Am I wrong? Co-author etiquette?

Question

A friend and I cooked up a "brilliant" idea to write a book. Now I'm not thinking or planning for publishing at this moment, because we've got a long way to go. However, I'm the only one who's writing. She throws out ideas and I put them into my own words, so it doesn't sound bad. She agrees. She'll say, "So have YOU been working on OUR book?" I really feel like it's turned into my book. So IF it were to be published, in a lucky blue moon, should we split the dough in half? I was thinking more like 60/40. I mean, she's got a good job, she's due to inherit millions, and I've got very little money with 3 kids to support, and she's got no kids. I'm also the one doing 90% of the work. My family says it should be 50/50, even though I am doing most of the work. I never really discussed the revenue with her. I don't want to lose a friendship over this. Am I wrong to be thinking in this direction?

Actually, I write alone and 90% of the ideas are mine. She throws some in here and there when she bothers to come by.

Answer 1

I agree with Persiphone, at this point she would expect 50%.

Have you tried sitting down with her and discussing this? I think you should ask her to start doing her fair share and then suggest that she write the next few chapters to match the amount you've written. Then, perhaps, you could come to some arrangement where you write one chapter and she the next (something like that).

Answer 2

Legally, you don't owe her anything. Ideas are not protected by copyright law, only the presentation of the idea. She's just throwing out ideas, but she isn't actually engaged in the process of creation.

You need to sit down with her NOW and clear the air. The conversation CANNOT be about her money or your lack of it. This isn't an issue about money. It's about creative ownership, and that is where the conversation has to stay.

"I really appreciate all your support and imput on this book, but I really feel it has become my project. I'm the one who has been putting in the hours writing it. I'm the one who has been putting in all of the time and effort."

Explain to her how many hours you have put into the book, whereas all she has done is throw in ideas here and there. Tell her that if she wants to write a book, you would be happy to help her develop her own ideas like she helped you, but that THIS book is your creative property.

No, you are not being greedy. No, your family is not correct in their assumption. Their assumption assumes ideas are just as important as the actual work. Ideas are a dime a dozen.

IF your friend fights you over it, then frankly she is the one who is not being a friend. You have a right to get credit for your work, after all, and you should not have to share any potential rewards with someone who stopped by once in a while and threw an idea at you.

Answer 3

This is a tough one. But I have to say this - since you haven't previously discussed finances, 50/50 would be what is expected. It doesn't sound to me like she is putting 50% into the project - ideas are a dime a dozen, but at this point I don't think you can work it out any other way and not break the partnership. I have written two books with a partner - we have never had this issue - but I would advise you next time to write by yourself.
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They're, Their, There - Three Different Words.

Careful or you may wind up in my next novel.

Pax - C

Answer 4

If she is providing the ideas you must ask yourself where would you be without her ideas? Are her ideas worth 50%. I would say yes. But I think you had best clear the air now before it goes on much longer and decide and put it in writing what the split will be. Then you will bothknow where you stand. I can see trouble brewing ahead if you don't