Collaborate to Create: A Guide to Coauthoring Nonfiction

by Matty Dalrymple, M.L. Ronn

Thinking of teaming up to write a nonfiction book? Collaborate to Create is your essential guide to building a successful coauthoring partnership—from your first conversation to your book launch and beyond.


In today’s publishing landscape, collaboration offers powerful to expand your expertise, grow your author portfolio, reach new readers, and build lasting professional relationships. Whether you’re an experienced nonfiction author or tackling your first book, this guide walks you through every step of the coauthoring journey. Perfect for authors, entrepreneurs, and subject matter experts who want to create nonfiction books through partnership.


You’ll learn how

Evaluate potential coauthors and find the right creative fit.Align expectations and formalize your partnership.Manage the logistics of writing, editing, publishing, and promoting together.Navigate common challenges and keep your collaboration on track.Build a long-term foundation for future collaborative projects.If you’re ready to unlock the creative and professional rewards of collaboration—and avoid the pitfalls that can derail a project—Collaborate to Create is your trusted roadmap.

130 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2025

About the author

Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers ROCK PAPER SCISSORS, SNAKES AND LADDERS, and THE IRON RING; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels THE SENSE OF DEATH, THE SENSE OF RECKONING, THE FALCON AND THE OWL, and A FURNACE FOR YOUR FOE; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts, including CLOSE THESE EYES and WRITE IN WATER. Matty lives with her husband and three dogs in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and enjoys vacationing on Mount Desert Island, Maine, and Sedona, Arizona, and these locations provide the settings for her work. Matty is a member of Sisters in Crime and the Brandywine Valley Writers Group.

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many of my favorite books and series were written by pairs or even trios of authors, but I never thought much about what must go into combining the talents and styles of multiple writers to achieve a seamless and unified whole. In Collaborate to Create Matty and Michael answer all of the questions I would have come up with if pressed and many more that I never would have thought of—clearly a case of not knowing what is not known.

Beginning with a clear explanation of what can be gained through collaboration along with the challenges, Matty & Michael walk you through the process from start to finish. Things like: Is collaboration right for you given your style and goals? Is this the right project for collaboration—a detailed breakdown of how to assess a project is laid out. The ins and outs of co-authoring, and all the aspects of getting the book to market. Each chapter ends with a For Your Consideration section where you’re given things to think about at each stage in the process.

While this is a well-written, relatively short book, it is both accessible and very content dense. I picked up a great deal with a first reading, but, admittedly, I’ll really have to go through it again and focus on all of the questions to get the most out of it.

The authors are clear from the outset that this book deals exclusively with collaborative nonfiction writing—so there is no room for complaint here, but I would really like to see a future, expanded version of the book that covers collaborative fiction as well. That said, I’d definitely recommend the book this book to anyone interested in taking on a collaborative writing project.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cait's Reading Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Guide for Authors and Creatives on Collaboration!

This guide has a clear scope and definition of co-authoring to not include anthologies and ghostwriting as its greater applicability on nonfiction. Having a defined scope gives readers an up front awareness about what the guidance provided will cover. I liked how this guide frames collaboration as opportunity and how collaboration may not always work best for everyone and that authors should reflect and determine if collaboration on a project is the best approach or which author is most compatible with them.

Dalrymple’s resources and guides for authors and podcasters are always comprehensive with practical guidance and advice and consider the logistics, technical considerations, and methods of compensation.

This guide reinforces how communication is essential for collaboration as well as outlining roles and responsibilities for the team.

Another great guide for not only authors but also creators!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers a clear, experience-driven look at how collaboration can become a practical growth strategy for indie authors rather than just an abstract ideal. The authors explain how working with others can expand reach, reduce isolation, and create more resilient publishing careers when done with intention and structure.

What stands out is the balance between encouragement and realism. Collaboration is presented not as a shortcut, but as a skill that requires communication, aligned expectations, and thoughtful planning. The guidance feels grounded in real-world publishing experience, which makes it especially valuable for authors who have already released books and are looking to grow beyond solo trial-and-error.

This is a motivating and level-headed resource for indie authors who want to build meaningful professional relationships and approach collaboration as a long-term strategy rather than a one-off experiment.