Should I pay someone to read my work?

Some legitimate distribution companies and literary agents do charge a 'reading fee' to look at your idea. This is not paying for representation -- this is paying for a critique. Some writer's conferences will have some agents and publishers available for individual critiques -- at an additional price.

Will you benefit from doing this? It depends upon your other options to get professional critiques. For example, many community colleges have writing, film and television classes available to the public. They are usually taught by professionals. You can work on your craft and idea while getting regular critiques. You also might know someone who works in the entertainment business, and is willing to review your work

Don't think that the agent or producer you're paying for a professional read will buy your work. Remember from my previous posts that it's not the idea, it's the execution of the idea that's important. If you don't have a track record of creating successful shows, there will always be a question about your ability to execute the idea. If you do have a track record, they will pay you to option your work.

In general, I'm not in favor of paying any company to review your work. However, in some specific instances it may have value. Make sure you're working with legitimate companies; avoid ads in the back of writer's magazines. Think of this critique as paying for some one-on-one tutoring, and make your decision based on whether or not you think the tuition fee is worth what you'll learn.

You may be better off just bringing your ideas directly to the public, instead of going through the gatekeeper media companies. I will write more about that next post.