Thanks to the wonder of living in the digital age, I’ve connected with an incredible number of even more incredible writers. Not being the pushy sort, I always wait until we have a bit of a rapport to ask if they’d be willing to read my script and maybe give a little feedback. And a lot of the time, they ask for the same thing, of which I’m more than happy to oblige.
But there are those who respond along the lines of “I’m not comfortable with letting somebody I don’t know that well see my work.”
A perfectly legitimate response, but also raises a few questions:
-Do you think I’m going to steal your work? No disrespect, but I don’t want it. At all. Just like you, I’ve put in an immense amount of time and effort so I can take a certain pride in claiming “Yes, I wrote this.” Why would I want to risk everything for your script? There may be some unsavory characters out there, but I’m not one of them. I’ve made no effort to hide who I am from you or anybody else and stand by my reputation.
-Is it because I can’t advance your career? Just because I’m not in the industry now doesn’t mean I won’t be in the future. I try to help my friends out when I can. Act like a jerk to me now and that’s how I’ll remember you.
-Am I not professional enough for you? I may be unsold and unproduced, but I’ve got a manager, have had some moderate success in contests and what I would call a pretty solid grasp of what good writing is. Maybe my notes could even make your script better, and most importantly, they’re free.
-Do you think your script is already perfect, doesn’t need any more work and any criticism on my part is just me being jealous of your superior writing skills and trying to sabotage it? Good luck and I wish you all the best.
We all need whatever help we can get, and most people are pretty accommodating.
Don’t be afraid to make connections and get your work out there. It’s been my experience that everybody’s already wrapped up enough in their own work to make becoming more than involved with yours not much of a possibility.
*Rewrite update: about 1-2 details away from having the first act done. Really like how it’s shaping up, but still a long way to go.
**A big congratulations to the Nicholl finalists. Won’t deny being jealous. Now back to work for the rest of us already focusing on next year.
Maximum Z 
I feel you on this one, these people confuse me. How are you going to make it if you don’t share your script?
I think the only (and probably best) option is to work with those willing to work with you.
Man, good points – i have been on tippy toes when people have been reluctant to either share or read my work, which has made me a bit weary of the process in general. btw, I have some scripts that still need some tuning but I would love for you to help me out and take a look when I get to a better, readable stage with them. Lemme know and you can shoot me a read anytime as well!
It takes time to determine who’s open to it or not, but is well worth it once that connection is made. It’s really helped me a lot.
Always happy to take a look at your stuff. I promise to be as brutally honest as possible, which is as it should be.
This is a wonderful article. I always offer my eyes (no one seems to take me up on it) so that I can have eyes on my work in the future. It has helped me connect with folks that gave an honest opinion on whatever I send them.
“Just because I’m not in the industry now doesn’t mean I won’t be in the future.”
TRUTH.
We responsive folks are out there. You just gotta know where to look.
Happy to take a look, as long as you don’t mind a lengthy wait to get a response.