Collaborative Writing

[Oubliette]

I profusely apologize if this topic is in the wrong category (we've already seen my inability to categorize before - and an explanation of me aside comments) but I have a question concerning pieces of literature that have more than one creative mind pooling into it.  Actually, I'm not sure that there is just one question.  In fact, I'm not sure what the question IS yet until I start typing it.

Allow me to explain.  A friend of mine and I have been co-creating worlds since we were silly young teenagers.  Eventually, we decided if we raked it from the beginning, made some fundamental changes, and chose which characters to follow, we could likely write a fairly solid fantasy series (or maybe not that solid but entertaining in the very least; I mean, we get enjoyment out of them, so why wouldn't someone else?) together.  To keep it consistent I actually do the writing of the prose, but the ideas are equally shared (well I would often say my ideas made everything better, but I'm an arrogant arse that way).  This isn't just some silly amusement anymore, or a bunch of slapped together inside jokes.  My friend and I have really began to think seriously about going somewhere with our combined ideas.

I guess my question is... how does something having two 'authors' effect the chances of it being published? Especially since we are two amateurs with no history or visible experience in literature or publishing?  Would it be best we put this project on the back burner and dependently try to get other books published until (if) we have a name for ourselves and then bring it out as a collaboration?  Or are collaborations just a BAD idea (I know it can be playing with fire - what if there's a conflict or falling out yaddi yadda; I have sincerely considered the repercussions of that and planned for it.  It involves arsenic and tacos) and should not be attempted? 

Heck I even considered just making a pen name or separate entity to represent our collective contributions, or making one of the two of us a ghost, while the other gets all the publicity and credit and fame (but the other still gets an equal share of royalties - in fact, I think I'd rather be the ghost). 

Of course I also considered we're both delusional about our writing skills and really won't make it anywhere anyway, but that's just negative thinking that won't get me anywhere. 

I hope I have not completely confused you all as you read this.  In summary, how plausible is it to write collaborative fiction and get it published?

[newday11]

  I don't know if I'm addressing your question correctly, but in my book I have the byline but have about 20 "guest writers" that contribute. I of course give them credit and post their permission at the beginning of the chapter they are writing or contributing to. newday11

[Aiala]

In summary, how plausible is it to write collaborative fiction and get it published?

Well, Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle didn't do badly at all, so it must be very plausible.   

~A~

[ElanaJ]

Well, I know Lisa and Laura did it. They're sisters and they just signed a book deal. I'm pretty sure Ray and his wife are co-authoring a book. And I know Suzy_Q and her sister Wiggypop are co-authoring something too.

Honestly, I don't think it matters who the author(s) are. If you have a book someone loves and can sell, then those details get worked out in the process. I think it's completely plausible, whether you have a name for yourself or not.