What Should I Do?

WOW, what a situation.

I have never been in this type of situation, but as a friend he should be willing to help you out.

Tell him you are trying to advance your own career, with this latest book ask to be on the cover, ask him to let the publisher know that you were partners in the last one and the reasons why you stayed in the background.

Thats the only thing I can think of is start there and then move out. But as a friend and one who has done so much for him, I would think he would be willing to help you out.

I hope it all turns out for you, best of luck! Please keep us updated.

I agree with Sara.

I think you're in a good position considering you're writing this unfinished book and the only way it will get finished is by you writing it. I don't want to say threaten him, but something along those lines.

Explain that you need your further your career as well. If he's a friend, he'll do right by you.

You're in a really tough situation. I hope it all works out for you.

I agree with Lindsay. If you are such an integral part, demand some kind of recognition. You've earned that little--he should be willing (and eager) to give you some credit, introduce you to some folks, etc.

I'm thinking of the OpCenter books by Tom Clancy et al. Clancy is the first name, and is the marketing lead. How much of these books he writers I'm not sure.

I don't think anyone will criticize you for getting into this situation. you've made money from your writing (as has he), but I'm sure he'll be amenable to having his name in BIG LETTERS with yours in small letters beneath. That way, the marketing department still have his name sat proud, but you get your name on the cover.

Can you meet with him, face-to-face? Sometimes, these things can be best resolved over a beer or two.

Maybe I'm confused. Did the publisher pay him directly, and then he cut you in for half?

I may not know a lot about the publishing industry, but if you were being paid by the publisher, then, regardles of whose name was on the cover, the publisher would know about your contributions.

Regardless, I would demand that you get at least a secondary credit:

book

I'm not sure what you should do at this point, except refuse to write unless you receive proper credit and cash.

But in the future, never write anything without a binding contract that covers all contingencies. Just because you team up with someone does not mean a word should be written without a contract.