Written by: Jenny Alberti, Senior Level Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Multi-author books are gaining popularity, having emerged as a trend in the publishing industry over the past few years. Basically, they offer contributors an opportunity to become published authors by collaborating on a specific topic and sharing their individual stories, wisdom, and knowledge. But with increased popularity comes plenty of skepticism.
The skepticism largely stems from a widespread lack of knowledge and misinformation about what multi-author books entail and the investment they require. This misunderstanding fuels doubts about the legitimacy and value of participating in these projects.
But, are they a scam?
Calling multi-author books a scam is as ridiculous as saying cats plot world domination while humans sleep. (Although, my Bengal cat actually might). Unlike traditional publishing models that may offer advances—which are simply loans against estimated future royalties—multi-author book projects operate on a completely different premise. Authors contribute a fee, which directly funds the extensive services needed to publish: from professional editing and cover design to best-seller launch campaigns, individual promotional materials, and even coaching on how to leverage the book to grow and scale your business.
Traditional publishing
Meanwhile, in the traditional publishing world, your advance might just cover a celebratory dinner—if you're lucky. New Authors without an established track record or author platform could cash an advance of as little as $5,000 (before taxes) and be left with no marketing plan or support. This makes the chances of turning your book into a success significantly more challenging, often leaving authors to navigate the
complex world of book promotion and sales on their own. I had the pleasure of interviewing best-selling Hay House author and eight-figure money mindset mentor Denise Duffield-Thomas in 2022, who explained how she had to do most of her own marketing, including organizing her own 14 city book tour.
The status quo of traditional publishing
The traditional publishing model operates under a system of gatekeeping that closely resembles patriarchal structures. There’s a concentration of power, where a select few publishing houses exercise considerable control over which stories are shared with the world and whose voices are deemed worthy of being amplified. This concentration of power perpetuates a status quo that often marginalizes voices from women, and other underrepresented groups. Traditional publishing not only narrows the range of stories shared with readers but also maintains a system where being successful usually means fitting into a very specific set of rules and expectations. I hate to think about how this prevents so many talented writers from even trying to share their stories.
Why multi-author books deserve your consideration
Really, the question isn't should you join a multi-author book collaboration? It's why wouldn't you? These books represent a path to visibility and success that the traditionally published path doesn’t offer for most people.
The rise of multi-author books allows more writers to share their stories—including those who’ve felt silenced. This new model is disruptive, and society tends to resist disruptors, which is why so many are quick to think multi-author books are a scam.
But, the truth is that they are changing the publishing industry for the better, making it possible for all kinds of stories to reach people who want and need to read them.
Here are the top 3 reasons why multi-author collaborative books deserve your consideration
1. Best-seller status
A misunderstood aspect of multi-author books that raises eyebrows among skeptics is that they often (if not always) become an Amazon No.1 Best-seller. “How can that be possible?” Well, it’s actually quite simple. Imagine that each author asks their audience & network to purchase the book on launch day. They could easily each have 30 people purchase the book. Multiply that number by 15-30 contributing authors and you have 450-900 sales on launch day. Couple that with some great category research from the publisher and you easily achieve a No.1 spot. Just as it’s far less intimidating for a new author looking to get published to tell themselves, Yes, I can contribute a single chapter to a book, rather than, Yes, I can write an entire book myself, it’s also far simpler for them to share in the marketing efforts required to reach Best-seller status than do it all themselves.
2. Visibility and business growth
Imagine introducing your offers and services to readers who've just connected with your story in a best-selling book. They're already engaged and moved by your story and are now familiar with your voice, your wisdom, and the unique perspective you bring. This is compelling content at the highest level. Readers are now more likely to trust your advice and solutions and are more receptive to exploring what you have to offer. By leveraging your chapter as a touchpoint, you can direct readers to your website, sign up for your mailing list, or opt-in to your freebies and lead magnets.
Participating in a multi-author book is a tremendous achievement, but it's also a strategic business move. By aligning the book with your business goals, you can unlock new opportunities, attract ideal clients, and lay the foundation for the successful introduction of new products and services. The book becomes a powerful tool in your marketing arsenal, helping you to build credibility, expand your visibility, and grow your business in a way that feels good and aligned. In fact, when I joined my first multi-author book in 2021, I was able to generate $17,500 in my coaching business by utilizing the book’s launch in exactly this way.
3. The secret power of the collective
But what is the biggest benefit of joining a Multi-author book collaboration? Hands down, the community. A space where authors support, encourage, celebrate, and hold space for one another. Bringing people together around a topic they each have the experience and a story to tell is powerful. Beyond the book, it allows for a unique form of personal growth, healing, and development. In this collaborative environment, authors don’t only find a platform for their voices but a space for transformation and connection. Authors are given a safe place to peel back the layers, be vulnerable, and bravely share the sometimes painful, sometimes messy pieces of themselves. To tell stories that perhaps are being told for the first time—stories that require this kind of collective support. The bonds formed through the process of creating a multi-author book can lead to lasting relationships far beyond the writing and publishing of the book itself.
Changing the game
Here's the bottom line: Multi-author book collaborations are tearing down the walls put in place by traditional publishing, and showing us there's another way to get our voices heard. By joining a multi-author book project, you're not just adding "published author" to your resume, you're amplifying your message and moving your business forward in ways you might not have otherwise done. And you’re doing it with a powerful and supportive community alongside you. I've experienced it firsthand, as an author in a number of collaborative projects. I’ve also had the privilege of witnessing it happen for others in collaborative projects that I’ve curated and published myself. Trust me, it's as legit as it gets. Multi-author book collaborations are a movement—a strategic, game-changing movement that's reshaping the future of publishing, one story at a time.
If you are ready to become a published author and want to learn more about upcoming multi-author book collaborations, check out the Women Writing Intentionally Collective’s upcoming titles for details.
Jenny Alberti, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Jenny is the Co-founder of the Women Writing Intentionally Collective, CEO of Introvert She Wrote Publishing and an International Best-Selling Author. She helps Female Visionaries communicate their valuable message to the world through uniquely designed book projects and author containers.
Jenny believes that remaining in alignment with and celebrating who we are is essential to fulfillment in business and life. She emboldens her authors to show up as their unique selves, speak their truth and get paid for their gifts. It is her dominant intent to amplify the voices of all women who have been called to make an epic impact, but have felt silenced.
A passionate storyteller since childhood, Jenny has been featured in Medium and Authority Magazines, Everyday Woman TV and several podcasts.
Jenny loves traveling, discovering and visiting new places. She plans to see more of the world with her incredible partner in the coming years.
