[Co-Authoring Series] “I Can’t Control My Publication Pipeline Because Of Co-authoring”
Today’s episode is another segment in the co-authoring series. Many academics attribute a clogged pipeline to working on a project with a co-author. This episode is dedicated to discussing the potential obstacles of co-authoring with a colleague and how to avoid delays in publishing team projects.
MORE DETAILS
First, I will give an overview of the definition of a publication pipeline. Then, I dive into the reasons academics find it difficult to overcome a clogged pipeline when working with a co-author who is a colleague. I offer practical advice and strategies to navigate colleague relationships while underscoring the importance of refining time and project management skills.
Mastering co-authorship is an essential part of academic writing. Tune in to learn how to keep your publication pipeline flowing when co-authoring with a colleague.
Reasons Why Co-Authoring with a Colleague Can Clog Your Pipeline
#1: Co-authoring with your advisor or a senior colleague.
When you are in the early stages of your academic career, it is common to co-author with your advisor or colleagues in senior positions. The problem with this co-authoring relationship is misaligned priorities. Most likely, this project is much more important to you than it is to your senior colleague. In addition, it can be challenging to navigate the uneven power dynamic and assume control of the project as a junior colleague.
Strategy: Emphasize the power of clear communication to understand roles and responsibilities in executing the project. This will not only help you navigate the power dynamic but also empower you to manage due dates effectively.
#2: Co-authoring with a junior colleague or your mentee.
When you are working with junior colleagues and mentees, establishing clear communications and priorities together is key. All authors need to know the priority the writing project has for each member of the team.
Strategy: Take ownership of the project and lead. Don’t be afraid to re-clarify the project’s priority along the way and re-adjust.
Understanding Yourself and Your Writing Practice
If you’re feeling like you’re not in control of your pipeline, the first step is to work to develop your writing project management and practice. Remember, reacting to others won’t move the project forward–you need to act! Reflect on your project management skills and your co-authorship choices. It’s important to work on developing self-trust and self-compassion. If you need support to improve your writing practice and unclog your publication pipeline, we invite you to apply for Navigate.
“We are addressing the thought, I can’t control my publication pipeline because of co-authoring. If you curate, you are controlling your pipeline. If you embrace seasonality you are intentionally controlling your pipeline. When you have good writing project management, that is the skill you need to control your publication pipeline and have articles submitted in a timely manner according to the season you are in and the image of yourself in your work that you want to put out into the world.”
“If you are sitting with a stalled out pipeline because everybody who you are co-authoring with is holding you back and you feel you can’t move forward because you are relying on everybody else so you can’t move forward, the first place to look is inside yourself.”
We’re receiving applications for our next cohort of Navigate: Your Writing Roadmap®! Check out the program details and start your application process here.
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