A logline is a brief summary of your story that captures the essence of your film, television show, or book. It’s the hook that draws people in and makes them want to know more. Whether you’re a screenwriter, novelist, or filmmaker, crafting a great logline is an essential skill. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you write a logline that will make your project irresistible.

Step 1: Identify the genre and tone

The first step in writing a logline is to determine the genre and tone of your story. Is it a romantic comedy, a thriller, a science fiction epic, or something else? Knowing the genre will help you establish the tone and give you a roadmap for what kind of story you want to tell.

Step 2: Summarize the story

Once you know the genre and tone, it’s time to summarize the story. Keep it simple and focus on the main plot points. Think about the main character, their goal, and the conflict they face. What makes your story unique and interesting?

Step 3: Add the hook

Now that you have a basic summary, it’s time to add the hook. This is the part of the logline that makes people want to know more. It can be a surprising twist, a unique setting, or an intriguing premise. Make sure the hook is memorable and leaves the reader wanting more.

Step 4: Keep it concise

A great logline is concise and to the point. Avoid using complex language or technical terms that only a specialist would understand. Keep it short and sweet, and make sure the logline is easy to read and understand. Aim for a logline that is no more than one or two sentences.

Step 5: Revise and refine

Once you have a draft of your logline, it’s time to revise and refine it. Read it over several times and make any necessary changes. Ask friends and colleagues for their opinions and make changes based on their feedback. Make sure the logline accurately reflects the story you’re trying to tell.

Step 6: Make it memorable

A great logline should be memorable. People should be able to remember it even after they’ve read it. This means that your logline should have a clear and memorable structure, as well as interesting and unique content.

One way to make your logline memorable is to use active language and vivid imagery. For example, instead of saying “A man goes on a journey,” say “A determined man embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth.” This not only makes the logline more interesting, but it also gives the reader a better idea of what to expect from the story.

Step 7: Highlight the conflict

Conflict is an essential part of any story, and your logline should reflect that. The conflict is what drives the story forward and keeps the reader engaged. Make sure your logline highlights the main conflict of the story and makes it clear what the protagonist is up against.

Step 8: Show, don’t tell

When writing a logline, it’s important to show, not tell. This means that instead of telling the reader what’s happening in the story, you should show them through vivid descriptions and interesting twists. For example, instead of saying “A woman is in love with a man,” say “A hopeless romantic falls head over heels for a mysterious stranger, but soon realizes that he’s hiding a dark secret.”

Step 9: Make it unique

There are thousands of stories out there, and it’s important to make sure that your logline stands out from the crowd. Make sure your logline has a unique and interesting angle that sets it apart from other stories in the same genre. Whether it’s a unique setting, an intriguing premise, or a surprising twist, make sure your logline is unique and memorable.

Step 10: Test it

Finally, test your logline on friends, family, and colleagues. Ask them what they think of the logline and what they would like to see from the story. Based on their feedback, make any necessary changes to the logline to make it even stronger.

In conclusion, writing a great logline is an essential part of your storytelling process. It’s the first impression that people have of your story, and it’s important to make sure it’s strong and memorable. By following these steps and taking the time to revise and refine your logline, you can craft a logline that accurately reflects your story and makes people want to know more. Happy writing!