Street Writing Man
Ok, here's my totally unprofessional answers...
- Depends on the writer you're trying to collaborate with. Some people play well with others, and some don't. If you take the time to establish either A: clearly delineated areas of responsibility ("You do world development, I handle plot") or B: that one of you is clearly in charge of the project, things go smoothly. Also, being able to disagree and reach compromise is important.
For this one, I'd say the most important thing is to pick a good partner.
- Each partnership is different, so you'll have to work that out for yourself. However, a few points that are pretty universal.
-communication is key. Discuss all changes, no matter how minor, and don't permanently alter the material without consulting your partner, even if you are "sure" they won't mind.
-The end result belongs to both of you equally. Keep that firmly in mind, even if you feel you did "more" work: By agreeing to a collaborative effort, people are going to assume 50/50 split, and saying otherwise only makes you look like a douche. If you think your partner isn't going to pull their weight, get a different partner.
-Trust but verify. Document everything! make backup copies of your work in hardcopy, and write everything down, in case your partner gets the idea of suing you out of your half later, or takes over the project and uses your good ideas to get rich. Sure, it's unlikely...but do you really want to watch your estranged writing buddy get paid like Gates off your good ideas? If your partner asks, just say that documentation is a good idea in general, and your interest is in keeping you both from getting screwed. If they're still suspicious, get a new partner.
- It's fanfic. If anyone claims there's a "correct" way to write it, laugh at them and tell them to take a flying fuck at a rolling doughnut.
Writers collaborate all the time, and I fail to see why a publishing house would care about the exact breakdown of labor as long as the book recoups their investment. If anyone knows different please weigh in but my answer would be no, they likely don't.
Hope all that helps.
-The Drunk Scriblerian
edited 27th Nov '10 3:33:55 PM by drunkscriblerian
If I were to write some of the strange things that come under my eyes they would not be believed. ~Cora M. Strayer~
Web Slinger/Hope Bringer
Thank you so much, you've been a great help.
You are not alone, and you are not strange. You are you, and everyone has damage. Be the better person.
I am considering collaborating with another writer on a project and I have a few questions:
- How difficult is it collaborating with another writer in general?
- Is there a certain etiquette for this kind of thing?
- I read on the Fan Fic It Just Bugs Me! page that some writer collaborations have one idea guy and one actual writer, is this common and/or looked down upon?
You are not alone, and you are not strange. You are you, and everyone has damage. Be the better person.