Spencer Lanoue
Writing a logline might seem simple at first glance, but crafting that perfect, one-sentence summary that captures the essence of your story is an art in itself. It's like distilling a complex wine into a single, exquisite sip. So how do you write a logline that hooks the reader's attention and conveys your story's core? I'll break down the steps and offer tips to help you create a logline that's not just informative but intriguing.
What Exactly Is a Logline?
A logline is a brief summary of your story, usually one sentence long, that highlights the main character, the central conflict, and what makes your story unique. Think of it as your story's elevator pitch. The line that makes someone say, "Tell me more!" Loglines are particularly important in film and television. They can be just as useful for novels and other narrative forms.
Here's a classic example: "A young farm boy discovers he's actually a wizard and must defeat a dark lord to save his world." Sound familiar? That's a stripped-down version of the Harry Potter series. It gives us the protagonist (a young farm boy), the conflict (defeat a dark lord), and what makes it special (he's a wizard). This basic structure is what you should aim for when writing your own logline.
Why You Need a Strong Logline
Having a strong logline is not just about impressing potential producers or agents. It's about knowing your story inside out. It forces you to distill your narrative to its essence, making sure you understand the main driving forces behind your plot. A solid logline acts as a compass for your writing, ensuring you stay on track, and helps you communicate your story effectively to others.
Plus, a well-crafted logline is your first opportunity to hook someone into your story. Whether you're pitching a screenplay, submitting a manuscript, or just explaining your idea to a friend, a compelling logline can make all the difference. So, how do you create one that works? Let's dig in.
Start With Your Main Character
Your protagonist is the heart of your story. Naturally, they should feature prominently in your logline. When introducing your main character, focus on what makes them unique or interesting. Avoid generic descriptors like "a man" or "a woman." Instead, highlight a defining trait or role that sets them apart.
For example, consider the logline: "An awkward, introverted high school teacher discovers a hidden talent for stand-up comedy, which turns her life upside down." Here, "awkward, introverted high school teacher" immediately paints a picture of the protagonist and their world, making it more engaging.
Keep it simple and specific. Remember, in a logline, every word counts.
Identify the Central Conflict
The conflict is the engine of your story, driving the plot forward and keeping the audience engaged. In your logline, it's crucial to clearly define what the conflict is and what's at stake. This is often where the tension and drama in your story come from.
Consider the conflict in the logline: "A young mother must protect her children from alien invaders after a mysterious spaceship lands in her backyard." Here, the stakes are high and personal, creating immediate tension and intrigue. The conflict should be clear, compelling, and central to your story.
If your story has multiple layers of conflict, focus on the primary one that drives the narrative. You want your logline to be concise and impactful, not cluttered with subplots.
Highlight What Makes Your Story Unique
In a sea of stories, what makes yours stand out? This is the third crucial element of a logline. It could be a unique setting, an unusual narrative twist, or a fresh take on a familiar genre. Whatever it is, make sure it's clear in your logline.
Take this example: "In a world where dreams are sold as commodities, a young girl must protect her own dreams from a ruthless corporation." The unique setting of dreams as commodities sets this story apart, sparking curiosity and interest.
Think about what makes your story special and make sure it's reflected in your logline. This is your chance to show why someone should choose your story over another.
Keep It Short and Sweet
Remember, a logline is a single sentence. The goal is to convey a lot of information in a small space, so conciseness is key. Avoid unnecessary details or subplots. Focus on the essence of your story.
A good exercise is to try summarizing your story in 25 words or less. This forces you to prioritize what's most important and eliminate anything extraneous.
Consider this logline: "In a future where emotions are outlawed, a rebellious teenager fights to restore freedom of expression for a world trapped in monotony." It's brief yet powerful, capturing the protagonist, conflict, and unique setting in just a few words.
Avoid Clichés and Vague Language
While it might be tempting to use familiar phrases or tropes, clichés can make your logline feel stale and unoriginal. Instead, strive for fresh, vivid language that captures the essence of your story.
For example, instead of saying, "A brave hero must save the world," try something like, "A reluctant janitor stumbles upon a plot to destroy the universe and must become the unlikely hero he's always avoided being." This version is specific and intriguing, avoiding vague or overused terms.
Your logline should be a reflection of your story's voice and style, so let your creativity shine.
Test It Out Loud
Once you've crafted a logline, try saying it out loud. This can help you identify awkward phrasing or unnecessary complexity. If it doesn't roll off the tongue easily, consider revising it.
Reading your logline to others can also be valuable. Pay attention to their reactions. Do they seem intrigued or confused? Use their feedback to refine your logline until it clearly and compellingly conveys your story.
Remember, a great logline should spark curiosity and invite questions, not leave people scratching their heads.
Iterate and Refine
Like any piece of writing, your logline will benefit from multiple drafts. Don't be afraid to experiment with different phrasing or structure. Sometimes, stepping away and returning with fresh eyes can help you see new possibilities.
Consider creating several variations and testing them with different audiences. You might find that what resonates with one person doesn't work for another, so gathering diverse feedback can be incredibly valuable.
This iterative process can also be made easier with tools like Spell. It can help you brainstorm ideas and refine your logline until it hits the mark.
When to Use a Logline
Loglines are most commonly associated with screenwriting, but they're valuable tools in many contexts. Here are a few places where a strong logline can be particularly useful:
- Pitching your story: Whether to agents, publishers, or producers, a compelling logline is essential for grabbing attention.
- Writing query letters: A concise logline in a query letter can entice an agent to request your manuscript.
- Networking events: When someone asks about your project, a logline is a quick way to communicate your story.
- Marketing materials: Loglines can be used on book jackets, in press releases, or on websites to attract potential readers.
In each of these scenarios, a well-crafted logline serves as a powerful tool for pitching and promoting your story.
Examples of Effective Loglines
To wrap things up, let's look at a few more examples of effective loglines. These examples illustrate how different elements can be combined to create a compelling summary of a story:
1. "A cynical detective teams up with a psychic to catch a serial killer who targets people with supernatural abilities."
2. "In a dystopian future where books are banned, a fireman discovers the power of literature and becomes a rebel on the run."
3. "After waking up with no memory, a woman must piece together her past to stop a deadly conspiracy that threatens her life."
4. "In a world where humans and dragons coexist, a young dragon tamer must unite the two species to avert a looming war."
5. "A washed-up rock star gets a second chance at fame when he discovers a magical guitar that grants him extraordinary powers."
Each of these loglines captures the protagonist, conflict, and unique elements of the story, creating a snapshot that intrigues and invites further exploration.
Final Thoughts
Crafting a logline is a skill that takes practice, but it's well worth the effort. By distilling your story into a single, compelling sentence, you not only make it easier to pitch, but you also gain clarity about its core elements. If you're looking to refine your writing process, Spell can help you create and polish documents more efficiently, freeing up your creative energy for what truly matters. Happy writing!
