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[autumnchris]

Hello.
Im writing a book, is almost finished but I would like some opinions for editing. Im looking for "writing buddies" that want to read it and give me feedback.  however Im afraid they could steal it...what are the risks of sharing an unfinished job? Is there an actual a risk? Is there any way I can protect it? hope you can help me. Thanks a lot.

[SoCalProductDev]

Hello.
Im writing a book, is almost finished but I would like some opinions for editing. Im looking for "writing buddies" that want to read it and give me feedback.  however Im afraid they could steal it...what are the risks of sharing an unfinished job? Is there an actual a risk? Is there any way I can protect it? hope you can help me. Thanks a lot.

It is very common for authors and their publishers to send out copies of the book to a great many people for comments and reviews prior to publishing and, in some cases, even prior to final editing.

If you know another author, give him/her a call for advice and ask for the name of their publisher.  (You might get the advice fairly easily, but a referral to a publisher might come a bit harder.)

[Kaitlin]

Also, since this may be your underlying concern, a copyright exists in the creative work from the moment it is "fixed in a tangible medium of expression."  You need registration with the copyright office to sue on the work, but the rights exist once sufficient words are out of the head and onto paper.

Incidentally, many towns have writers groups and organizations which are good places to get to know other writers, these can be small local clubs or larger conferences.   (See e.g. http://calwriters.org/about-cwc/ or http://pwcwriters.org/ or http://www.atlantawritersclub.org/). 
If you're new to professional writing and haven't checked into publications for writers such as Writer's Digest (check your library), that might be a good place to start getting familiar with the ropes of seeking out publishers.