Member Spotlight: Jodi Lipper

I started my career in Los Angeles, adapting novels into TV movies for Hallmark, and then editing fiction at Simon & Schuster after moving back to NYC. I always saw myself in more of an editorial role than working as a writer. But in LA I met and became close with actress Cerina Vincent, and we developed an idea for the type of humorous girlfriend-to-girlfriend advice books that were popular back then. We published three of these books with HarperCollins, and when that series ended, I realized that my favorite part of the process had been collaborating with Cerina. We each brought different strengths to the table and complemented each other so well. I wanted to find a way to work as a writer but with this type of close collaboration, and eventually this led me to become a collaborative writer (ghost writer). Unlike the 50/50 co-author relationship Cerina and I shared, I now work with various experts and celebrities to help them tell their stories. They provide the stories, advice, and content, and I help shape this all into a book.

I work independently as a collaborative writer and partner with experts and celebrities who have incredible advice or stories to share but need help writing their books. Writing is always a collaborative process! I also consult with aspiring authors on how to write a non-fiction book proposal and hone their book idea to make it more marketable.

I've been working from home since long before COVID and was a member of another co-working space that unfortunately closed during the pandemic. With my whole family at home and deadlines piling up, it became more important than ever to carve out a space to write without interruptions. When the Co-Co reopened I was impressed with their safety protocols and decided to join for in-person co-working. It has been a life-saver to have a place to write without having to break for snacks and virtual school hiccups. Since I've only been a member during the pandemic, I haven't been able to participate in many of the career development opportunities, but am looking forward to that in the future.