How to Write a Book With a Co-Author: The Complete Guide to Successful Writing Partnerships

Discover how to successfully co-write a book with a partner. Learn collaboration strategies, avoid common pitfalls, and create a writing partnership that produces published books without destroying friendships.

The Partnership Paradox: Why Most Co-Writing Ventures Fail (And How to Make Yours Succeed)

You and your best friend have brilliant chemistry. You finish each other’s sentences. You share the same sense of humor, the same taste in books, the same frustrations with the publishing industry.

“We should write a book together!” one of you says.

It seems perfect. You’ll share the workload, combine your strengths, motivate each other through the hard parts. It’ll be like having a writing buddy but better—you’ll actually produce a finished manuscript together.

Fast forward six months: You’re not speaking. The manuscript is half-finished and going nowhere. You can’t agree on character motivations, plot direction, or whose turn it is to write the next chapter. What started as an exciting collaboration has become a source of resentment, passive-aggressive comments, and friendship strain.

This is the co-writing tragedy that plays out constantly in the writing world.

According to publishing industry data, approximately 85% of co-writing partnerships dissolve before completing a first manuscript. Of those that do finish, only about 30% continue to a second book together. And of all failed writing partnerships, roughly 60% result in damaged or destroyed friendships.

The statistics are grim because co-writing is genuinely hard. It requires:

Ego management (sharing credit and control)
Communication skills (articulating creative vision)
Professional boundaries (treating friends like business partners)
Compatible work styles (process, pace, standards)
Shared vision (goals, genre, audience)

But—and this is crucial—when co-writing works, it works spectacularly.

Successful writing partnerships produce:

Higher quality work (two perspectives catch more problems)
Faster output (shared labor, accountability)
Better motivation (mutual commitment, no isolation)
Complementary strengths (one’s weakness is other’s strength)
Career longevity (sustainable pace, built-in support)

This guide will teach you how to create a successful writing partnership—one that produces published books while preserving (even strengthening) your friendship.

Understanding Co-Writing Models: Finding Your Collaborative Style

Not all co-writing partnerships look the same. Understanding different models helps you choose what works for your situation.

Model 1: The Alternating Writer

How it works:

Partners alternate writing chapters or sections
Each writer produces complete drafts
Partner edits, adds, revises
Trade off until complete

Advantages:

Clear division of labor
Each writer gets solo creative time
Natural accountability (partner waiting)
Both voices present throughout

Challenges:

Maintaining consistent voice across writers
Equal workload balance
One partner’s slower pace affects both
Requires trust in partner’s execution

Best for:

Similar writing speeds and schedules
Strong trust in each other’s abilities
Preference for independent work time
Genre where voice consistency matters less

Examples:

James Patterson + various co-authors (Patterson outlines, co-author drafts, Patterson revises)
Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child (Pendergast series)

Model 2: The Plotter and Pantser Split

How it works:

One partner excels at structure/plotting
Other partner excels at prose/scene execution
Plotter creates outline and story architecture
Pantser writes based on outline
Both revise together

Advantages:

Leverages complementary strengths
Clear role division
Less overlap/conflict
Efficient use of each person’s talents

Challenges:

Unequal perceived contribution
Plotter might feel pantser gets “fun” part
Pantser might feel constrained by outline
Requires very different skill sets

Best for:

Partners with clearly complementary skills
One prefers structure, other prefers drafting
Commercial fiction with strong plotting needs
Partners comfortable with asymmetric roles

Model 3: The Scene-by-Scene Collaboration

How it works:

Partners meet regularly (weekly is common)
Plot next section together
One partner writes that section
Discuss and revise together
Repeat

Advantages:

Continuous collaboration
Both involved in all decisions
Immediate feedback and problem-solving
Strong partnership investment

Challenges:

Requires regular scheduling
Time-intensive meetings
Can slow overall progress
One partner writing while other waits

Best for:

Partners who work well in person
Local partnerships (not remote)
Writers who want equal creative input
Projects requiring tight cohesion

Example approach: Anne Dayton & May Vanderbilt (mentioned in original article) used this model

Model 4: The Complete Draft Exchange

How it works:

One partner writes complete first draft
Second partner rewrites/revises completely
First partner reviews and revises again
Continue trading until satisfied

Advantages:

