Write Together Safely

One of the joys of MasterMinding with other writers is that on occasion an opportunity comes up where writers can partner together. This is a great way to split the work and double the fun. However, new partners should exercise caution when setting up a writing team.

The best way to ensure that the creative ideas and the good will keeps flowing is to start by writing out a legal agreement that spells out responsibilities and rewards. Who will do what portions of the project? How will any compensation be divided?  These necessary "technicalities" can take a number of forms:

Collaboration agreement – used when two or more writers work together on a project, it should spell out what is required of each. It should also spell out what happens if one of the parties fails to deliver. 

Work-For-Hire Agreement – used by publishing companies when they commission or assign work to a writer, rather than a writer approaching them with an idea. With a WFH agreement, the writer is doing work in exchange for a flat fee and will not own any rights in the work. 

Partnership Agreement – similar to a collaboration agreement, a partnership agreement generally implies that there is more to the project than just a book – such as a web site or spin off products. 

Release Form – release forms should be used whenever you are including material in your books/articles that you did not write yourself. An example is a story release form that each contributor to an anthology would have to sign in order to have their story appear in the book. 

We both have stories of times we wish we had dotted more "i"s and crossed all out "t"s in advance. Any MasterMind readers care to share their tips for keeping the wordsmithing positive?

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters 

Jennifer Sander 

JT Long