I promised @LSadinski some thoughts about working with co-authors, esp. as a early career investigator. I hope the following thread provides some useful insights. #epitwitter 1/11
Working with co-authors is a bit like Goldilocks & the 3 Bears. You are Goldilocks. Your co-authors are the 3 bears: either too little, too much, or just right. Your job is to help them all to be just right. 2/11
Your goal is to get the feedback you need, when you need it, in the right quantity, and with the right guidance. That can be a challenge! 3/11
The 1st point is to ask your co-authors how they want to receive drafts: do they want to receive a full draft? Do they want the draft in pieces (e.g. tables first)? Do they want to wait for a polished draft? 4/11
Asking how they want it applies to your mentor and dissertation committee, too. I personally prefer pieces, as they are easier to fit into the blocks of time that I have available. 5/11
The too-hot co-author will give you tons of feedback on your grammar & style, esp. in early drafts. But often you just want them to advise on content. Are you missing something? Do the pieces of the results flow in the right order? 6/11
To turn too-hot to just right, tell them what you want. “Please just read for content. I’m especially concerned about XX. PLEASE don’t edit for grammar—this is an early, rough draft. We can take care of that later.” 7/11
The too-cold co-author doesn’t give feedback. Your paper sits in their inbox. Often these are senior people with lots of useful insights or valuable expertise, but little time. 8/11
To turn too-cold to just right, tell them what you need most. “Would you please look at the 3rd paragraph of the discussion? I really need your thoughts on X.” Giving a focused task helps them feel like they can fit it in their day. 9/11
For everyone, give deadlines. 2 weeks is reasonable for a full manuscript. Manuscript pieces can be given shorter deadlines. 10/11
I hope these tips make your writing process a little less painful. Remember ask your co-authors what they prefer. And tell them what you need at every step of the way. 11/11