Each partner sees complete vision
Thorough revision from fresh eyes
Can produce very polished results
Works for any schedule

Challenges:

Slower process overall
Risk of completely rewriting each other
Can feel like undoing partner’s work
Requires extreme trust and thick skin

Best for:

Partners in different locations
Very different schedules
Both excellent at revision
High tolerance for rewrites

Model 5: The Specialized Division

How it works:

Different partners responsible for different elements
Example: One writes dialogue, other writes action/description
Example: One writes certain POV characters, other writes others
Combine sections and revise together

Advantages:

Very specific skill leveraging
Clear boundaries
Can produce unique hybrid voices
Efficient for specific expertise

Challenges:

Can feel mechanical
Requires very complementary skills
May create jarring transitions
Hard to maintain unified vision

Best for:

Partners with very specialized strengths
Projects with distinct sections (multiple POVs, for example)
Non-fiction with different expertise areas
Experimental or unique projects

The Three Essential Rules for Successful Co-Writing

Regardless of which model you choose, these principles are non-negotiable.

Rule 1: Friendship Comes First, Always

The principle: No book, no publication, no success is worth destroying a meaningful relationship.

What this means in practice:

Before you start:

Explicitly discuss: “Our friendship matters more than this book”
Agree that if the partnership threatens friendship, you’ll stop
Create exit strategy that preserves relationship

During the process:

Check in regularly about relationship health
Separate “book discussions” from “friendship time”
Be honest when something bothers you
Take breaks when tension rises

When conflict arises:

Address issues immediately (don’t let resentment build)
Focus on problem, not person
Remember why you’re friends
Be willing to compromise or even quit the project

Red flags that friendship is suffering:

Avoiding each other outside of writing discussions
Resentment building about workload or decisions
Personal attacks during creative disagreements
Dreading writing sessions
Other friends noticing tension

The intervention: If you notice these signs, stop writing and talk about the friendship. The manuscript can wait. The friendship can’t.

Real example: Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett (Good Omens) maintained friendship by agreeing from the start that the book was a lark, not a career make-or-break project. Keeping stakes relatively low protected the relationship.

Rule 2: Check Your Ego at the Door

The principle: The book’s quality matters more than your personal attachment to any individual sentence, scene, or idea.

What this means in practice:

Cutting partner’s work: If your partner wrote a section you think doesn’t work, you can suggest changes or rewrites. They must be willing to hear it.

Having your work cut: If your partner thinks your brilliant scene drags or your hilarious joke isn’t funny, they can cut it. You must be willing to accept it.

The “no pride” pact:

Neither partner has veto power over cuts
Best idea wins, regardless of who had it
Can always discuss, but ultimately must agree
If you can’t agree, may need neutral third party (agent, editor, trusted reader)

How to give feedback without destroying morale:

Don’t say: “This is terrible. I’m rewriting all of it.”

Do say: “This scene isn’t quite working for me. Can we talk through what you were going for? I have some ideas that might help.”

Don’t say: “Your dialogue is wooden.”

Do say: “The dialogue in this section feels a bit stiff. Want to workshop it together?”

How to receive feedback without defensiveness:

Listen first: Don’t interrupt or justify while partner explains concerns

Ask clarifying questions: “What specifically feels off?” “What were you hoping to see instead?”

Take time if needed: “Let me think about this and we can discuss next time”

Remember the goal: Better book, not being right

The test: If you can’t cut your partner’s work when it needs cutting, or accept having your own work cut, co-writing won’t work for you.

Rule 3: Commitment and Consistency Are Sacred

The principle: If you commit to a schedule, workload, or project, you honor it. Period.

What this means in practice:

For meetings/check-ins:

Set regular schedule (weekly is common)
Protect that time (treat like important appointment)
Only cancel for genuine emergencies
Reschedule immediately if you must cancel

Acceptable cancellations:

Illness (actual, not “don’t feel like it”)
Family emergency
Work crisis (occasionally)
Major life events (weddings, births, deaths)

Unacceptable cancellations:

“Too busy” (you knew your schedule)
“Not feeling inspired” (this is work, not when muse strikes)
Social plans that could be rescheduled
Anything that communicates “this isn’t a priority”

For workload commitments:

If you agreed to write 10 pages this week, write 10 pages
If you’re assigned revision, complete it when promised
If you’re behind, communicate early (don’t wait until deadline)
Quality expectations should be consistent

Why consistency matters:

Accountability: Your partner is waiting on you. Their progress depends on yours.

