****
Today I have a special treat for you. Cat Michaels, a fellow SCBWI-Carolina member, asked if I would help her and her co-author, Rosie Russell with the launch of their new middle-grade book, Just Between Sam and Me. I've share authors' publication journeys and participated in book launches, but Cat had something different in mind. She suggested that I interview them via Zoom to find out how the two of them met and decided to work together (Cat is in North Carolina and Rosie is in Missouri). The video below is the result of this great idea. It's only six minutes long, but trust me, it took us a few hours to brainstorm and for Cat to assemble it.
 |
| Top row, left to right: Carol Baldwin, Cat Michaels Bottom row: Rosie Russell |
Today is the first part of a four-part series. I hope over the next few months leading up to the publication of their book on December 2, you will gain tips about collaborating with another author, self-publishing, and of course--there will be opportunities for great giveaways along the way! Here's what you can look forward to:
Part I: Getting Started With Co-Authoring
Part II: Writing Roles, Bumps in the Road, and Self-Publishing (September 16)
Part III: Writing about Bullying (October 14)
Part IV: Just Between Sam and Me Review (December 2)
Tips From Cat and Rosie: Getting Started with Co-Authoring
What should you look for in your perfect author partner?
· Similar writing styles
· Experience in same genre/audience
· Complementary work and communication styles
· Dependable
· Reliable
· Flexible
· Patient
· Cheerful
· Comfortable with technology
· Someone who can check ego at the door
What are the benefits of co-authoring?
· Great sounding board and brainstorming (especially when you’re stuck!)
· Double the marketing power and social media reach
· Split the load: writing, editing, marketing, production costs, etc.
What are the downsides of co-authoring?
· Takes longer
· More challenging to reach consensus and make decisions
· Loss of some creative control (especially as a solo Indie author)
· Disaster if co-writers aren’t a good fit or don’t take time to determine details before they start writing
GIVEAWAY
I promised you a giveaway for each blog post, right? Well, the first goes to EACH ONE of you who leaves a comment with your email address. (If you are not comfortable leaving your email address on my site, you can email me instead.) Cat will send you each a link to download a free advance reader copy of the first chapter! I read it with my 8-year-old granddaughter and both of us want to find out what happens next. Giveaway ends September 9.
