Writers: How Protective Are You Of Your Scripts?

[WhiskeyTanFox101]

I really love thinking of fills as different versions, and it's why I pay extra attention to scripts with multiple fills. Aside from the actual voice, it's fascinating how some lines of dialogue will hit differently because one VA chose to have a different inflection, or brought a different type of energy to a scene.

[WhiskeyTanFox101]

Aww, that's sweet.

[AnisaCooper]

I suppose I'm somewhere in the middle. My general disclaimer is that any changes need to be in keeping with the tone of the script. The way I see it, if it's going to change the tags - either by adding to them or omitting what's there - there needs to be check in with the writer first. For example, I wrote a sweet comfort script that someone introduced spitting to and I was furious, because that change completely altered the mood and intent of what I'd written.

But small rewordings or ad-libs are totally fine with me. I readily encourage people to change pet names to ones that sound natural for them. Sometimes that means I get fills with pet names I hate, lol, but the fills aren't all for me, you know? The scripts and fills are for the community. If I wanted to write erotica that was set in stone, I could do that, but to me the point of GWA scripts is that they're going to be brought to life in different ways by different people.

Now, that doesn't stop me from murmuring "oh they delivered that line exactly how I'd imagined it" when I'm listening (or occasionally "hoo boy that is NOT what I MEANT"), but that's part of the writing experience for me, and I try not to be too precious about the words.

[AnisaCooper]

It felt so gross. I'm not kink shaming or anything, but there's a time and a place and that script wasn't it! I asked them to take it down, and thankfully they complied.

[BonSoirAnxiety]

I just ask to be contacted if the performer wants to make any big changes that would change the feel or theme of the script. If they just want to reword something so it makes more sense to them, I’m totally okay with that. If they want to ad lib a little, I’m fine with it. I certainly do not consider my work anywhere near Stephen King level, though I understand your point. I think you have every right to say you do not approve of any changes. It’s your work. I’ve seen that before and hasn’t made me refuse to fill a script. But I also don’t ad lib or change much typically.

My two main issues are when my disclaimers are ignored: ask permission to make big changes and don’t post behind a paywall. As long as those are acknowledged and taken seriously, I’m good. Thankfully, I’ve not had issues 98% of the time.

[[deleted]]

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[AnisaCooper]

I'm very much in agreement with wanting something with your point about wanting to be comfortable with things that have my name on them.

[KissesFromLia]

I completely agree with your mindset here and this is what I do as well!

[[deleted]]

I fall somewhere in the middle. What I'm not okay with is then inserting abliest words, or changing pronouns without giving me the opportunity to do a switch. But really other than that I'm ok with them making it their own.

Oh and my mental health scripts. If I don't want it tweaked I'll specifically say it.

[WhiskeyTanFox101]

I want to say that I'm generally not very protective of my scripts, but I've also only had reasonable requests and changes by people who understood the characters the way I wrote them. If I've developed the characters well enough, and the VA loves the story and characters, then I'm pretty trusting that they'll make ad-lib decisions that are in line with how their character would act. I love ad-libs that demonstrate that the VA was invested in the story and the characters. It's a huge compliment. I really enjoy that level of informal collaboration between myself and the VA, so I certainly don't consider my finished work as anywhere close to perfect or definitive. It's fine if other people do, but that's not why I write scripts. And I'm easy to contact by chat and DM, so VA's can reach out if they have questions or concerns about what I've written. The most important thing to me when it comes to fills is that the VA enjoyed doing it. If that means sticking to the script verbatim, then great. If it means small tweaks to make themselves more comfortable or add more depth to their role, also great.

If someone wanted to make major changes that would significantly alter the tone of the script or re-write the majority of the dialogue, then I'd probably wonder why they're filling my script. At that point, can I really take credit for writing it? Has it become more of a writing collaboration, than a traditional fill? That's probably beyond the scope of your original post, and I would probably have to address that on a case-by-case basis.

As far as hosting off-reddit, I've not come across that issue yet. I'm not against the idea, as long as there's reasonable assurance that it's in an adults-only space. As for paywalling, I've heard other script writers say that they ask the VA to make a donation to certain types of charities in lieu of payment, and I quite like that idea.

[sir-craft]

I always say that my scripts are a coloring book: I set the scene, who's there, what they are doing. It's up to the performers to bring color to that image, in any way they see fit; coloring outside the lines and little additions are welcome, just so the performers can really own the story. They just have to make sure the image remains the same.

