What do you think of when you hear the word “writer”? Is it a lonely, disturbed, and somewhat disheveled individual tapping away furiously at a keyboard? If so, then you have bought into the lone writer myth! The reality is that much writing is done collaboratively. Collaboration can be used at every stage of the writing process–from idea generation to the final draft–to make your writing stronger. Here are some ways you can use collaboration in writing:
Develop a Strong Focus
Use a group process in the idea stage to be sure you get off to a good start. Two or more heads are often better than one in determining the right direction for a topic.
Break It Down
Split a large document into parts, and assign each part to one person. You can then review each other’s work, have one person edit for consistency in voice, or both. When you use this method, put one document owner in charge of assembling all the pieces. The owner should also track who has turned in which drafts, what stage the review process is in, etc.
Try a Group Review
Rather than having people review your work individually, get a group together to review and discuss. Insights may emerge in a group dynamic that would not otherwise come to light. To save time, have participants review the document in advance and come prepared with their top three insights/suggestions.
Team Up
Work with a creative team to develop visual and functional experiences for readers and viewers. One of my favorite parts of my work is watching my writing become part of an integrated document, such as a website, brochure, newsletter, or display. I enjoy the process of collaborating with designers and programmers to ensure the tone of my words matches the design style, interface, etc.
Write Together Separately
Try getting together with one or more fellow writers to work on projects at the same time. While you are not actively collaborating, having someone else nearby in “word generation mode” can boost your productivity. You also have someone to ask for ideas if you get stuck or to entertain you when you’re ready for a break.
Did I forget your favorite collaborative writing method? Tell us about it in the comments.
About the Author: Karen Marcus, M.A. is a Northern Colorado copywriter who has been helping clients in a wide range of industries to put their best word forward for 13 years. Click here for contact info.
I have used the collaborative approach to generate ideas. Generally it was for a presentation that all of us were responsible for. We each took a section worked on it and came back to the group.
For my personal writing I have never used this approach. I always have others review and comment on my work before publishing.
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Karen Marcus Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 8:26 am
Hi Julia. Yes, good observation: it seems that different types of writing pair better with some collaboration strategies than others.
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Great tips! Thanks for having such topical insights on writing with others. It’s always been my preferred method, and it’s good to discover other effective ways of doing so.
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Karen Marcus Reply:
January 16th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
Thanks, Marc! I wish you the best in your next collaborative writing effort.
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MJ Brewer Reply:
March 13th, 2010 at 8:21 am
My imagination is extremely vivid and the concept I’ve chosen to write about is non-fiction and is just pouring out of me. My issue is in using the program to its fullest capability. I only use the “Script Panel” but am unsure if this is the way to get everything I can from the program. I suppose I’m overwhelmed and wonder if I need to have someone to work with me on my plight, or if I should complete the basics and have someone go over the script with me.
What are your thoughts?
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Karen Marcus Reply:
March 15th, 2010 at 8:12 am
Hi MJ. I don’t know about the program you’re using, but in terms of the content, you might try running your ideas by someone you respect as a fellow writer or editor, and asking for feedback. If this exercise reveals that there are a lot of holes in your concept, then working with someone might be a good idea. If not, then it would make sense to complete your draft on your own, and then present it to someone for editing. Hope that helps!
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