20 Drafting A Manuscript: Strategies for Co-Writing

The process of co-writing a paper can look like many different things. Some co-authors jointly outline a paper and divide work to write independently; others devote synchronous time to writing in tandem or in a larger group; still other co-authors assign one person to draft an initial manuscript and then have others implement substantial revisions.

For all of these approaches to co-writing, the advent of free online writing platforms (like Google Docs) and online cloud-based file storage (like Google Drive or DropBox) have brought significant advantages. All of these new technologies allow collaborators to see real-time updates to shared projects at a distance. Even so, co-writing is often most successful in the context of::

• A Common Purpose: At the outset of the process of co-writing a paper, engaging all collaborators in a frank discussion about their goals and vision for the project can be valuable in setting the tone for the work to follow. At an initial meeting, consider discussing authorship, what roles different team members feel comfortable playing, an outline of your paper, and potential publication outlets.
• A Clear Schedule: Although it may necessarily be subject to revision as other projects and responsibilities arise, being explicit and realistic about your goals for drafting and revising your project can assist all co-writers in meeting their responsibilities and planning their time.
• An “Administrator”: Although the process of co-writing a paper requires intellectual input from all contributors, administrative work – like final formatting or drafting a cover letter – is vital and often best overseen by a single team member who takes responsibility for getting final approval from all co-authors and making your submission. This person may also act as a project leader, guiding a paper towards completion by scheduling writing check-ins and other project meetings

Recommended Resources:

Collaborating on Writing by William L. Phillips, Charles A. Sweet, and Harold R. Blythe in Academe, the Magazine for the American Association of University Professors

Co-Writing, Peer Editing, and Publishing in the Cloud by Jack Dougherty in Web Writing: Why and How for Liberal Arts Teaching and Learning, (2014).

Making Co-Writing Work by Tseen Khoo of La Trobe University at The Research Whisperer Blog