Does this sound familiar?

I'm sure everybody who writes a sitcom thinks it's the greatest idea in the world, and I'm no different. I thought I wouldn't struggle as much with the minor details but I've turned into a perfectionist that has to write and re-write again and again. The long and short of it is that I'm not getting as far as I would like, not that I've set a time limit on myself but it would be nice to get the first ten pages out to someone.Of course they're written along with the whole episode but I feel I might be trying to get too much in them as I know how important it is to nail them. When do I stop?

Here's my advice (for what it's worth).

Stop now.

Put the script away for a week or two and work on something else.

Go back with fresh eyes and ask yourself (honestly) if you were reading it for the first time, would you want to read onto page 11?

If the answer's yes, then start sending it out.

Also, remember that if your script is picked up you will almost certainly be asked to do re-writes. View your script as a first draft, and it will be easier to send it out.

Stop rewriting when you think your script is becoming less funny. Rewriting is important but don't let it kill your initial comedic ideas. I often find when writing that my first instincts are the best. Then in the rewrite it's up to you to improve on the jokes or water them down needlessly. That's a skill in itself I think.