Multi-Author Series – A Guide (Plus Free Resource!)

by | May 14, 2025 | Writing Tips | 0 comments

So You Wanna Join (or Start) a Multi-Author Series?

Hey writers! 👋 I wanted to pull back the curtain and chat a bit about multi-author series (MaS)—what they are, how to get involved, and what it really takes to lead one. I’ve been part of a few incredible collaborations—The Shattered Tales, Autumn Fairy Tales, and Hope Ever After—and I’ve learned SO MUCH (like, wow). If you’re dreaming of diving into one of these, or you’ve got an idea and want to gather a team, here’s a friendly guide full of real talk, encouragement, and tips that’ll save you some major headaches. 💛

1. What is a Multi-Author Series (MaS)?

A multi-author series is a collection of books written by different authors, all connected by a shared theme, universe, trope, or concept. These books usually launch around the same time and are branded together—often with matching covers, titles, or series names.

Think of it like a bookish team-up: every author brings their own flair to the table, but you’re all creating a cohesive reading experience. Some are light and fun; others are deeply structured. Either way, it’s about collaboration, creativity, and community.

2. Want to Join a Multi-Author Series?

Let’s start here. If you want to join a MaS, I’ve got you covered. 👇

✅ Make writer friends.

Seriously, this is the number one way to get invited into MaS projects. Every single series I’ve been part of started with connections—other authors recommending me or inviting me because of relationships built over time. Support others. Be kind. Show up. You never know who’s watching and what doors might open.

✅ Be flexible and collaborate.

This is a collaboration after all! Be ready to adapt, brainstorm, support others’ ideas, and go with the flow. If you want full creative control, a group project may not be for you—and that’s OK!

✅ Be someone people want to work with.

That means being NICE. Be professional. Be encouraging. And if something doesn’t go your way? Handle it with grace. The indie world is small. People talk. Don’t be the author who gets blacklisted for being rude or unkind.

✅ Know what you’re signing up for.

Before joining, make sure you understand the expectations—cover style, genre, trope, word count, timeline, tone. If you already hate the covers or know you can’t hit the deadline, it’s better to say no upfront than ghost halfway through. Protect your peace and be honest with the organizer!

✅ Don’t make it all about you.

This is a team effort. Your book is important, yes—but so is everyone else’s. Boost your fellow authors. Celebrate their wins. It makes the group shine together.

✅ Keep it professional.

Please don’t bash fellow authors in the group or vent to others in the same space. Be grateful you were included—it’s a privilege, not an entitlement. If things aren’t working, communicate kindly and directly.

✅ Contracts are your friend.

I’ve seen this firsthand. When expectations are clear, things go smoother. That includes behavior expectations, drop-out deadlines, and professionalism clauses. It protects everyone.

3. Want to Start or Lead a Multi-Author Series?

Okay, real talk: leading a MaS is NOT for the faint of heart. But it can be incredibly fun and rewarding if you go in prepared.

đŸ’Œ Be ready to be the bad guy.

Someone’s gotta keep things on track. That means saying no, holding people to deadlines, and navigating conflict. Not everyone will agree with every decision—but you need to keep the group moving forward.

đŸ—‚ïž Stay organized (like, hyper organized).

I provide a detailed outline (more on that below), and every author in my group knows exactly what’s expected. Communication is key. I’ve not done it yet, but I think that contracts might make everything smoother—deadlines, expectations, genre/trope limits, professionalism standards, etc. Contracts feel a bit strict, but, after my experiences, I think it might be best to have them!

🎉 Make it FUN and intentional.

In Hope Ever After, we had monthly check-ins with roses & thorns (shoutout to the amazing author I asked to help host that!). Someone else started an accountability chat. Friendships grew. Books got written. That’s the magic of a well-run MaS.

Even simple things like birthday shout-outs, release celebrations, and swag mail can go a long way in making authors feel seen. When people feel valued, they show up—they’ll write better stories, share your series more, and offer to help however they can.

đŸŒ± Try new things.

So many MaS’s are starting to feel the same. What if you threw in a new twist—interactive stories, alternating POV releases, a shared in-world festival, or matching merch? Push creative boundaries!

