A book written by multiple authors is known as a multi-author book. Other names of such books are anthologies or collaborative books. Nowadays, these types of books are in trend. For this, the book publishers charge co-authors to join the project.
However, some skeptics argue that multi-author books are nothing more than scams. But the truth is that collaborative books are no scam. Multi-author book publishers simply have a different business model than traditional book publishers.
Let’s find out more about collaborative books!
How Do Multi-Author Books Work?
Basically, book publishers form a group of co-authors from the same industry or niche to write each chapter for a book. Most of the time, all chapters are individual stories but are related to the overall theme of the book. Also, the exact process can vary depending on the nature of the project and the authors involved, but here is a general way how multi-author books work:
Concept and planning: A team of authors and publishers come together with a concept or plan for a book. It can be based on a specific topic, theme, or latest trends.
Collaboration agreement: Once the authors are selected, a collaboration agreement is made between them. Mostly it outlines the scope of each author’s contribution, the timeline, copyright and royalty considerations.
Content development: Now, authors work on their content for respective chapters or sections of the book.
Editing and review: After completing sections, authors submit their work to the editor(s) or publisher for review. The editing ensures consistent tone, style, and flow throughout the book.
Publication and distribution: Once the editing process is complete, the book follows the usual publishing procedures, including typesetting, cover design, and formatting. It is then released and distributed through various channels, such as traditional bookstores, Amazon Kindle, or other e-book platforms.
Why Are Multi-Author Books Popular Worldwide?
Multi-author books have gained popularity worldwide for the following reasons:
- First, they offer a diverse range of perspectives on a particular topic or theme.
- Multi-author books cover complex subjects that would be challenging for a single author to explore fully.
- The collaborative process allows authors to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and expand their own knowledge base.
Why Read Multi-Author Books?
One of the primary benefits of multi-author books is the opportunity for collaboration and diversification. By combining the perspectives of more than one author, these books often offer readers a unique and well-rounded reading experience. From historical accounts to scientific research, multi-author books can be valuable resources for those seeking a well-rounded understanding of a topic.
Labeling all multi-author books as scams is not right. In contrast, some may indeed fall short in terms of quality or be driven solely by profit. But there are multi-author books that offer readers a wealth of knowledge and diverse perspectives.
You can find multi-author books online on various e-reading platforms that you can install on your Android or iOS devices, including tablets. Also, you can download free e-books that are written by multi-authors.
Navkiran Dhaliwal is a seasoned content writer with 10+ years of experience. When she's not writing, she can be found cooking up a storm or spending time with her dog, Rain.