Writing a book inevitably involves working with other people. They may be divided, at least in a rough and ready way, into three main groups: Group (a) those whose prime function is to help create content, (b) those whose prime function is to process text, and (c) those who work on the book beyond the text. (a) includes co-authors, contributors, and volume editors; (b) includes peer-reviewers, various kinds of editors, and proofreaders; and (c) includes designers and marketing staff.

CONTENT ORIIGINATORS

Let's consider the originators first. It may be that you are considering writing the book with a co-author. The potential advantages to be gained from such an arrangement are not limited to the obvious point that the workload may be shared. The arrangement also allows authors to specialise, each writing the parts of the book they are best suited to. Co-authorship may also provide a built-in form of project management and quality control as the writers monitor, and provide feedback on, each other's drafts. And, when it comes to publication, there will be two authors, each with a stake in promoting the book.

However, co-authorship can also lead to problems. The pressure to explain, discuss, and respond to each other's writing can be unwelcome. Problems can arise as it becomes clear, as the project progresses, that the authors have in fact different visions of the book. Diverse styles of writing can be difficult to mesh.