Submission Categories

Submission Categories

In addition to reading the following information, we encourage you to explore the archive Links to an external site. of Script--especially the recent issues--to get a better idea of what the editorial board is looking for as you prepare your submission(s):

THE USE OF AI IS NOT PERMITTED ON ANY SUBMISSIONS.

ACADEMIC ESSAYS:

  • Maximum of 3,000 words
  • Clear thesis statement, well-developed support, logical organization
  • If you wrote it for a class, adapt it for a Script audience who may not know anything about the specific topic of your essay. (Ex: if the essay analyzes a piece of literature, summarize the piece briefly; if it involves a theory, define it first; etc.)
  • Include a works cited page, even if your professor didn't require it.
  • It can be from any class, not just English classes. 

PERSONAL ESSAYS:

  • Maximum of 750 words
  • Nonfiction work that portrays a specific, personal experience
  • Think beyond the diary entry; draw the audience into the experience.
  • Setting, dialogue, and sensory detail can be helpful.

FICTION SHORT STORIES:

  • Maximum of 3,000 words
  • Keep in mind the elements of great fiction: clear point of view, well-developed characters, compelling plot, purposeful setting, authentic dialogue.
  • Avoid clichés. 
  • Do not submit excerpts from a longer piece of fiction or novel. 

POEMS:

  • No maximum word count, but epic poems are less likely to be considered. 
  • The formatting should complement the content of the poem.
  • Avoid clichés. 
  • We appreciate specificity, sensory detail, and surprising language. 

DRAMA:

  • Maximum of 3,000 words of a play or screenplay you've written 
  • You may choose to upload a video recording of your original drama instead of the script.
  • We prefer one-act plays/screenplays so that we can include the full story. However, we will consider excerpts from longer works.
  • The characters should be well-rounded and the plot should be clear, even if it’s only a portion of the drama. 

VISUAL ART:

  • You may not adapt or use someone else's work; it must be your own original, creative work.
  • Keep basic design elements in mind: focal point, balance, proportion, light, etc.
  • Include the medium information (type of art, materials used, size) in the comments portion of the submission form.

MUSIC:

  • High quality audio recording
  • If your song has lyrics, you'll be asked to upload those as well.

FILM:

  • Highest quality video recording
  • Should have a clear/interesting plot and meaningful message

CREATIVE PERFORMANCE:

  • Highest quality video recording of a performance of your original dance choreography or a performance of your original slam poem
  • For slam poems, you'll also need to upload the accompanying transcript of the text.