If you're a writer, you know that crafting the perfect logline is crucial to getting your script or book noticed. A logline is a brief summary of your story that captures its essence and hooks your audience. It's the elevator pitch that sells your project to producers, agents, and readers.
Here are some tips to help you write a killer logline:
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Keep it brief
A logline should be no more than one or two sentences long. It's important to be concise and to the point. Think of it as a tweet for your story. If your logline is too long, it's likely to lose your audience's attention. A short, snappy logline is more likely to grab their interest and make them want to know more.
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Identify the protagonist and their goal
Your logline should make it clear who the protagonist is and what they want. This is the driving force of your story, and it's what will keep your audience engaged. Make sure that your protagonist is interesting and relatable, and that their goal is something that your audience will care about. For example, "A shy cheerleader must overcome her insecurities and lead her team to victory" is more compelling than "A cheerleader tries to win a competition."
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Include the stakes
What is at stake if the protagonist doesn't achieve their goal? This is what creates tension and drama in your story. Make sure to include the stakes in your logline. This will give your audience a sense of what's at stake and make them want to know how the story ends. For example, "A shy cheerleader must overcome her insecurities and lead her team to victory, or risk losing the championship to their rival school" is more compelling than "A shy cheerleader must overcome her insecurities and lead her team to victory."
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Use active language
Use strong, active language in your logline. This will help to make it more engaging and exciting. Avoid passive language or vague descriptions. For example, "A shy cheerleader takes on her bullies and leads her team to victory" is more engaging than "A shy cheerleader is pushed to her limits."
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Make it unique
Your logline should stand out from the crowd. Avoid cliches or generic descriptions. Try to find a unique angle that sets your story apart. Think about what makes your story different and highlight that in your logline. For example, "A shy cheerleader must overcome her insecurities and lead her team of misfits to victory" is more unique than "A shy cheerleader must lead her team to victory."
- Test it out
Once you have a draft of your logline, test it out on friends, family, or fellow writers. Get feedback on whether it captures the essence of your story and hooks their interest. Use this feedback to refine your logline until it's the best it can be.
Remember, your logline is your chance to sell your story, so take the time to craft a killer one. It may take several drafts and revisions, but the effort will be worth it in the end. Good luck!
