How to Break into IP Writing

You may be familiar with novelizations of franchises like Star Wars, Disney, Marvel, or others—but how do you get a job writing those kinds of books, anyway?

What is IP Writing?

First, let’s talk about what IP writing is. IP stands for “Intellectual Property” which basically means an idea that is legally protected from unauthorized use by others. Many things can be considered IP, such as patents, artwork, symbols, or even specific ways of doing things or making something (like the recipe for Coca-Cola).

In the book world, IP typically means the copyrighted characters, plot, and world of a story. If you were to write an original novel, then that story, along with the characters and world, would be your IP since you own the copyright.

While most writers work exclusively with their own IP, it’s actually quite common for writers to be hired to write stories using someone else’s IP. For example, you might get hired by a publisher to write a novel based in the Marvel universe.

A fiction IP writer doesn’t have to world-build from scratch because that work has already been done. What an IP writer brings to the table is a fresh in-universe story or voice that respects the original creator’s canon. IP writers have enough IP literacy that they can deepen the characterization of familiar, well-loved characters, or introduce new ones to the fanbase.

Not all IP work involves fiction, however. You can also be paid to expound on topics like a franchise’s movie art, or a unique approach to a hot topic. Basically anything you are commissioned to write that was not your original idea, or is rooted in someone else’s creation, is considered IP work.

Another common IP opportunity is to work with a book packager. Book packagers are companies that keep a close eye on the market, and use their research to come up with highly commercial book concepts that they commission people to write for them. They are often heavily involved in every step of the process, from dictating and developing the plot to subbing it to publishers and marketing the finished product. So, rather than entering the world of a franchise, working with a book packager means fleshing out an innovative concept that is someone else’s intellectual property, since the idea did not originate from you.

As you can see, there are a lot of paths when it comes to IP writing. If you’re interested in breaking into this field, you might be wondering: how does one get into IP writing? What does an aspiring IP writer need to know to get started? Check out our answers to these big questions below to see if this career path is right for you!

How do you get recruited for IP work?

Generally speaking, in order to qualify for IP work, you need to have years of experience as a traditionally published author. Your reputation in the industry should be as someone who is prolific and amicable, since IP work can have an incredibly fast turnaround (more on that later) and requires seamless cooperation between you and the editor.

Can you still get into IP writing if you don’t have those things? Yes, it is still possible! In some cases, you can get editors to come to you. After all, they are on the hunt for writers who are knowledgeable, passionate, and have fresh things to say about the IPs they represent.

In order for you to be discovered, you need an entry point onto these editors’ radar, so it’s important that you work hard to be visible in your chosen IP’s fandom or community. To amplify your presence, you could: blog (or guest blog) about your favorite fandoms or topics; be vocal on social media about your IP literacy or nerdiness; pitch your ideas to magazines or other publications; and host (or do a guest appearance on) podcasts.

Basically, do whatever you can to become known as an uber-nerd who follows the franchise or IP topic closely. Editors are looking for active, in-the-know fans who have shiny writing skills, so make sure you look like prime pickings by being vocal and becoming searchable. Be the kind of person that others in the community will refer to inquiring editors.

When analyzing your online presence, ask yourself these questions:

• Would you commission yourself for this project?
• How would you have found yourself?
• Would you be top-of-mind to other fans if they were asked to recommend writers?
• What can you do to improve your visibility?
• What can you do to build a community in the IP you’re interested in?

If you have an agent, they can pitch you to IP editors and get your foot in the door. In this case, it’s often more important for you to have a body of traditionally published work than a loud online presence, so just do whatever works best for your current situation!

Do you need to be an expert in an IP to write for it?

Yes and no. Depending on what franchise or talking point you’re trying to break into, you’ll either need to come across as an authority in a nonfiction topic or a hotshot fan in a fictional franchise. Editors aren’t looking for just anyone who can spout random facts. They want someone who shows a willingness to do a deep dive—someone passionate, with strong writing skills and a fresh, clear voice.

Editors often already have an idea of what they want produced, and they’re trying to find a good match for that project. They won’t know what you can do, however, if there’s nothing you’ve written for them to stumble across. So, as stated above, be vocal and visible. You don’t have to be the most knowledgeable person out there, just assertively showcase your writing skills, up-to-date literacy, and a strong interest in the topic at hand.

While you do not have to be a definitive source with deep lore knowledge, you should probably appear more knowledgeable than the average, casual fan. When writing or speaking on IP topics, go into deeper discussions where possible to prove you have depth of understanding in this topic or franchise. For example, instead of just posting about your favorite superhero and hoping someone will let you write a story about them, you could blog about under-appreciated side characters that deserve their own story.

For nonfiction work, ask yourself if people will find your personal take on things interesting. Can you bring a fresh perspective or ideas to the table? If so, showcase that wherever possible.

How much creative freedom do you have with IP writing?

The answer is: it depends. Sometimes the idea for an IP project comes from a publisher that wants something specific. For this kind of in-house IP, editors might give the author they hired a pitch for them to flesh out, and pair that with guidance and check-ins, especially if the writer is new to IP writing.

When it comes to book packagers, they’ll usually give detailed outlines or specific targets to hit, and then edit the commissioned work to make sure it’s reaching all their goals. In both cases, creative control belongs largely to the IP holders or creators.

However, sometimes it’s the commissioned author who submits pitches to the editor. In these instances, it’s understood that the commissioned writer is trusted enough to come up with a canonically sound or goal-hitting product. These writers will be given freer reign.

If you’re keen on preparing pitches, try not to draft proposals for anything too obvious, or a talking point that’s already been beaten into the earth. Instead, try digging deeper into the topic or lore, spotlighting concepts that have been largely unexplored, or themes that are particularly relevant if given a certain spin. Showcase your ability to think and research independently, bringing a refreshing touch to someone else’s creation.

Will you get credit for your IP work?

Generally speaking, yes! IP writing is different from ghostwriting in that you are being openly commissioned to write something, so you will have your name on the cover of the book. With ghostwriting you are writing under someone else’s name, so credit will not be attributed to you.

How are you paid as an IP writer?

More often than not, when writing IP, you should be mentally prepared to be paid a flat fee, and shouldn’t expect royalties. Because the subject you’re writing on is a topic or concept that belongs to someone else, there are a lot of people who need to get a cut—the publisher, the original creator(s), the book packagers (if applicable) etc., so you might not be compensated via the usual system of advance + royalties. If you have an agent, make sure they are negotiating the best terms possible for you.

Also keep in mind that pay-to-write situations like this may mean dealing with really tight deadlines. It’s not uncommon to have less than three months to draft an entire manuscript. So, make sure you’re okay with writing fast, good-quality books and surrendering control of your story when asked.

To sum everything up, if you want to break into IP writing, make sure you are a searchable and referable fan, knowledgeable and passionate about the IP, and cool with fast writing. If all those things sound like a fun thing to pursue, and the idea of diving into someone else’s world and characters gets you salivating, then IP writing is definitely something you should consider, and now you know where to start! We wish you all the best of luck on this dynamic and exhilarating journey!