Momentum: Irregular work kills creative momentum and story cohesion.

Respect: Honoring commitments shows you respect partner’s time and investment.

Practical success: Books don’t get written through sporadic effort.

The commitment conversation:

Before starting, discuss:

How much time can each person realistically commit weekly?
What happens if life circumstances change?
How do you handle one partner struggling to keep pace?
What’s the exit strategy if someone can’t continue?

The Pre-Partnership Assessment: 12 Questions to Ask Before You Start

Don’t start co-writing on a whim. Have serious conversations about these questions first.

Question 1: Do We Want the Same Thing?

What to discuss:

Publication goals:

Traditional publishing vs. self-publishing?
Literary prestige vs. commercial success?
One book vs. potential series?
Writing as career vs. hobby?

Timeline expectations:

Fast draft or slow polish?
Willing to wait for traditional publishing?
Deadline-driven or open-ended?

Financial expectations:

How important is making money?
Willing to invest in editing, cover design (if self-publishing)?
How to split expenses and earnings?

Red flags:

One wants traditional publishing, other wants to self-publish immediately
One sees this as serious career move, other as fun hobby
Different timelines (one wants fast, other wants perfect)
Financial pressure on one but not other

The alignment test: If your end goals are different, the process will create constant friction.

Question 2: Do We Write in Compatible Genres and Styles?

What to discuss:

Genre agreement:

Same target audience?
Same genre conventions understood?
Similar books you both admire?
Tone and mood preferences?

Style compatibility:

Similar sentence structure preferences?
Comparable vocabulary levels?
Prose rhythm similarities?
Voice blending feasibility?

Reading taste overlap:

Do you love the same books?
Do you hate the same tropes?
Similar definitions of “good writing”?

Red flags:

One loves literary fiction, other loves commercial thrillers
Radically different prose styles
Incompatible taste in what makes good storytelling
Can’t agree on favorite books or authors

The taste test: If you can’t agree on what good writing looks like, you can’t agree on what you’re creating together.

Question 3: Are Our Work Styles Compatible?

What to discuss:

Writing process:

Plotter vs. pantser?
Fast drafter vs. slow polisher?
Multiple revisions vs. careful first drafts?
Detailed outlines vs. discovery writing?

Schedule preferences:

Morning person vs. night owl?
Weekday vs. weekend writer?
Long sessions vs. short sprints?
Daily writing vs. batch sessions?

Feedback style:

Direct and blunt vs. gentle and diplomatic?
Immediate reactions vs. time to process?
In-person discussions vs. written notes?
Thick-skinned vs. sensitive to criticism?

Red flags:

Opposite schedules with no overlap
Wildly different paces (one writes 5000 words/week, other 500)
Incompatible feedback styles causing hurt feelings
Process so different you can’t find rhythm

The compatibility test: You don’t need identical processes, but you need compatible ones that can work together.

Question 4: Can We Communicate Effectively About Creative Work?

What to discuss:

Communication preferences:

Text, email, phone, or in-person?
Immediate response expected or days to reply okay?
How much communication between official meetings?
Comfortable with difficult conversations?

Conflict resolution:

How do you each handle disagreement?
Can you argue about ideas without taking it personally?
Willing to compromise?
Can you hear “no” without resentment?

Creative vision sharing:

Can you articulate what you envision?
Can you hear partner’s vision even when different from yours?
Comfortable workshopping ideas out loud?
Open to brainstorming together?

Red flags:

One person shuts down during conflict
Passive-aggressive communication style
Can’t express creative ideas clearly
Takes criticism as personal attack

The communication test: If you can’t talk honestly about creative work without damaging the relationship, co-writing will fail.

Question 5: Am I Willing to Truly Share Control?

Hard questions for yourself:

Honest self-assessment:

Am I a control freak about creative work?
Can I let go of “my vision” to create “our vision”?
Am I willing to let someone else rewrite my work?
Can I accept decisions I disagree with?
Am I okay with 50/50 credit when I feel I did more work?

Control issues that kill partnerships:

Need to approve every word
Can’t delegate without micromanaging
Resent partner’s creative decisions
Keep score of who contributed what
See collaboration as compromise rather than enhancement

The control test: If you need complete creative control, write solo. Co-writing requires genuine sharing.