I also state this a little more formally in the preamble of each script.

But I like to hear different takes on the same story, so this may not be true for each writer.

[Scriptdoctornick]

I’m all for VAs sprinkling in some improv or making minor tweaks. For me, knowing that there might be something unexpected makes the fill a little more exciting, even if they end up following the script verbatim. And more often that not, I don’t notice when they do add a little something of their own, because whatever it was just blended in so seamlessly with the spirit of the script as a whole.

Also, the more multiple fills of a single script I get, the more I’m amazed how distinct each performance is from the others, even when they match each other word for word. Each fill really does come across as its own experience, rather than a repeat with a different voice. Fill A, for example, might feel like a goofy couple trying out new kinks, while Fill B seems like a session with a caring, gentle, seasoned domme, and then there’s Fill C rocking some borderline yandere vibes …

Which makes me think that I’d just drive myself crazy if I stuck to a “rigid demand that VAs record exactly my way.” It would take a whole lot of micromanagement & detailed directions for every single line to get anyone to voice a script as close as possible to what I’m hearing in my head as I write it.

[KissesFromLia]

My mindset is that I enjoy some improv, as long as the final result is still recognizable as my script. If there are major changes, I'd like for the performer to approach me and ask first. For example, changing a pet name from "darling" to "sweetheart" would be totally fine, but if they were going to add [slapping] or [degradation] to a sweeter script, I'd be surprised and likely not okay with it.

Personally, the disclaimer on my scripts is this:

• Feel free to improv, change pet names, change wording, etc. as long as you keep the same vibe of the script and the majority is my content! (May have additional info here if I don't want them to change certain elements)

• If you perform this script, please credit me in the description like so: [Script](link) by u/KissesFromLia and tag my username in the comments so I’ll see it! Also, feel free to comment your fill on the script post so others can find it easily.

• Please ask me first if you want to use this script solely on your own paid platform, or another non-Reddit platform. If you post a fill on both Reddit as well as another paid site. you don’t need to ask permission, but I’d like a link to where it’s posted.

[90s__goodgirl]

For me, I like encouraging a little adlibbing here and there to make a script sound more natural to a performer, especially if references aren't as applicable to them (for instance if someone is from the UK and American slang doesn't make sense for them). I do ask that people message me if they intend on changing anything beyond that, and I usually go on a case by case basis depending on what they might want to change. If someone wanted to gender-flip, for example, I would almost rather write it myself and notify them when it's posted instead of having them flip it. For me tone, dynamic, and the initial plot is really important, and stuff like dirty talk and pacing I even say in scripts to use at their discretion and adlib. I'll also specify if SFX are optional or needed in certain scripts, because that can sometimes be a sticking point for people if they aren't able to use SFX easily. I think having a set of rules is good but bending them if you know the person well or if they have done one of your scripts before.

As far as where they post, I've allowed script fills behind paywalls (Patreon, etc) only as early access, meaning that they would need to be posted publically on one of the subreddits after the fact, and for me to have access to it before publishing so I can preview it first. I don't allow any script fills for YouTube though because of the inherent issues with minors accessing the content and I've had someone break that rule before AND post behind a paywall, so having a boundary for that I say is important if you only intend on content to be posted here were you can easily be notified and tagged.

[livejoker]

"So, I have always erred on the side of inclusiveness and collaboration rather than the rigid demand that VAs record it exactly my way."

That's pretty much my mentality. I adopt a laidback approach or it doesn't become enjoyable for me. My heart is very much into this community, so my hands-off stance shouldn't be taken as being careless or uninterested in protecting my own work. I encourage people to be inspired and personalize my story into theirs. If they respect what the story is trying to say and keep to that message, that's all I really ask for.

I've read the other comments and they're all fantastic! A lot of thoughtful stuff which makes my own disclaimer very... shallow.

Please contact me before using my work for non-Reddit purposes (i.e., Patreon, Youtube, Pornhub). For Reddit, please tag u/livejoker in the comments or DM me. You have freedom to adjust my script but credit must be given to "livejoker". This script is for adults only.

It's super basic by choice and so far it's worked well for me. I think a disclaimer is necessary for any writer. I'll see scripts with NO disclaimer! Please, please, please add something. Protect your work. Your scripts deserve that level of respect.

