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The Art of Collaboration Tammy Blue
emerging into the field has a lot more to offer than is often realized. They have fresh eyes with innovative approaches to the work.
Regardless of the career choice a professional
On the same scale, the recent graduate
writer makes, mastering collaborative skills
should look to the writer with more
is essential for success. Working with clients,
experience. After all they have seen and
editors and other writers at various stages
experienced many of the ups and downs
of their career is all part of the job. While it
of the profession. They can offer tips and
can be one of the more challenging aspects of
advice to the developing new writer. And
the profession, it is often the most rewarding
more often than not, they can navigate the beginner clear of roadblocks and potential
part of the creative process. successful collaboration, the client will
setbacks before they occur.
In virtually every professional scenario,
change their mind or realize they actually
the writer will find themselves without full
don’t like what was mutually agreed upon.
When all parties involved donate their
creative control. Business clients will have
This can be frustrating for the writer, to have
personal expertise, collaboration can create
guidelines that often serve as the blueprint
to revisit details and change aspects of the
a masterpiece. It is important to come into a
from which the writer bases their work. The
project that they feel don’t need revision.
collective creative process with a mind clear
writer must learn how to implement these
Sometimes the new ideas can even feel like
of any past negative experiences.
ideas effectively without losing their own
a regressive step back to the writer. Yet the
unique edge. They must make the ideas their
seasoned professional will dig deep and dive
Regardless of previous failures, each new
own.
back into the creative collaboration process
collaborative effort is an opportunity to
to make it work.
start again. The most amazing ideas often blossom from the varying strengths of each
Even the freelance writer will report to an
contributor.
editor or publisher, who ultimately has the
The most difficult challenge of collaboration
final say on subject, content, and style. The
is often working across age or experience
professional writer who is able to collaborate
gaps. In the professional world, writers will
The talent of a professional writer can be
within the hierarchy is going to be in more
often have to work with others who are in
attributed to the fact that they themselves are
demand. After all, one role cannot exist
different stages of their careers. For example,
a product of collaboration. All writers have
without the other. There isn’t a successful
they may work with a professional who has
been influenced by others’ ideas. Professors,
writer today who will tell you their work has
over 20 years in the field or a recent graduate
editors, publishers, clients, and other
not improved with advice and input from an
with no real world experience.
writers have all contributed to the writer’s personal style in some way. The writer has
editor. The veteran professional may feel
also learned how to emerge from a failed
Collaboration is often most difficult when
intimidated by a younger writer with
collaboration and come out stronger.
working laterally with peers. A healthy
expertise in programs and software they
competition can often bring out the writer’s
have never used or have yet to master. It is
A professional writer will know their
best work. It can also cause stalemates and
important to see collaboration with a more
weaknesses and be willing to lean on the
put up barriers, ultimately derailing a project
technically skilled writer as a huge benefit to
strengths of their collaborative partners.
timeline. It is imperative for the professional
the less than tech savvy professional.
By implementing and expanding on these influences, the writer doesn’t lose their voice,
writer to express their ideas but always be open to the art of collaboration. They must
There may also be the instinct to dismiss
in fact, that is how it is found. That is the art
always remember that everyone is on the
a novice writer due to their inexperience.
of collaboration.
same team.
The writing professional who has been in the field for many years may be set in their
“This isn’t going to work.” These are the
ways with a “Been there, done that” mindset.
words every professional writer dreads
This can make collaboration stressful in
to hear. Sometimes even when there is a
these situations. However, the new writer
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