04-26-2013, 12:19 AM | #1 |
Clone Trooper
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Answered an ad for a co-author
So I was on FP and I answered a request for a co-author and now I'm quietly freaking out because what if she doesn't want me? And then on top of that, I added a seeking beta readers and co-writer blurb to my profile because I've been thinking about it for awhile.
Then I feel weird because she wrote that she's been trying to write a novel and not having much luck, and I've already self-pubbed 21 stories, I've got a novel coming out in August, and my novella's currently being serialized by LT3. Are we in such different places in our lives that it's going to be awkward? Anyways, that whole social anxiety thing is kicking in. Does anyone have any experience with picking a writing partner and working with one? And seriously, I'm not even 100% sure if I want a writing partner, or if I need a life manager/agent. I need someone to kick my butt so I make my submission deadlines (I missed one this month and I feel bad about it). So I was thinking having a writing partner would spur me on -- when there's someone waiting for me I try not to disappoint them. Left to myself I procrastinate and watch a lot of cartoons |
04-26-2013, 06:22 AM | #2 |
Wizard
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I could never do it. But be interested on how your experience turns out
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04-26-2013, 09:07 AM | #3 | |
A Hairy Wizard
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Anyway.... I would think the most important aspect of a writing relationship would be the ability, and willingness, to listen to critiques about your work without getting offended - and be able to compromise on the storyline/character development even if it isn't exactly how you would do it. Also, if the other individual is not as experienced as you, are you ready, willing, and able to be a mentor? Because it will happen. The only way I know to avoid the above is to sit down at the beginning and develop the whole framework and then assign different sections...then go home and don't talk to each other until its done...then bring the parts together and hope they meld seamlessly! If you are willing and able to do the above then you just might find a writing partner that will take both of you to the next level...and maybe even find a great friend in the process! Good luck!! |
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04-26-2013, 07:19 PM | #4 |
cacoethes scribendi
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It's on my report card: Doesn't play well with others.
Actually, it's not. But I doubt if I could do it - certainly not the way I write now. Like you, I would be worrying that you are both at such different points in your writing - I think Turtle91 could be right, that the person may actually be looking for a mentor rather than a partner. BUT ... you don't know until you try. Who knows, you may find that it suits you perfectly. (Let's all join in the chorus: Always look on the bright side of life, da-da, da-da, da-da-di-da-di-da ... ) |
04-26-2013, 07:53 PM | #5 | |||
Clone Trooper
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I don't know how well I would do in the role of mentor seeing as there's so much stuff I don't know myself. Self-publishing is a lot easier when you're doing it alone because you can just do whatever and your screw ups only affect yourself. But how does sharing the money even work with a partner? Do I just break off half and hand it over, then file a 1099 at the end of the year? If we submit a story to a publisher, will the publisher just cut two payments? The more I think about it, the more daunting it becomes. |
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04-26-2013, 08:42 PM | #6 |
Wizard
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Just make sure before you start that you have a very clear contract about who does what, and what the compensation should be.
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04-27-2013, 07:46 AM | #7 | |
Wizard
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04-27-2013, 08:37 AM | #8 | |
cacoethes scribendi
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There is some - not exactly contrary but maybe complementary - advice to be considered too: If it ever comes to needing to call upon the details of the contract then you're pretty much sunk already. That's not saying the contract is not needed (it's good for both parties to have the details set out clearly in advance), but rather that you should only go into such a contract on the firm belief that it won't be needed. If you don't feel like this then it's probably better not to go there in the first place. |
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04-27-2013, 11:51 AM | #9 | |
Wizard
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04-28-2013, 11:16 AM | #10 |
The Dank Side of the Moon
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Harper, I don't think I could work with a co-writer, but as you say it might be motivating. In the specific case you mention, I think you are mis-matched and you are much further along that the ad-person you answered. It's up to you of course, but I think you'd be on the short end of the stick in that relationship.....who knows though.
Keep us posted! Please. |
04-30-2013, 09:29 PM | #11 |
Surfin the alpha waves ~~
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Good luck!
I couldn't do it. And no one who knows me would want to! |
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