How to Write as Part of a Team

By Sean Brenner

Writing is usually solo work, at least to some extent, and many writers prefer it that way. It’s an introvert’s dream to have a job where you spend most of your time doing your own thing, without any coworkers to interrupt you. 

However, when you’re one of several writers on a team that collaborates on projects, you might have to deal with coworkers more often than you’d like. You’ll likely complete your actual writing solo, but others on the project will have input into what you write—and that can feel like too many cooks in the kitchen. 

Being part of a writing team requires more coordination and communication with the client or company department than solo writing gigs do, which can be a challenge if you’re not used to it. But being part of a writing team isn’t nearly as bad as you might think. A team that works well together can even be a fun experience, especially if you consciously approach the project as a team effort. Here are some tips (tested by yours truly) for how to play better with others.

Communicate!

If you’re part of a writing team, you need to communicate well with your teammates. Make sure you share your availability and any blackout dates. If something comes up that will impact someone else’s deadlines, tell them before it becomes an issue. 

If you give feedback on other writers’ work, be thorough but professional. Your feedback should be straightforward and honest. Be as specific as possible in identifying problems, offer corrections or alternatives when you can, and avoid vague criticism that doesn’t present a clear solution.

Likewise, pay attention to what team members are trying to communicate to you. Take feedback on your work with grace rather than personally. If you notice someone on your team struggles with good communication, pay extra attention to their messages and ask specific follow-up questions. It might not technically be your responsibility, but much like with driving, it’s always better to prepare for someone else missing something or making a mistake than it is to assume everyone around you will do what they’re supposed to and knows what you mean. 

You don’t need to make friends with everyone, but you do need to be a part of the team. Do your best to make sure everyone has the information they need to work smoothly together. If your teammates need to know something, tell them about it. If you have a question, ask it. Be mindful of all the moving parts of the project. Good communication habits like these go a long way toward making team projects easier.

Don’t Be a Nuisance About Writing Style

Writing is a very subjective craft, and every writer has their own style. Most of the time, you’ll have a style guide to follow, complete with well-defined voice and tone guidelines. Other times, you’ll have the freedom to write in your own style. If you’re providing feedback to other writers, take care not to interfere with their style. And avoid cracking down on your pet peeves in other writers’ work, as hard as that may be. 

Do offer feedback on whatever stylistic standards have been set for the project. That might mean suggesting substantial revisions, especially to newer team members who aren’t yet well versed in those standards. Channel your favorite supportive coach rather than your favorite language scold.

Keep project style guidelines in mind when you receive feedback, as well, especially if you’re a newer writer on the team. Don’t take feedback personally; it’s about the project and its needs. Fight the urge to become indignant about stylistic revisions that bring your work more in line with the preferred style. 

Maintain Version Control

Whether or not you and your teammates are responsible for revising each other’s work, working on a writing team usually means documents will be passed around. When this happens, be sure to follow proper version control etiquette— especially if your team is using Google Docs or a similar collaborative platform.

Whatever software you use, there should only ever be one person making changes to the document at a time. If someone’s already working on a manuscript, wait until they’re finished before doing your part. If your work is handling edits or suggested revisions, wait for the other person to be done before you review them. Just because an editor has made edits to a section doesn’t mean they’re done with it; interfering in their process can throw a wrench into the editing and cause confusion about who’s done what.

Play Nice

Working with other people can be challenging. They can make mistakes, get in your way, fail to communicate, or confuse you by overcommunicating. Remember: You, too, can make mistakes, get in someone’s way, fail to communicate, or confuse others by overcommunicating. 

Make the project a lot easier on yourself—and everyone else—by communicating well, paying attention, and playing nice with the rest of the team. Give your fellow writers the benefit of the doubt, and don’t take their mistakes personally. 

The important thing is that the work gets done, and everyone gets paid. Take the path of least resistance to that outcome, and things will usually work out.

If managing a writing team feels more complicated than the writing itself, you’re not alone.

Whether you’re in the beginning stages of team building or looking to improve collaboration across an existing team, Right Touch Editing can help.

We partner with individuals and businesses to build stronger editorial teams and create processes that make great writing easier.

Learn more and get the support you’re looking for:
righttouchediting.com/training-speaking/