The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the developmental stages of academic publication collaborations through both research on the collaborative process itself, as well as through analysis of the discovery process. Using the qualitative software package, NUD*IST, the teleconferencing system, FirstClass, and standard e-mail, the study discovered methods which enhanced both the conceptual development and writing process of co-authored academic research for publication. Working collaboratively online offered the authors great flexibility and focus in the production of a co-authored research based paper. The following elements were critical to the project's success: conferencing system with an internal real-time chat function; conferencing system with an e-mail element for transfer/archiving data; system to code differences in text versions and edits; method to concurrently code and merge data for analysis; flexible time to meet online to stay on track; and trust and respect in the partner's abilities. With the exception of the technological interface that such an endeavor demands, the same or similar elements emerged as would be found in the traditional "presenced" collaborative environment. The most significant missing element was the distractions that can result from tangential and casual conversations. (AEF)