1. Collaborative Writing Journeys
Ten Top Tips for Successful Writing Partnerships
Dr Carol Taylor
Dr Lindy Nahmad-Williams
Rachel Handforth
4th November 2015

2. Today’s seminar Insights from our writing journeys
Managing difficulties and obstacles in the writing
Managing relationships through the writing process
Managing time
Ten ‘top tips’ – practical and pragmatic writing strategies

3. Shared understanding of project
Agree on an outline structure
Be prepared to revise and revisit as the article develops
In the middle and end have a very clear idea about what its contribution to knowledge is
Top tip: Have a reasonably clear idea at the start of what the article is about/ for/ does/ its aims, goals and purposes

4. 2. Whose name goes first? And why?
Different reasons for different articles:
% contribution but what if its 50% each?
I ‘owe’ you (Carol’s doctoral supervisor)
Whose idea was it?
Corresponding author
Top tip: Decide on this at the start

5. 3. Power/Knowledge
Managing the activity of collaboration when you are at different ages, career stages, or range of experience:
Lindy ‘you know so much more than me’
Rachel ‘a young feminist’
Carol ‘a theorist’
Sharing what you write isn't always easy, especially if your writing partner is more experienced
Top tip: Work to establish and embody an ethic of care, of relationality, of respect for difference

6. 4. Schedule writing time in and use it to write
There is never enough time
Keeping to deadlines and keep
the other informed if not
Nothing worse than scrabbling for references
when you need to be writing
Top tip:
Do a bit- it's always better doing something than nothing
Have a schedule and stick to it
If you've agreed to do something, do it!
Sometimes you need to talk before you can write

7. 5. How do you write together?
Work out a procedure that works for you
Discuss the writing amount and who will do what
Playing to each other's strengths
We all have idiosyncrasies when we write
Try not to 'dig your heels in'
But be honest when you really don't agree with something- has to be authentic
Top tip
Be clear about your writing commitments/ styles with each other

8. 6. Staying power/commitment
It will get tough/ boring/ take too long
You will annoy each other at times
It's not ‘your’ article, it belongs to both of you
The article will change shape during the writing journey
Be prepared for much hard work
Don’t be ‘nice’ about the writing – if it’s not good enough you have to say so (tactfully)
Top tip
Be patient and be prepared to compromise
Be open to accepting feedback

9. 7. The collaborative process
Writing together- same time, same place (with coffee)
Or Google Docs- can be easier if there are more than 2 of you
Using Google Docs means writing can be done in your own time and separately, or together at the same time
Allows you to edit others' work- but be careful!
Top tip:
Try different ways of writing- find out what
works for you

10. 8. Choosing a journal Decide as early as possible
Look at the Editorial Board
Look at the author instructions
Look at the style guide
Top tip:
Know your audience- who are you writing for?
Decide who will do the logistics
Have a back-up!

11. 9. Don’t send the article off before it is ready
Worth taking time over drafts
Send to critical friends before sending it to a journal
Be prepared to work with the feedback you get but ...
Maintain ownership - it's your article
Make sure it meets the journal requirements
Top tip:
Peer review
Preparation
Persistence

12. 10. What's good- why we do it!
Learning from each other and from the experience
Space away from PhD
Conversation generating writing- 'spark' moments
Getting another 'output'
Confidence boost- validation from another
Top tip
Recognise what you are gaining from the experience, despite difficulties along the way
Enjoy the ride

13. Lindy Nahmad-Williams
Researching the theory and practice of teaching and learning in Europe A workshop for emerging researchers Dr Carol Taylor Dr Jonas Almqvist
Carol Taylor
Lindy Nahmad-Williams
Rachel Handforth