A Note from the Editor
Several years ago, Paul M. Miller, founder of Lillenas Drama, wrote, “There’s a wonderful new energy breathing through the Christian Church these days.” I might now amend his statement by taking out the word “new.” No, not every church and group is performing drama in a worship service every week, but the idea of drama in the church is certainly more accepted than it was even just a few short years ago.
It is exciting news when artists find avenues to use their God-given talents to glorify Him and minister to others. Our catalog hosts books for the performer, the director, the “techie” and the playwright.
Thank you for your interest in joining our family of writers who help equip all who desire to minister using the dramatic arts. The information that follows will help you know what we are looking for and how you ought to present it to us.
Kimberly R. Messer
Lillenas Drama
To Our Potential Sketch Writers and Playwrights
As you read the above, you can sense that our purpose in supplying the church and Christian school with dramatic resources primarily for ministry – ministry directed toward an audience, and ministry among a cast and crew. Because of that, our publications must reflect a distinctly Christian point of view. Obviously, that does not mean sermonizing, but it does mean providing a strong message that is couched in a highly entertaining script. People involved on both sides of the footlights need to feel that the effort and time spent were worthwhile, and that one’s spiritual sensibilities are heightened because of the experience.
Submission of A Manuscript
Six months should be allowed for the editorial staff to read and report on a manuscript. Frankly, sometimes it will take longer. We purchase only original, previously unpublished materials. We do not consider simultaneous submissions. Also, we require that all scripts be performed at least once before it is submitted for consideration. We do not accept scripts that are sent via fax or e-mail. Direct all manuscripts to:
Drama Resources Editor
Lillenas Publishing Company
P.O. Box 419527
Kansas City, MO 64141
This office does not consider musicals.
Manuscript Specs
Manuscripts should be typed double-spaced on 8 1/2” X 11” white paper. We prefer computer-generated copy that is near-letter quality. Please include author’s name, address, and social security number on the first page. A self-addressed, stamped envelope should be enclosed to assure return of manuscripts not accepted. While Lillenas makes every effort to return unpurchased material, if there is no enclosed return envelope and postage, we cannot be responsible. If your manuscript is a collection or a full-length play, upon acceptance, we will ask you to format your manuscript to our specifications, and we will ask you to provide a computer disk copy of your word processing files.
Script Format
When preparing a one-act, full-length, or sketches, please consider the following:- Tell us of the performance(s) of your material in the cover letter.
- Include a summary paragraph either as a part of the first page of script or separately. Give us an idea of the theme and purpose.
- Provide a cast list, scene description, prop list, and other necessary production-related information. This data should appear before the first page of each play, or on the first page of each sketch.
- If possible, dialogue format should be typed in this style:
TOM: Of course I know what is expected of me.
ANN (standing): Then why don’t you do something about it? Don’t just sit there!
(TOM moves toward the door. With a gesture, ANN stops him.)
ANN: Wait just a minute, young man. (She drops the tray) There! At least I have your attention. - Number all manuscript pages consecutively. Do not number each act separately.
Copyright Regulations
All of our Drama Resources are copyrighted. This is done principally for the protection of the author; therefore, materials submitted must comply with copyright regulations. If other copyrighted material appears in your manuscript, you are responsible for securing permission to use the other material.
Payment
Play scripts that will be part of a collection of works all by one author or full-length plays that stand alone are purchased by royalty payment. The author receives 10 percent of retail purchase price of all books sold. Copies distributed for promotional reasons are not included. The author is allowed to purchase his own work at 50 percent discount. Scripts that are part of an anthology by different authors may receive a pro-rata royalty depending upon the number of authors involved. Or, the author may opt for an outright purchase, which begins at $5.00 per double-spaced typed page. If we buy your play, please be aware that our production schedule is set at least two years in advance and that books are only published at certain intervals during each year. The editorial staff will be working closely with you as the material is prepared for production.
Contracts are issued upon receipt of finished copy. This may be some time after the company accepts your manuscript. The editorial staff may handle editorial changes, or the work may be returned to you for rewriting and manuscript editing.
Editorial Needs
Sketch and monologue collections for all ages – adults, children and youth. For these collections, we request 12 to 15 scripts to be submitted at one time. Unique treatments of spiritual themes, relevant issues and biblical messages are of interest. Contemporary full-length and one-act plays that have conflict, characterization, and a spiritual context that is neither a sermon nor an apologetic for youth and adults. We also need wholesome so-called secular full- length scripts for dinner theatres and schools.
