
- Outlining and prose: One author focuses on crafting the outline and structure, while the other brings the story to life with their prose.
- Writing and editing: One author takes the lead on writing, while the other provides feedback, edits, and polishes the manuscript.
3. Revising as a team
- Constructive feedback is king: Create a safe space for honest and constructive feedback. Remember, the goal is to strengthen the manuscript, not bruise egos.
- Focus on the big picture: When reviewing feedback, always refer to your initial objectives. Do the suggested changes serve the book, target audience, and overall goals?
- Unified vision: Even if one author has the final say, ensure both voices are heard and respected throughout the revision process.
4. Achieving a unified writing style, voice, and tone
- Find Your North Star: Before you start writing, agree on a shared writing style and tone. Reference other authors or books that embody your desired style as a guide.
- Highlight what works: Identify and celebrate each other’s strengths as you write. If one author excels at case studies, encourage them to leverage those skills throughout the manuscript.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment and learn from each other. Encourage your co-author to infuse their unique voice and style into the writing, creating a richer and more dynamic final product.
5. Managing co-author conflicts
Conflicts are inevitable in any collaboration, especially when working on a massive project like a business book. Here’s how to navigate them effectively:
Creative disagreements:
- Listen with empathy and try to understand your co-author’s perspective.
- Don’t rush the conversation. Give yourselves time to process and articulate your viewpoints.
- Remember, it’s not a competition. The goal is to find the best solution for the book.
Personal conflicts:
- Address issues directly and respectfully before they escalate.
- Establish clear boundaries and expectations regarding deadlines, communication styles, and feedback delivery.
- Focus on finding solutions that work for both parties.
Tools and resources for writing teams
Leverage technology to streamline your collaboration:
- Project management: Trello, Asana, or Notion for task management, deadlines, and progress tracking.
- Communication: Zoom, Slack, or Google Meet for virtual meetings and quick check-ins.
- Collaborative writing software: Consider using a program like Dabble or Google Docs that allows for real-time editing and feedback within the manuscript.
Co-authoring: your gateway to a powerful business book
As a business leader, you should embrace the opportunity to collaborate with a like-minded individual, amplify your message, and create a business book that leaves a lasting impact on your readers.
Remember, two heads are often better than one, especially when crafting a compelling and impactful business book.
If you (and your co-author) want professional support crafting a book in your unique voice without spending hours chained to a keyboard, book a free call today to discover how we can help.