Limelight Scripts

Publishers of Pantomimes, Plays and Musicals

A guide to getting your play script published

What we publish.

Limelight Scripts is an online publisher of theatre scripts. We specialise in English pantomimes but we will also publish plays and musicals and any original music that might come with any of the afformentioned scripts. Please note that we only publish scripts written in either British English, or American English.

What we look for in a script.

The first thing we look for in a submitted script, is originality. Of course that doesn't preclude work that covers well trodden subjects. But if you want us to sit up and take notice, then the best way to do this is either with something original, or an original take on a familiar subject. When it comes to comedy, we can only judge the merits of this by applying our own sense of humour. If it makes us laugh, there's a good chance we will publish it.

What we avoid in a script.

Duplication: This might seem strange seeing as we publish several titles with the same name on our pantomimes page but this is pretty much the only the exception to this rule. Pantomime is a unique form of entertainment which relies on a well established format, see our history of pantomime page for a more indepth explantion of this. However, to publish a new version of a familiar title, it must offer something different to what which we already publish. Plagiarism: Parodying ideas are recognised as part and parcel of normal pantomime tradition. Borrowing and building on ideas and routines is acceptable, however plagiarism is not. Thus borrowing whole scenes would come under this heading, and could be classed as an actionable breach of copyright. Any scripts published by us and then found to have been plagiarised from someone else's work, will be immediately withdrawn from publication. Lacklustre scripts: Lack of plot, lack of differentiation between characters, lack of humour, lack of changes of pace.

Do Limelight Scripts pay advances for scripts?

No. If you are looking for an advance for a play script, then you will have to convince a world reknowned publisher like Random House that you have a potential blockbuster on your hands.

Do Limelight Scripts charge for publishing scripts?

No. If we like your script, and you agree to our standard contract. Then we will freely publish it on line and in hard copy, and then wait for any orders to come in. You will then get paid from any royalties collected. But please don't expect an overnight rush for your work. The wait can sometimes be long and frustrating.

How do I submit my script?

Send us a query by e-mail, stating the title of the script you would like us to consider for publication, the approximate word count, the number of characters, and a brief synopsis. If we like it, you will then be asked to submit the complete script via an e-mail attachment. The submitted script must also be formatted according to the Limelight Scripts guidelines. We will read the entire script and either reject it or accept it for publication. If accepted, your script will be proof read and edited (usually correctring minor errors) and then formatted according to our house style. If the editing process makes significant changes, then we will return the script to you for checking. When both parties are satisfied, we will publish and make your script available via our website.