To Our Potential Program Builder Contributors
Your interest in submitting manuscripts for use in our program resource publications is appreciated. Our purpose is to provide creatively conceived and practically producible resources for church and school programs. Most are published as 38-to 56-page collections called Program Builders. Each utilizes short scripts, program outlines, recitations, and the like.
- Christmas Program Builder series:
short plays, recitations, exercises, and full-length program outlines (yearly)
- Easter Program Builder series:
short plays, recitations, exercises and full-length program outlines (every other year)
- Other seasonal Program Builders:
Thanksgiving, Mother’s/Father’s Day, etc. (upon demand)
Submission of ManuscriptsFour to six months or more should be allowed for the editor and staff to consider and report on material. Seasonal manuscripts are purchased year-around. We purchase only original, previously unpublished material. Direct all manuscripts to:
Program Builder Editor
Lillenas Publishing Company
P.O. Box 419527
Kansas City, MO 64141
Manuscript Specifications
Manuscripts should be typed double-spaced on 8” x 11” white paper. Please include author’s name, address, and social security number on the first page. A self-addressed, stamped envelope should be enclosed to assure return of manuscripts not accepted.
Copyright Regulations
All of our program publications are copyrighted. This is primarily for the protection of the author; therefore, materials submitted must comply with copyright regulations. If another author’s work is included in yours, you are responsible for securing permission to use the other material. In purchasing a manuscript, Lillenas buys first print rights only. After it appears in print, the author is welcome to offer it to another publisher. However, the second publisher should be advised of its previous use. Write us if you have any questions about copyrights.
Payment
Payment is made on acceptance, and complimentary copies of the publication carrying the material purchased are mailed to the contributor. The basic payment schedule is:
- 25 cents per line of poetry
- $5.00 per typed page of manuscript
This may vary according to type and quality of the material. If we purchase your work for a Program Builder, do not be overly anxious to see your work in print unless the piece is selected to become part of a seasonal collection or one that we are assembling at the present time. It sometimes takes years to collect enough manuscripts to fill out a specific collection. We produce one to three Program Builders per year.
Editorial Needs
We never receive too many manuscripts. There is almost always a need for work that fits into some, if not all, of the following classifications:
Readings and Recitations
Because we produce Program Builders, and not devotional literature, it is important to remember that anything we consider for publication must relate to a public presentation. That means we can use manuscripts that are seasonal, general, missionary, of interest to women, and so on. They may take the form of:
Monologues: suggest possible costume and props, if applicable.
Short prose: for oral interpretation.
Recitations and exercises graded by age: Preschool; 5 to 7; 8 to 10. Provide brief instructions for staging.
Short Sketches and Skits
All categories and for all ages. Short, humorous, inspirational, or informative. Suggest costumes, props, cast list, and playing time. Remember to limit the number of scenes or acts. The most successful scripts are those that are confined to one or two locations and suggest a primary truth.
Puppet Scripts
Lillenas publishes a series of Puppet Program scripts collections. Unusual manuscripts that entertain and impart a message are considered: all season, all categories, all ages. In our puppet program series, each book contains 12 to 15 scripts all by the same author. The emphasis in this series is simplicity. A set of four or so puppets should be usable for all the scripts in the book. We really have no outlet for single puppet scripts.
A Realistic Note To All Writers
The Lillenas Drama Resources and Program Builder editorial offices receive scores of manuscripts a month. Each is given careful consideration in the light of the foregoing. We do not purchase a high percentage of what is submitted. This is offered not as discouragement, because we count on freelance writers like you. We invite and suggest that you visit your local Christian bookstore and peruse the display of Lillenas Drama Resources and Program Builders/Puppet Scripts you will find there. Acquaint yourself with our publications and style. We never receive too many manuscripts, especially from serious playwrights. However, there are many more opportunities for the less experienced writer to sell his or her work in the Program Builder market.
Two other words:
We receive a great quantity of poetry. Unless it is for seasonal recitations for a children’s program, we really have little outlet for your verse.
Original music is not considered by this department. The music staff reviews dramatic musicals before being reviewed for dramatic content.
All questions may be directed to the address listed under “Submission of a Manuscript.”
With Appreciation
Lillenas leads the way in providing program and drama resources for local church and Christian school use. Without you, we would be unable to do this. So, we thank you for your creative interest in Lillenas.
Please note: Due to the holiday season, we do not review manuscripts during the months of November - January.
Lillenas Publishing Company
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