Question 6: Do We Have Compatible Career Situations?

What to discuss:

Time availability:

Day job demands?
Family obligations?
Realistic hours available weekly?
Seasonal busy periods?

Financial pressure:

Need income from writing?
Can afford to invest time without immediate return?
Different financial situations affecting decisions?

Career stage:

Both beginners or both experienced?
One published, one not?
Different levels of industry knowledge?

Red flags:

Vastly different time availability (one has 20 hours/week, other has 2)
Financial desperation pushing unrealistic timelines
Experience gap causing resentment or imbalance
Incompatible professional ambitions

The practical test: Life circumstances must allow both partners to commit equally to the partnership.

Question 7: What Happens If One Person Wants Out?

What to discuss before you start:

Exit scenarios:

What if someone wants to quit mid-project?
What if creative visions diverge?
What if life circumstances change (baby, relocation, illness)?
What if one person isn’t holding up their end?

Pre-agreed solutions:

Can remaining partner continue solo with credit to both?
Do you scrap the project entirely?
Can departing partner be “bought out” of rights?
How do you handle partial manuscript?

Written agreement: Consider creating a simple partnership agreement addressing:

Ownership and copyright
Credit allocation
Exit procedures
Rights to material if partnership dissolves
Dispute resolution process

The exit test: If you can’t discuss this upfront, you’re not ready to start.

Question 8-12: Additional Compatibility Checks

8. Do we live near enough to meet regularly? (If not, are we excellent at remote collaboration?)

9. Are we equally committed to the project’s success? (Or is one person driving while other is along for the ride?)

10. Do we respect each other’s other obligations? (Family, career, other projects?)

11. Can we celebrate each other’s successes? (Or will jealousy creep in?)

12. Are we both emotionally mature enough for this? (Can handle rejection, setbacks, criticism together?)

The Co-Writing Process: Step-by-Step Implementation

Once you’ve assessed compatibility and decided to proceed, here’s how to structure your partnership.

Phase 1: The Foundation (Before Writing Begins)

Step 1: Create Your Partnership Agreement

Even if informal, document:

Roles and responsibilities
Schedule and commitments
Decision-making process
Byline credit (how names appear)
Financial split (if applicable)
Communication protocols
Conflict resolution
Exit strategy

Step 2: Choose Your Collaborative Model

Based on your assessment, select:

Alternating writer, plotter/pantser, scene-by-scene, etc.
How much to outline before drafting
Meeting frequency and format
Workload division

Step 3: Agree on Project Specifics

Define together:

Genre and target audience
Approximate length
Tone and style
Comp titles (books yours resembles)
Core themes or message
Setting and time period
Main character profiles

Step 4: Create Communication Systems

Set up:

Shared document access (Google Docs, Dropbox, etc.)
Regular meeting schedule
Between-meeting communication method
Feedback process
Version control system

Phase 2: The Outlining Process

Collaborative outlining (recommended even for pantsers):

Session 1: Concept and characters

Brainstorm premise together
Develop main characters jointly
Agree on character arcs
Establish central conflict

Session 2: Three-act structure

Outline beginning, middle, end
Identify major plot points
Determine climax and resolution
Note key scenes

Session 3: Detailed scene breakdown

List scenes in sequence
Note POV for each scene
Identify which partner drafts each
Leave flexibility for discovery

Why outline together even if you prefer pantsing:

Ensures shared vision
Prevents massive divergences
Creates roadmap for both partners
Easier to revise outline than whole draft

Phase 3: The Drafting Process

The weekly cycle (example schedule):

Week 1:

Partner A writes assigned section (10 pages, one chapter, etc.)
Partner B reads previous section and prepares feedback

Writing group meeting:

Discuss Partner A’s new pages
Provide feedback and revision notes
Plot next section together
Assign next section to Partner B

Week 2:

Partner B writes assigned section
Partner A reads and prepares feedback

Writing group meeting:

Discuss Partner B’s pages
Provide feedback
Plot next section
Assign to Partner A

Repeat until draft complete

Alternative: Both write simultaneously

Each writes different chapters/sections
Meet weekly to share and discuss
Provide mutual feedback
Coordinate to maintain continuity