✹ Be intentional about group size.

Big groups (5+ people) come with lots of personalities and opinions. It’s harder to build connection, but it’s still possible. Smaller groups feel more intimate but require equal commitment. Pick authors you WANT to work with and who make you better.

😎 And don’t take yourself too seriously.

There will be hiccups. People might hate a cover, or have clashing opinions. It’s okay. Take a breath. Handle it professionally. Then keep going.

💛 A Note to the Leaders: When You Feel Unappreciated

While we’re on the topic of leading a MaS… this is for the leaders–whether you’re leading a group now, have led a group, or will need these words of comfort in the future:

If no one’s said it lately—thank you.
Truly. Thank you.

Because here’s the hard truth: as a MAS leader, you will pour your heart into the project and most people will never see it. They won’t see the hours spent organizing, answering questions, writing documents, wrangling deadlines, updating files, following up, or picking up the slack when someone ghosts. They’ll benefit from your hard work—often without saying a word.

And that can hurt.

It’s easy to feel invisible when no one acknowledges the effort, or when someone criticizes the one thing you missed but overlooks the hundred things you held together. It’s hard when people treat your generosity like obligation, or when you’re running yourself ragged just trying to keep the project afloat and no one even checks in to see if you’re okay.

But hear this: you’re doing something brave. You’re stepping up. You’re building something that didn’t exist before. You’re creating space for others to grow, to shine, to be part of something bigger.

Even if no one says thank you, your work matters.

So yes, take breaks. Vent to a trusted friend. Step away if it’s stealing your joy. But don’t let the silence convince you your work was meaningless. It wasn’t. It isn’t.

Keep your heart tender, your boundaries firm, and your eyes fixed on the why behind your leadership. Whether it’s building community, storytelling, or using your gifts to lift others—you’re sowing seeds. And seeds don’t grow overnight.

You may not always be celebrated. But you are seen. You are valued. And you are not alone.

You’ve got this. 💛

4. Let’s Talk Money 💾

Some MaS’s are now charging upfront to join—and that’s okay if the value is there. But in my experience, the best collaborations usually start as a group of friends or passionate creatives wanting to make something cool.

Generally, the main costs are:

  • A quality cover (do NOT skimp here—it’s the face of your book)
  • Marketing items like ads, social graphics, or swag
  • Optional extras: character art, bonus content, merch, etc.

⚠ Pro tip: I’ve done covers for groups before and I’m NEVER doing it again unless I’m getting paid. It’s a lot of work and pressure. I now recommend hiring a cover designer and showing a sample before inviting people in, so they know what to expect and what the covers are going to look like. And speaking of covers…

🎹 If You’re Doing the Covers Yourself


Before you dive in, set yourself (and your authors) up for success by creating a few healthy boundaries and clear expectations:

  • Have a style guide. Decide upfront what your series will look like—fonts, image types, color palette, where the title goes, etc.—and share it with your authors early.
  • Limit revisions. Unless you’re getting paid, you are not a custom designer for every author. It’s totally fine to offer 1–2 rounds of light revisions, then charge for more.
  • Charge fairly. Even if you want to give your author friends a discount, your time, skills, and resources (like Photoshop, premium stock images, or font licenses) have value. If your covers are high-quality or “premium,” it’s completely okay to charge accordingly.
  • Batch the process. If possible, design all the covers in one go so they look cohesive—and so you’re not stuck designing months apart when your style or schedule may shift.
  • Get author confirmation. Have authors sign off when they approve the cover so you’re not getting last-minute “Can we just tweak one more thing?” requests during crunch time.

You’re doing a huge service for your collab. Don’t be afraid to protect your time, charge what’s fair, and set expectations that keep the project fun and sustainable.

