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In the first of a series of articles about the relationship between author and writer, I want to define and discuss the roles and responsibilities of each player in the book writing process.
As with any team endeavor, an effective author-writer relationship tends to induce far more creativity than what either individual produces alone. The relationship between author and writer is dynamic and continues to evolve throughout the life of a book project.
In situations where both party’s know and understand their individual responsibilities to the project, the effect is usually increased efficiency and enhanced productivity.
In projects where either the writer or the author are unaware of, or fail to acknowledge their responsibilities, the project can quickly become frustrating and is often far less satisfying. When this happens, it is common for work on the book to slow or even stop altogether. To prevent this, the roles and responsibilities must be defined and understood by both parties before work begins.
The role of an author or a writer is easy to define. The author is the source of information, be it expertise or experience. The role of the writer is to take that information and ensure it is interesting, easy to understand, palatable and enjoyable to read. The responsibilities that come with each role are far more complex and deserve a great deal of attention even though they are seldom defined and discussed.
Responsibilities of the Author
The author is tasked with-
- bringing to the table all information that is to be used in the book, including background information that may not be used, but will enhance the writers understanding of the project. (This is not to imply that all information has to be gathered beforehand and delivered to the writer at one time.)
- fostering and maintaining open lines of communication with one’s writer. From the very beginning of the project, the writer will depend on the author to guide the structure, voice and style of the book. But know that a competent, experienced writer will be able to greatly assist the author in this process by asking questions that incite recall, encouragement, and in many other ways.
- defining the intended audience and ensuring the writer understands who the audience is and what purpose the book serves. In this manner, the author defines the goals of the book.
- the correctness of information, accuracy of the data and integrity of the book. (The author is the primary proofreader, editor and fact-checker of the project. Though professional editors, proofreaders and fact-checkers are usually employed during the project, as the primary source, the author, is ultimately responsible for every aspect of the book.)
Though much is accomplished during the initial interviews or meetings, so often the actual writing process will bring about more questions, and cause subtle changes in the inner-workings of the book. During this time it is very important for the author to foster and maintain open lines of communication.
If the writer is headed in the wrong direction or missing the mark on any aspect, which is quite possible in the early stages, the author must guide the writer back to the desired path, make sure they are on-track and stay on-track. This is sometimes easier said than done.
There may be times where the author feels a small dissatisfaction with the work, but is unable to verbalize just what is causing the problem. Mental osmosis or clairvoyance has yet to be a workable means for expecting resolution to issues between two or more individuals. So, the author is obligated to communicate his concerns to the writer as best they can, giving the writer a chance to delve deeper into the situation and work with the author to find a solution.
Also realize that there are essentially two types of criticism: constructive and destructive. The former is quite valuable to any project and any relationship. The latter offers no value to anyone concerned. Constructive criticism possesses encouragement and increases positive creativity and willingness.
Destructive criticism causes invalidation and reduces the writer’s ability of providing desirable results on any level.
As an author, you must understanding that your writer is an artist who is pouring their heart and soul into their work. When ever another comments on one’s heart and soul, the matter is 1000 times more sensitive.
Treading lightly, but effectively is the key to having an incredible author-writer book writing experience.
Though the author is in control of the book, it is very important that when opinions differ between author and writer, they each are able to step back, take a broader look at the project and respect and accept the strengths and professional opinion of the other.
Responsibilities of the Writer
The next article in this series will concentrate on the responsibilities of the writer, but I wanted to include a few of the more important points here.
Even though the author is essentially delegating some power to the writer, the writer is never to assume absolute power or feel in complete control of the project. It is the writers job to take the viewpoint of the author and to flow the power to the author by creating what the author envisions or desires.
The writer is obligated to create an honest piece of work. This means not only that the work is original (one’s own) and not plagiarized in any form, it also means that the writer puts out the best work he or she can offer — always! This brings up the importance of hiring a writer who believes in the author and the author’s concepts.
Just as the author is obligated to keep the lines of communication open, the writer is obligated to use those same lines to clarify any issues, dig deeper, ask questions and offer advice backed by experience and knowledge. By reaching out to the project owner (the author), the writer does his part to create a team-driven environment and lessens the chance of misdirection or misinterpretation.
When author and writer and are able to enjoy open communication, respect and honesty, it is reflected in the quality of the work.
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