It seems like a cool idea. The problem is that your pitch needs to be really convincing for them to buy two books that have just some similarities.
It's not exactly naive. And it can happen. But it's tough. And definetly worthwhile.
Lurker
Do you both write about the same characters?
"Sometimes the appropriate response to reality is to go insane"
Samurai Troper
We include one another's characters in our work. We have certain plot threads that we'd like to occur, but at different times within the continuity.
Swordplay and writing blog. Purveyor of weeaboo fightin' magic.
Lurker
Then I definitely think it could work. If you wrote about the same main characters in different continuties that might contradict each other, that could present a problem.
I think you should go for it - it sounds like an interesting idea. Especially if you do pitch it as two stories in the same universe. If you have enough ideas, I could see this becoming a whole series.
"Sometimes the appropriate response to reality is to go insane"
Samurai Troper
Should I suggest to him that we both be included as authors in whichever work gets published first? That way I'm guessing we have a foot in the door.
It could also work in that one of my characters is in training to become a Time mage with the ability to dimension-hop.
edited 23rd Jan '11 3:00:24 AM by TomoeMichieru
Swordplay and writing blog. Purveyor of weeaboo fightin' magic.
Lurker
Since you're collaborating on both works, that would be a good idea.
Time travel would be complicated, but awesome :D
"Sometimes the appropriate response to reality is to go insane"
A friend and I are writing a group of stories set in the same continuity. We have the same background for our stories, but different takes on where to go with it. Could we pitch both ideas to a publisher or would that be bad form? We collaborate on our respective stories.
Swordplay and writing blog. Purveyor of weeaboo fightin' magic.