Confidentiality Concerns?

Question

I have recently joined a writers group, and one person has asked to read my entire book. She is lovely, but I am concerned about letting my "baby" go and possibly losing it. Am I being too paranoid? How do other writers share their work and are they fearful of being stolen?

Answer 1

I feel your paranoia, and have to/hate to say I agree. You can definitely beg off by saying, "Thank you so much for the offer, but it's not ready for prime time and I am still working with an editor. Hopefully you'll see it on the shelves soon!" In these groups you often share passages or even chapters, so that is sufficient to get feedback until you start working with an editor in earnest. Good luck!