Phase 4: The Revision Process

First pass: Partner revision

Each partner revises their own sections based on feedback
Look for consistency issues across sections
Fix plot holes and continuity errors

Second pass: Swap sections

Each partner revises other’s sections
Smooth voice transitions
Enhance continuity
Identify weak spots

Third pass: Together

Read entire manuscript together (aloud if possible)
Final polish
Ensure unified voice
Consistency check

Fourth pass: Outside readers

Beta readers who don’t know it’s co-written
Professional editor if budget allows
Agent/editor feedback if you have representation

Phase 5: The Business Side

Querying agents:

Both partners’ names in query
Mention collaboration in bio
Be clear about partnership permanence
Present united front

Working with publishers:

Both partners on contract
Clear credit allocation
Joint decision-making on edits
Unified front with editor

Marketing and promotion:

Coordinate social media
Attend events together when possible
Present partnership as strength
Share responsibilities

Common Co-Writing Problems (And Solutions)

Problem 1: Workload Imbalance

The issue: One partner consistently does more work, faster, or higher quality

Why it happens:

Different speeds
Different life circumstances
Different standards
Different commitment levels

Solutions:

Acknowledge it: “I notice I’m writing 15 pages a week while you’re doing 5. Can we talk about that?”

Adjust expectations: Maybe slower partner writes less but does more revision

Redefine roles: Perhaps faster writer drafts more, slower partner does more editing

Address root cause: Is it time availability? Skill level? Commitment?

Create accountability: Specific deadlines, check-ins, consequences for missing deadlines

Problem 2: Creative Disagreements

The issue: Can’t agree on plot direction, character choices, or major decisions

Why it happens:

Different visions for story
Different understanding of genre
Attachment to different ideas
Poor communication of creative intent

Solutions:

Return to original vision: What did we agree on at the start? Does this align?

Try both versions: Draft the scene both ways, see which works better

Outside perspective: Ask trusted reader which direction feels right

Compromise: Find middle ground that incorporates both ideas

Majority rule backup: If you truly can’t agree and can’t compromise, agree beforehand that tiebreaker goes to… (flip coin, ask third party, etc.)

Problem 3: Resentment Building

The issue: One partner feels taken advantage of, underappreciated, or unfairly burdened

Why it happens:

Workload imbalance not addressed
Credit not fairly shared
One partner’s ideas always “winning”
Lack of appreciation for contributions

Solutions:

Address immediately: Don’t let resentment fester. Talk as soon as you feel it.

Explicitly appreciate: Thank your partner for their contributions regularly

Check assumptions: You might be keeping score incorrectly

Rebalance: If workload is genuinely unfair, adjust it

Take break if needed: Space can provide perspective

Problem 4: Life Gets in the Way

The issue: Job change, move, baby, illness, family crisis disrupts partnership

Why it happens: Life is unpredictable and writing often isn’t top priority

Solutions:

Communicate immediately: As soon as you know life is changing, tell your partner

Renegotiate schedule: Can you meet less frequently temporarily? Adjust workload?

Pause if needed: It’s okay to hit pause for a few months

Plan return: Set date to reconvene and assess

Exit gracefully if necessary: If life change is permanent, exit with dignity and preserved friendship

Problem 5: Publication Rejection

The issue: Manuscript rejected by agents/publishers, partners disagree on next steps

Why it happens:

Different tolerance for rejection
Different willingness to revise
Different vision for success
Different timelines

Solutions:

Process together: Rejection hurts both. Support each other.

Analyze feedback: What can you learn? What should change?

Agree on plan: Revise and requery? Self-publish? Trunk it and move to next project?

Remember shared commitment: You’re in this together

Know when to pivot: Sometimes the partnership thrives on a different project

Famous Co-Writing Partnerships (And What We Can Learn)

Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

Their model:

Each writes specific characters’ sections
Combine and revise together
Long-term partnership (20+ books)

What works:

Clear role division
Complementary strengths
Mutual respect
Sustainable process

Lesson: Long-term partnerships require finding sustainable rhythm

Ilona Andrews (husband and wife team)

Their model:

Gordon does worldbuilding, action, fighting
Ilona does romance, character emotion
Combine sections seamlessly

What works:

Specialized skills
Complete trust
Personal relationship supports professional
Complementary not competing

