Collaborative Efforts 

The book publishing industry has been rapidly changing, and authors feel it more than most. For example, publishing houses once did most of the marketing for a book, but the author is usually expected to do most of it today. In an effort to get some support, authors are banding together to help each other. This can be true in all phases of the writing process. 

One example is where a few authors come together to write. I have read standalone books, where more than one author wrote a section of the book. More common, are the series where a different author writes a different book in the series. One of the big advantages to these is the authors share fan bases and therefore build additional sales, which can lead to a larger following.

Online marketing, such as release parties or themed parties, do much better when several authors work together to host them. They can divide the time on duty, help with the gifts, and promote each other. I have been to many of these. The most recent one showcased colonial novels by five authors on the East Coast.

Authors are also getting together to share costs of things like attending writers' conferences, buying booths at book fairs and festivals, or even purchasing advertising. Holding joint book signings can also bring larger crowds. With a little creative thinking, you can probably think of many more ways collaboration could help authors, and the friendships formed are an added plus.

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