Share an author! - Writers Forum

gotcha · 12-14-2004, 01:43 AM

Hi to all, and as it is getting rather close, and just incase I forget, A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL.
I have finished my autobiography after 9 months of tediously trying to remember bad, unusual, and interesting facts of my 76 years.
I have a 22 year old young lady, Nadine, a hopeful new author, putting my (what she called "a horrendous task!") story into chapters, and correcting the English!
I think I mentioned the title here before, but if I did not, it is called Bullied, Abused and Bewildered.
Now Nadine has explained to me that after she has finished with the corrections, there is a lot more than meets the eye before I could get it published! I do not believe that I am capable of this. So this is my idea, and how can I do it please?
I meet Nadine and ask her if she would like to be a co-author, and she looks after finding an agent and all the submissions etc. Then we share all income 50% each!
Can this work?
Cheerio.

Vixen · 01-07-2005, 01:48 AM

Well, usually I'd discourage anyone from attempting to co write. The process can be long, and much effort must be put into finding a way to share the novels world. However, since it sounds af if you already have the bulk of the story, It may be great to get outside help.

I wish I could tell you how to go about doing this, but I have no experaince in this form of co-write. May it turn out well, and may oothers help more than I can,

Good Luck
-V

gotcha · 01-07-2005, 01:59 AM

To Vixen. Thank you very much for answering, I am somewhat disappointed that I have not received more suggestions from all the experts that must be on the forum, and I truly do not know what to do. I have worked very hard on my story, do not want to give it away, and know that I cannot deal with submissions!
Anyway, a very Happy New Year to you from Canada.
Ta Ta.

Talia_Brie · 01-07-2005, 02:06 AM

To me it looks like what she wants, or more to the point, what you need, is an editor. Now editing a novel is a hard job, and generally requires payment in advance. If Nadine is willing to do that, you should think about offering her some sort of payment. The experience of working on a novel-length project, which, IIRC was what attracted her in the first place, is not going to be sufficient.

If you have written the whole thing, and she has corrected it, then she doesn't deserve co-writer status, as much as you'd like to offer it to her. But editing is a paid job.

In terms of making the submissions to agents and publishers, I'm not sure how you're going to go about that. It generally is outside the responsibilities of an editor, and looks like something you'd get a friend to do. If Nadine is willing to act in this capacity, she's doing you a favour and you owe her a favour in return.

My suggestion is offer to pay her for the editing, but ask you to help you with the submitting. Make it clear you're willing to pay for one, not the other. She'll decide if that works for her.

gotcha · 01-07-2005, 01:02 PM

Thanks again for your wonderful help, I am digesting your comments, in front of the fire, with a cup of coffee!
Cheerio.