Beyond the Blurb – Craft a Killer Logline That Sells Your Story.
Grabbing attention is everything in the bustling worlds of screenwriting and book publishing. Producers and agents are swamped with scripts and manuscripts, and guess what? They don’t have time to read them all. This is where the mighty logline steps in. Think of it as your story’s elevator pitch—a brief, irresistible teaser that makes them want to dive into your full work.
The Logline: Your Story in a Nutshell
Imagine you’re at a networking event and have a chance encounter with a literary agent. You only have a few moments to spark their interest in your work. That’s the power of a logline: a one or two-sentence summary that captures the essence of your story – plot, conflict, and characters – in a way that entices them to learn more.
Hold On, Isn’t That Just a Catchy Slogan?
There’s a key difference between a logline and a catchy slogan. Think of a marketing line like a dazzling movie trailer, all-flash and intrigue. For instance, “In space, no one can hear you scream” (Alien) is iconic, but it doesn’t tell much about the plot. Conversely, a logline is your story’s blueprint, providing a clear understanding of the core elements.
Crafting Your Logline Like a Pro – 7 Essential Tips.
#1 – Keep it Short and Sweet.
Think lightning strike, not bedtime story. Aim for one or two concise sentences that pack a punch.
Example: “In a dystopian future, a teenage girl volunteers to take her younger sister’s place in a televised fight to the death.” (The Hunger Games)
Why This Works: This logline is effective because it’s brief and to the point. It introduces the setting (dystopian future), the protagonist’s situation (teenage girl), and the central conflict (deadly competition) in a way that piques the reader’s curiosity.
#2 – Highlight the Conflict.
What obstacle stands between your protagonist and their goal? The conflict is the engine that drives your story forward.
Example: “A professional thief who steals corporate secrets through dream-sharing technology is given the inverse task of planting an idea into the mind of a C.E.O.” (Inception)
Why This Works: This logline introduces the protagonist’s unique skillset (dream thief) but then throws a curveball with the unusual challenge (planting an idea). It sparks the reader’s interest by highlighting the central conflict and its unexpected twist.
#3 – Introduce Your Hero.
Who is your story about? Make your protagonist stand out and establish their core desire.
Example: “After his father’s death, a technologically advanced prince returns home to Wakanda to take his rightful place as king, but faces a dangerous challenger who wants to expose Wakanda’s secrets to the world.” (Black Panther)
Why This Works: This logline introduces T’Challa, the protagonist, and his dual motivations: honouring his heritage and protecting his nation. It personalises the story by focusing on the protagonist’s journey and the stakes involved.
#4 – Establish the Stakes.What’s at risk for your characters? High stakes create tension and make your story more compelling.
Example: “A young Black man visiting his white girlfriend’s family for the weekend uncovers a sinister truth about their intentions, forcing him to fight for his survival in a terrifying situation where no one can be trusted.” (Get Out)
Why This Works: This logline raises the stakes by placing the protagonist in immediate physical danger within a hostile environment. It emphasises the urgency of the situation and the potential for betrayal..
#5 – Add a Hook.What makes your story unique? Include an intriguing twist or element to grab the reader’s attention.
Example: “A renowned detective investigates the death of a wealthy patriarch, but as he peels back layers of family secrets, he uncovers a web of lies and a killer with a shocking motive.” (Knives Out)
Why This Works: This logline hooks the reader with the whodunit aspect and the promise of a surprising revelation. It creates a sense of mystery and compels the reader to want to know more about the hidden secrets and the killer’s true motive.
[image error]#6 – Maintain Tone and Genre.
Your logline should give a hint of your story’s flavor, whether it’s a thriller, comedy, or drama.
Example: “An economics professor travels to Singapore with her boyfriend, only to discover he is a member of a wealthy family, and she must navigate a world of extravagant wealth and ruthless scheming.” (Crazy Rich Asians)
Why This Works: This logline sets the stage for a romantic comedy with a dash of social commentary. The central conflict and setting hint at the genre, giving the reader an idea of the overall tone and experience.
#7 – Avoid Spoilers.
Tease, don’t reveal! Keep the ending and major plot twists under wraps.
Example: “The members of a poor family scheme to become employed by a wealthy household, but their parasitic plan unravels with increasingly dangerous consequences.” (Parasite)
Why This Works: This logline introduces the core conflict (a poor family infiltrating a rich one) without revealing their methods or the exact nature of the consequences. It creates intrigue without giving away key plot points, leaving the reader wanting to discover how the story unfolds.
In Conclusion – By following these tips and focusing on clarity, you can craft a logline that effectively captures the essence of your story and entices readers and industry professionals to delve deeper. Remember, a strong logline is a powerful tool that can open doors and help your story get the attention it deserves.
Now it’s YOUR turn – Can you identify the genre and central conflict from the following logline: ‘A group of misfits with extraordinary abilities are brought together to fight an evil force threatening the world.’
Share your guesses in the comments!
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