💛 Mental Health & Burnout: Protecting Your Peace

Writing should be fun. Collaborating should be energizing. But sometimes
 it’s just not. Whether life throws something unexpected at you or the project becomes too heavy, remember:

  • It’s okay to drop out. You are not a failure. You are not letting anyone down. You are taking care of yourself—and that matters more than meeting a deadline. Real talk: I’ve dropped out of FOUR multi-author series. Most of them I didn’t have ideas for and others I dropped out because there are some authors I don’t want to work with.
  • Don’t stay for FOMO. Just because you could push through doesn’t mean you should. Don’t let the fear of missing out keep you in a situation that’s draining you. If you’re only hanging on because you’re afraid of missing out, consider how that energy might affect the joy of the project—for you and others.
  • This isn’t your only shot. More collabs are coming. If this one isn’t the right season or story for you, there will be others.
  • You can cheerlead without contributing. Support the project in little ways—sharing posts, encouraging the group—without writing a book this time.
  • You don’t need to explain everything. If you need to step away, you don’t owe anyone your personal story or health details. A simple, respectful note is enough EVEN IF YOU ARE THE GROUP LEADER.
  • Toxicity is a valid reason to leave. If you’ve tried to address issues with kindness and boundaries, and you’re still not being treated well—or if the group dynamic has become toxic—it’s okay to step away, even if there are people you care about in the collab. Your well-being matters.
  • Set boundaries and stick to them. Don’t let guilt keep you tied to something that’s causing stress or anxiety. You are a whole person first, an author second.

Your creativity thrives when you’re healthy, happy, and supported. Do what you need to do to protect that space for yourself. Give yourself permission to be human. Your worth is not tied to your output. 💛

✹ Pros & Cons of Being in a Multi-Author Series (From My Own Experience)

Being a lead for a multi-author series (MAS) can be one of the most rewarding experiences in your author journey—but it’s not without its challenges. Here’s a candid look at the pros and cons, from someone who’s been there.

✅ The Pros:

  • Author Friendships: I’ve made some of my closest author friends through MAS projects. There’s something special about walking through a project together—celebrating wins, helping with struggles, and laughing through the chaos.
  • True Community: When a group clicks, it’s magic. Encouragement, teamwork, shared promo, and that feeling of “we’re in this together” can make the writing journey feel less lonely.
  • Creative & Professional Growth: I’ve grown so much as a writer and businessperson thanks to MAS experiences. You pick up tips from others, see different workflows, and stretch yourself in the best ways.
  • Increased Visibility: Collaborations often mean more eyes on your work. I gained new readers, reviews, and newsletter subscribers just by being part of a group.
  • Shared Momentum: There’s something energizing about riding the same wave as your peers. Publishing can be slow and solitary—being in a MAS adds spark and momentum.

❌ The Cons:

  • Self-Pressure: I put a lot of unnecessary pressure on myself. That wasn’t anyone else’s fault—but it’s real. Deadlines, comparison, imposter syndrome
 it creeps in.
  • Time-Sucker: MAS projects can take a lot of time—especially if you’re leading. If your writing time is already limited, be prepared for these projects to eat into your personal series or goals.
  • Burnout Is Real: Coordinating, managing personalities, organizing promo, handling delays
 it’s exhausting. Even when you love it.
  • Drama Happens: Anytime you’re in a group, there’s the potential for conflict. Bullying, passive-aggressive comments, or just plain mean behavior can really sap the joy.
  • Insecure Authors: Some authors need constant reassurance or attention, and it can get exhausting trying to carry or validate someone who’s not in a healthy place emotionally or professionally.
  • Rigid Authors: Flexibility is key in any group effort. When someone refuses to bend on anything or makes the group dynamic harder, it slows everyone down and wears people out.

Bottom line: Leading or joining a MAS is not the easy road. It can be beautiful, enriching, and totally worth it—but only if you’re ready for the real weight of the work. Go in with open eyes, honest expectations, and solid boundaries.

5. Free Resource for You! 🎁

I created a free Multi-Author Series Outline that covers EVERYTHING your authors need to know: timelines, tropes, genre boundaries, marketing expectations—you name it. At the end is a contract you can use to make everything official. It’s a bit of work upfront, but SO worth it in the long run.

Save a copy of this to your drive and personalize it for your MaS. I left some things in there from my own previous MaS’s as examples, but please take the time to do this! Even if you never show this to others in your group, it will be useful for your purposes, and especially in staying organized!