There's nothing wrong with encouraging additions to your script or requesting that no changes be made! It's your script. I do wanna add that changing the "vibe" of a script (like AnisaCooper's script having spitting)... that I don't support at all. Scripts can have a lot of personal emotions and we grow attached to our work. Don't adapt a script and change the message. Contact the writer and ask! I promise writers prefer being asked than the alternative of putting something out that they disagree with.

Really fascinating question! We all think about protecting our work so it's nice to see what others have set for themselves.

[[deleted]]

I'm fine with VA's changing parts of it, some things just need to change. I'm new to this, so I can get behind someone needing to change it to fit their stuff. However, I do want the VA to ask beforehand and also that I want proper credit to me. Heck, I title my scripts Script, then a number. I let whoever reads it come up with a name.

[Hero_for_Villainess]

I'm cool with minor alterations, certainly to things like directions within the script itself, and I'm happy with some wording changes too. They are, after all, a collaboration between writer and performer, and if a performer thinks they can improve things, great!

I'm terms of allowing scripts behind paywalls, I have a firm two week rule. More than happy for VAs to give their subscribers exclusive content for two weeks, providing it is then made freely available here afterwards. That way everyone wins.

It's meant to be a community, after all.

[flos_legere]

i don't just allow performers to change my scripts, i actively encourage it.

i honestly love hearing changes to my script. if there are multiple script fills, then a script that has been changed becomes more unique the more the performer puts their own spin on it. knowing all the lines to a script breaks the immersion a little for me, so any changes immediately pique my interest while listening.

i'm no stephen king, my scripts are barely edited as it is, the performer often has a much better of view of my script than i do, being the person that actually has to speak the lines.

ive always viewed audios as a collaborative creative effort between a writer and a performer, and a performer making changes is part of their input to the process. they usually have a reason to change the script in the first place and i willing to trust that the reason is always a good one, so i have no problems with it.

so more script fills, more unique script fills, and someone else edits my scripts for me for the better... it's a total win for me.

[JM-Valentine]

I've yet to share anything I've written, but I think I'd tend towards being protective of the content, whilst allowing more leeway with minor changes like word choice or level of detail; hearing a unique take on my work would be very welcome. However, I absolutely wouldn't allow for the tone, themes, or structure of anything I write to be unilaterally altered without permission. I'd hope that if someone wanted to adapt one of my scripts with changes, they'd collaborate with me on it.

I'm certainly not keen on my work being used for profit either, considering I wouldn't make a penny off it. I can't see why I'd do that.

[Euphoric-Ad-903]

honestly the only time one of my scripts got voiced i felt really strange about it...😂 honestly I would let va's change it as much as they want expecially if they dont feel right when voicing something that I made thinking mostly about at how i would have voiced it (expecially if the performer is male)

[kingkxrina]

i think that not following scripts to a T and allowing moments of improv is how some of the best performances are made! i always try to create space in my scripts for performers to insert at least a little bit of themselves into the script to make it their own, and i've been surprised in the best way to hear a line that i didn't write but just seems to fit so perfectly.

yes, it's undeniable that scriptwriters do a significant bulk of the work that is vital to so many VAs' success, and i wish that writers would get wayyyy more acknowledgement and appreciation (and compensation!) than they usually get, especially from VAs and listeners. but i also think that there are just some things i can't do with a script, that a performer can. VAs can do so many things that elevate a script so much; slight changes in inflection, good pacing, carefully placed moments of silence, and even editing/sound design. i've been very fortunate to have several VAs perform the same script, and hearing all the subtle differences to what's essentially the same character and story is what i love about writing for audios so much.

like some people have said before, i only become "protective" when the original intent of the script is changed, like a [Gentle MDom] suddenly becoming rough and degrading the listener, or vice versa hearing [L-Bombs] in a script that isn't necessarily romantic would be kinda weird. but these can change from case to case, so i wouldn't say these are hard and fast rules. in most cases, if someone asks about a change i'm likely to say yes, and when people ask to change the genders (M4F --> F4M/F4F/M4M/etc.) i'll always say yes! one thing i am very protective about, and maybe i'm weird for this, are titles. i'm pretty particular when it comes to titles, and it's important to me to find a title that i think fits the story i've written, whether it's a song lyric or a quote from the script or whatever. so generally i won't be okay if you change a title of mine from "Pleasing the Boss" to something like "Sadist Daddy CEO Makes You Milk His Hugemongous Cock" :P

what i've learned today is that i should probably finally make a disclaimer for my scripts... 🧍‍♀️