cowrite

Cowrite, commonly written as cowrite or co-write, refers to the practice of multiple authors jointly creating a text. The collaboration can occur in fiction, non-fiction, journalism, screenwriting, or songwriting, and may involve sharing ideas, drafting, revising, or editing.

In literature and journalism, cowriting may involve dividing chapters or sections, brainstorming and drafting together, or ghostwriting where one writer produces content attributed to another. In music, cowriting describes several songwriters contributing to lyrics and melody, with credits and royalties allocated according to prior agreements.

The term derives from co- (together) and write, reflecting collaborative authorship in publishing and media. In modern practice, formal cowriting arrangements are common to manage intellectual property, credit, and licensing, especially when contributors have different areas of expertise or levels of involvement.

Best practices for cowriting include establishing clear goals and timelines, delineating roles and contributions, and using written agreements that specify authorship, order of credit, and rights. Regular communication and transparent revision processes help align voice and intent. Tools for version control and collaborative editing can reduce confusion and preserve a record of changes.

Challenges can include disputes over contribution, unequal workloads, conflicts of voice or style, confidentiality concerns, and complexities in copyright and royalties. Addressing these issues early with a documented plan and open dialogue helps ensure fair attribution and smooth collaboration.

See also: co-authorship, ghostwriting, collaborative writing, intellectual property.