First time to work with a writing partner. Any advice on how to set us up for success?

Context: I’ve never had a writing partner since I started working 3 years ago. In the coming weeks, agency will finally get a freelance writer to work with me on the biggest brief the agency’s ever had. I’m excited to work on it alone, but now I might just be more excited since I’ll have someone to bounce ideas off.

likeuplifting
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When they start, reach out and make a time to chat a bit first and get to know them. Ask how they like to work. How often you want to meet as a team, what times of day do you both think better. Give them a heads up about your agency process and what to expect.

Check out their folio and tell them you like their work (hopefully that’s true).

Make it a partnership. When you have ideas, discuss who’ll do the write ups, who’ll find reference, who’ll present what. And agree on what platform you want to work in. Eg. Google slides so you can collaborate.

If you don’t like an idea, be constructive, not dismissive. Ask more questions about it. If they still love it, find a way to develop it into something that you both agree on.

Good luck!

likehelpful

You should ask to be involved in the search.

smart

Everyone's covered the good stuff.

I'll add: Don't be too critical. (Especially when the pressure mounts) Ideas are fragile. Give your partner's ideas or suggestions some time and room to bloom. Don't be too quick to judge or kill an idea. Keep an open mind. My ex partner would quickly comp up an idea or I'll quickly write a script to see where her idea goes. Treat it like prototyping. Be a fan of each other. And always have each other's back.

Oh when you've worked alone too long, you'll be used to thinking up "fully formed" ideas in your head, so try to avoid that or you'll start thinking your partner isn't appreciating your genius 😂

I'm excited for you 🏆👍🏻

likefunny

My best partnerships have been when we feel we don’t have to stay in our own lanes. I’ve had ADs give me some great headlines or content. I have a film background and I can draw, so I’ve done storyboard with scripts to make sure the idea was clear. I’m in UX design now and I’ll layout the interfaces sometimes.

like

Don’t forget that when you present every idea is something “we” came up with, no matter who had the original thought.

Don’t be afraid to suggest copy changes, but trust their judgement if they hold tight. Likewise, invite their opinion and collaboration on visual direction. You both will improve from each other’s eye.

Be patient and flexible with working styles until you find a happy middle.

When you bounce ideas don’t be afraid to go down a rabbit hole, but if you get to far away always go back and ground yourself in the brief.

Always approach ideas with “yes, and” rather than say you don’t like it. If you hate their idea, make it a personal challenge to help make the idea better. Make it into something you love.

helpful

Love it - I’ve worked with someone like this before, though not in advertising context, who was so collaborative and we just help each other throughout the project.

Love the “yes and” approach as well.

Thanks FC!

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