practical, nuts-n-bolts how-to collabo diy-a-palooza Part 1

So you’re persuaded that a writing partnership is the right approach for you, and you’ve tracked down a like-minded coauthor. Now you just need to know how to get started. Over the last year or so, the Collaboration posts here have covered much of that, but in no particular order. Herewith, a more concrete take on the subject.

You will need workspace that accommodates both of you. In Rune Skelley’s case, that’s a single room with two computers. But if you and your partner are set up in separate buildings, even different cities, that’s fine too as long as you’ll be able to communicate frequently and effectively.

You will need a project that you’re both excited about. The project might come first, could actually be the catalyst that inspires two people to go into partnership. It might not be so spontaneous, though, so be prepared to devote some time to finding your common interests. Talk the ideas through and assess how they might allow each of you to play to your strengths. Excessive difficulty settling on an idea, or a sense that you’re “settling,” can indicate compatibility issues that might call for reexamination of the partner arrangement.

Technically, that’s all you need. Everything else you can improvise as you go along.

Realistically, there are a few other points you should address up front in the interest of a productive and efficient collaboration. It’s a good idea to understand each other’s work styles early on, because there will be differences. Some stuff is obvious, even cliched: one of you is a morning person and the other is a night owl; one of you is very detail oriented and technical while the other is an endless font of chaotic inspiration. Some of the most successful duos have contrasting personality types. Often it’s that very contrast that drives their creativity. Just keep in mind that the less energy gets spent on driving each other crazy, the more there is left to put into the work.

Future installments of this How-To will take up some of the less obvious ways you and your partner need to get on the same page. Here’s a preview of what to watch for.

• Defining your process: you each have your own work style, but there has to be an agreed-upon set of steps when you work together.
• Project management: which one of you sets the schedule, makes sure you have file backups, and keeps things organized?
• Your combined voice: getting a feel for it, techniques for fostering it.
• Edits, Critique, and Revision: divvying things up, advantages and pitfalls when working with a partner.