I have the latest writing guidelines for writing scripts for
Commando and the editor said he would be happy to share them in
full here as they are always looking for great stories and he is
happy to be approached by new prospective writers. Hmmm, now I just
have to think of a good story!!
"COMMANDO"
PICTURE SCRIPTS — GENERAL INFORMATION
Eight Commando books are published each month. Four are new
stories and four are reprints. They are principally aimed at boys
from nine to sixteen years of age, but stories should not be too
youthful in treatment for they are also bought by many older
readers, including young men in the Armed Forces.
World War II is the setting of most stories, but stories from any
other major conflicts throughout history will be considered. The
main character should be young and attractive, so that the reader
will readily identify with him. He can be a tough type or a
studious type, but he must be interesting.
Exciting action is required, but this alone is not enough.
Emotional conflict between characters fighting side-by-side is
important, and conflict with the enemy is frequently secondary to
this. Commando stories should be about adventures occasioned by
the war, not just about warfare.
No horrific scenes are ever used, and the brutal side of war
should not be featured solely for the kind of thrill brutality
may bring. If brutality is completely necessary to the plot it
should not be dwelt upon and should never be shown in pictures,
only told in the wording.
Stories do not have to be about Commandos. Any branch of the
Army, Navy or Air Force may be used. The principal characters are
usually British, but can be any nationality if the story is
strong enough.
A great knowledge of technical details and service background is
not essential. We can easily add this to an otherwise sound
story.
Themes that tend to be played out - rescuing a VIP or plans or
microfilm from enemy-held territory; the wiping out of a secret
weapon in enemy territory; the veteran sergeant at loggerheads
with the young lieutenant; the young soldier whose father was a
hero in World War I; boys or young men meeting as rivals before
the war and then opposing each other again when in uniform. These
ideas are still acceptable but they must now have a really
original angle to carry the well-worn theme.
A synopsis (a present-tense summary of the story) of roughly 1000
words is required before we commission the script. This saves the
typing of a whole script based on what may be an unacceptable
theme. It also gives us the opportunity of suggesting
alterations. E-mail submissions are acceptable.
The technique of telling a story in script form is easily learned
and pointers will be given. Scripts should contain about 135
pictures and must be typed in double spacing.
Payment is made on
acceptance.
All communications (enclosing an SAE for the return of any paper
submission) should be addressed to –
Calum G Laird,
COMMANDO,
D.C. Thomson & Co. Ltd.,
Albert Square,
Dundee, DD1 9QJ.
e-mail to claird@dcthomson.co.uk
