By the Two Lindas of Personality @LindaGilden @LindaGoldfarb

When it comes to writing, people often ask us – What’s it like to collaborate with someone else on a book?

We have had a wonderful partnership as we have worked on the LINKED® Personality Series together and launched the LINKED® Personality System. We believe God brought us together as two people who are passionate on one subject working toward a common goal of spreading the word about the benefit of building relationships through knowledge of the personalities.

Why should you consider collaboration? 

Time–sharing the work with someone else cuts your work time in half (or however you decide to split up the work)

Eliminates isolation—you always have someone to bounce ideas off of and to make decisions with

May add an authoritative source—you need credentials to add credibility

Erases your dead zones and combines strengths of both authors

Brings more brain power to the table

It’s fun—the Two Lindas enjoy working together and brainstorming with each other

Who should you collaborate with?

This is a good question because if you choose the right coauthor, the experience will be enjoyable and produce a strong project. If you get into a situation with a coauthor and it doesn’t work, much of your time will be spent settling squabbles. So, make sure you prayerfully choose your writing partner to get the maximum enjoyment and best product.

Sometimes you may want to collaborate with a friend because you are both passionate about the subject. Other times you may want to collaborate with a professional to bring more credibility to the table. When people are choosing a book on an issue or important life subject, they sometimes want someone whom they know has studied the subject professionally.

With coauthors, you want a balance of strengths and weaknesses. That will enable you to have a well-rounded manuscript.

No matter the reason for choosing to coauthor, make sure you and your coauthor have compatible personalities and will be able to work together without one or the other wanting to be in control or one not willing to do the amount of work necessary.

When coauthoring, always 

Have respect and tolerance for your author and her lifestyle and routine

Be clear and flexible about your expectations

Utilize a coauthoring agreement—in writing

Be willing to give and take—it may not always be 50/50

Support your coauthor in all ways

Understand the boundaries of your agreement

Coauthoring is a great opportunity to work with someone you know and admire. When you both understand one another and are familiar with your coauthor’s personalities, you will find it is an enjoyable and profitable situation. 

The Two Lindas would agree you should give it a try. You may not only find a good writing partner that you work well with, you might also make a lifelong friend!

The Two Lindas of Personality are the creators of the LINKED Personality System and authors of the LINKED Personality Series as well as speakers, coaches, and personality consultants. Their passion is to help individuals build and grow relationships with others through understanding personalities.