On Collaboration: Thoughts on Writing and The Publishing Industry

Writing is often seen as a solitary effort, but when you look at it more closely, there are fewer occupations that have more collaboration than the publishing industry.

Sure, the physical process of getting pen to paper may be one that only you can accomplish, but even then there are exceptions, particularly with the advent of writers groups, online forums and brainstorming sessions designed to knock down the barrier that keeps one’s ideas from formulation.

Think about it. While most ideas for a story come from one solitary writer, the development of said story is collaborative from the very start. Before a writer can even think about getting their story on paper, there’s nearly always some form of research involved, and where, more than anywhere else these days does one turn than the most collaborative project of the modern era: the internet. From there, you may find that you need to interview someone in order to get to the heart of the story, before finally getting to the actual writing of it.

And collaboration doesn’t stop there. If writing for publications other than a blog, more often than not, you will find yourself having to work with a proof reader to ensure your story is 100 percent quality before it goes to print [see more about why you would hire a freelancer here]. Once submitted to your editor, they in turn may have to liaise extensively with graphic designers, art directors and even advertisers to ensure your content will truly shine. They may even need to liaise with other writers, or photographers and videographers to ensure they have the visual media to accompany your writing.

Collaboration really comes into its own when your piece is eventually published, as your work will (hopefully) encourage others to share their own thoughts on the subject you are covering, most likely in a public space of their own, and so the chain continues.

This is what I love most about the writing and publishing process – the ability to create something that will spark creativity and opinions in others in a way that you never dreamed was possible when sitting at home mulling over an idea you thought would never see the light of day.

That’s why, in today’s day and age, expression through writing, and the publishing of said writing is so important. It allows us to have a global conversation and talk about things that are important in ways that were once impossible. In this way, it’s the ultimate form of collaboration, giving a voice to the meek and shining a light on topics that were once deemed irrelevant.

[Editor/Author Note: This article is inspired by The Daily Post: Collaboration]