To use it, click on the link below. When you get to the doc, click “File” and then “Save Copy As…” It’ll save to your drive and you can edit it to your heart’s desire!

Multi-Author Series Outline

P.S. I thought about selling this outline or making it a part of an email opt-in, but I really just want potential MaS leaders and participants to create and be part of groups that run smoothly and HAVE FUN, so here it is for free–no obligations or having to sign up for newsletters! If any of this was helpful to you though and you’re grateful for the info I’ve put together here, I’d appreciate if you support the current MAS project I’m a part of: The Haunted Brew 🙂

6. Final Thoughts

Writing is hard enough. Don’t forget to have fun with this!

Whether you’re dreaming up a new concept or sliding into a series invite, create something fresh and irresistible. Something that excites readers and authors. That’s where the magic happens.

You’ve got this. And I’m cheering for you.

With lots of aloha,

đŸŒșLei

✹ BONUS: Fresh & Fun Ideas for Multi-Author Series

Want your MaS to pop in a crowded market? Here are some creative ideas, just to get your ideas going:

🌍 Twist the Setting

  • A Shared Kingdom or World – Give each author their own corner of the same world (think different provinces, clans, or cities), but with shared lore, rules, or a big event tying them together.
  • Holiday-Themed World – All stories take place during the same fictional festival or season (think cozy winter village, a cursed carnival, or a floating midsummer market).
  • One Magical Location – Set all stories in a shared place, like an enchanted forest, a haunted inn, or a sprawling academy—but let each author tell a different kind of tale within it.
  • Reverse Fairy Tale Settings – Flip the script—stories take place after the happy ever after, or in the villain’s kingdom, or in a realm where fairy tales are outlawed.

💡 Creative Tropes & Themes

  • “Sidekicks Falling in Love” – Each book pairs up crucial yet still important side characters from classic stories.
  • “Letters from the Same War” – Each story is told in part through letters, diaries, or dispatches from characters affected by the same major event.
  • “One Object, Many Stories” – A cursed ring, magical heirloom, or family sword passes from character to character across the books.
  • “What If
?” – Each book retells a familiar fairy tale or trope with a big “what if” twist (What if Snow White never ate the apple? What if the dragon was the prince?)

📣 Fresh Marketing Ideas

  • Series Podcast or Behind-the-Scenes Author Chats – Let readers eavesdrop on your planning convos, or record mini “author tea time” episodes.
  • Interactive Quizzes – “Which couple are you?” “What book in the series should you read first?” Great for Instagram Stories and email lists.
  • Staggered POV Promos – Each week, post a snippet from a different character’s POV across the group books, so readers can get a taste of every voice.
  • “Secret Letters” Preorder Bonus – Offer bonus content in the form of in-world letters, journals, or hidden backstory via email or BookFunnel.

🎹 Cover & Aesthetic Flair

  • Character Art Inserts – Commission matching portraits or “trading card” style art of each main couple or character to include in the back of the book or as swag.
  • Interactive Map – If stories share a world, make a digital map that “unlocks” locations as each book releases.
  • Thematic Icons or Color Coding – Give each book a unique symbol or color palette that ties into their personal plot but fits the overall brand.
  • Reverse Dust Jackets (for print) – If you’re doing paperbacks, the inside cover can be something gorgeous: artwork, hidden notes, or maps!

📩 Reader & Author Engagement

  • Scavenger Hunt Across Books – Hide clues in each book (quotes, names, objects) that lead to a prize or bonus chapter.
  • Author Swap Takeovers – Each author does a social media takeover for another, promoting their book and offering giveaways or insights.
  • Live Reading Parties – Host live read-alongs or Zoom parties around launch week with Q&As, giveaways, and special guests.
  • Behind-the-Scenes Bloopers – Share deleted scenes, character inspiration boards, or early cover mock-ups as fun content for your newsletter or street team.

These are just a jumping-off point—what really makes a MaS shine is when the group brings their personalities, passions, and creativity to the table. Don’t be afraid to try something new, surprise your readers, and let the joy of collaboration lead the way.

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