Lesson: Leverage truly different strengths rather than duplicating same skills

James Patterson + Various

Their model:

Patterson creates detailed outline
Co-author writes full draft
Patterson revises
Split credit and money

What works:

Clear structure and expectations
Patterson’s platform helps co-authors
Defined roles
Win-win financially

Lesson: Asymmetric partnerships can work if both benefit clearly

The Co-Writing Contract Template

Consider putting this in writing (doesn’t need to be legally binding, but clarifies expectations):

WRITING PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

Partners: [Name 1] and [Name 2]

Project: [Title/description]

Credit: Byline will read “[Name] and [Name]” or “[Name] & [Name]”

Roles:

[Partner 1 responsibilities]
[Partner 2 responsibilities]

Schedule:

Meet [frequency]
Each partner commits to [hours/pages] per week
Target completion: [date]

Decision-Making:

Mutual agreement on major decisions
Tiebreaker: [method]

Financial:

Expenses split [50/50 or other]
Income split [50/50 or other]
Individual expenses: [who pays for what]

Exit Clause: If partnership dissolves:

[What happens to manuscript]
[Rights allocation]
[Credit for partial work]

Friendship Commitment: We agree our friendship is more important than this project and will pause or stop if the work threatens our relationship.

Signatures:

[Partner 1] _____________ Date: _______

[Partner 2] _____________ Date: _______

FAQ: Co-Writing Questions Answered

Q: Do we need a legal contract?
A: For your first project, probably not necessary. A written agreement is smart, but doesn’t need to be legally binding. If you’re traditionally published, the publisher contract will define legal rights anyway.

Q: How do we decide whose name comes first?
A: Alphabetical is common. Or alternate on different projects. Or doesn’t matter—consistency is more important than order.

Q: What if one person is more famous/established?
A: Discuss explicitly how platform disparity affects partnership. More established author may take lead on some decisions but should still respect equal partnership.

Q: Can we co-write if we live far apart?
A: Yes, but requires excellent remote collaboration skills. Video calls, shared documents, clear communication. Harder but doable.

Q: How do we handle it if one person isn’t pulling their weight?
A: Address directly and immediately. “I’ve noticed you’ve missed the last three deadlines. Can we talk about what’s happening?” Then problem-solve together.

Q: Should we split money 50/50 even if we don’t split work 50/50?
A: Most partnerships split money evenly regardless of individual contributions, since both names are on cover. But discuss and agree upfront.

Q: What if we disagree about whether to accept an agent’s/editor’s revision requests?
A: Discuss thoroughly. Usually defer to professional’s expertise unless it fundamentally changes your vision. Must reach agreement together.

Q: Can we write other books solo while working together?
A: Discuss upfront. Usually fine, but make sure it doesn’t steal energy from partnership project or create weird competition.

The Bottom Line: Co-Writing Can Be Extraordinary (If You Do It Right)

Here’s the truth about writing partnerships: They fail more often than they succeed, but when they succeed, they can be transformative for both your writing and your life.

A good co-writing partnership:

Makes you a better writer (constant feedback loop)
Increases productivity (accountability and shared labor)
Improves quality (two perspectives catch more issues)
Sustains motivation (you’re not alone)
Builds career (mutual support and promotion)
Enriches friendship (shared creative achievement)

But only if you:

Choose the right partner (compatibility matters)
Set clear expectations (nothing assumed, everything discussed)
Communicate constantly (problems addressed immediately)
Check your ego (book quality over personal pride)
Honor commitments (consistency and reliability)
Prioritize friendship (relationship over publication)

The writers who make co-authorship work aren’t the ones who are lucky enough to find perfect partners. They’re the ones who do the hard work of creating sustainable structures, maintaining clear communication, and choosing the relationship over individual creative control.

If you’re considering a writing partnership, don’t rush in. Have the hard conversations first. Assess compatibility honestly. Set up systems that support both of you. And remember: the goal isn’t just to write a book together—it’s to write a book together while preserving and even strengthening your friendship.

That’s harder than writing solo. But for the right partners with the right approach, it’s also more rewarding.

Start Your Partnership Assessment Today

If you’re considering co-writing with someone, schedule a conversation to discuss these questions:

Do we want the same thing from this project?
Do we write in compatible styles and genres?
Can we communicate effectively about creative work?
Are we both willing to truly share control?