Collaborating with Non-Writers

Every writer hears it sooner or later: "Hey--I got a great idea for a book! You write it and we'll split the money!"

There are a couple of problems with such a proposal. First, ideas aren't difficult to come by; they occur naturally. The person proposing the collaboration usually offers nothing more than a subject or situation, and perhaps some information. Nothing the writer couldn't work up on her own.

And the non-writer has no idea of the time and effort writing a successful book requires. Otherwise he wouldn't propose "splitting" the money with the writer, who is the one who will do all the work. Doing so is like demanding half the money after pointing out to to someone else that a certain corner is a great spot for a restaurant, have them build and operate the restaurant, then demand half the money.
--Mike
http://www.michaelabanks.com
Copyright © 2007, Michael A. Banks