How (Not) To Write A Logline — What To Do Instead
Crafting a strong logline is one of the most important (and difficult!) steps for any screenwriter pitching their script. Your logline is often your story’s first impression, and a weak one can leave your project lost in a sea of submissions.
First Things First: What Is a Logline?
A logline is a one- to two-sentence summary of your story that highlights its core elements: the protagonist, their goal, and the main conflict or stakes. Think of it as the elevator pitch for your script—it’s your first chance to grab someone’s attention and make them want to learn more about your project.
Whether you’re pitching to producers, agents, or contest judges, a strong logline helps them quickly understand your story’s premise and potential. It’s also a critical tool for writers, forcing you to distill your narrative down to its essence and stay focused during the writing process.
But how do you write a logline that grabs attention and sets your script apart? Let’s dive in.
The Danger of Being Too General
The #1 mistake writers make when crafting a logline is being too vague. A general logline doesn’t communicate what makes your story unique.
For example, if you describe Breaking Bad as:
“A suburban parent turns to crime to support their family.”
…that is the exact same general logline as the shows Weeds and Ozark!
These shows have wildly different tones and plots, but you’d never know that from this generic logline.
Ozark on Netflix
What Makes a Great Logline?
A compelling logline captures the essence of your story while showcasing what makes it stand out. To write one that grabs attention, focus on these four key elements:
Main Character: Who is your protagonist? What makes them unique?
Inciting Incident: What event sets your story into motion?
Action: What steps does your character take to achieve their goal?
World: What unique setting or situation shapes your story?
For example, here’s a standout logline for Breaking Bad:
“A high school chemistry teacher, diagnosed with terminal cancer, turns to cooking meth to secure his family’s future, plunging into the dangerous world of drug trade.”
Now we know exactly what makes this story unique.
Walter White isn’t just any suburban parent—he’s a chemistry teacher with cancer who cooks meth. The stakes are immediately clear, and the hook is unforgettable.
Common Logline Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Want to make sure your logline stands out? Avoid these common pitfalls:
Being Too Vague: Don’t describe your story in broad strokes. Specifics sell!
Including Too Many Details: Focus on the core—subplots and minor characters can come later.
Focusing on Theme Over Plot: Avoid phrases like “a story about the importance of friendship.” Show us the stakes and action instead.
Overcomplicating It: Your logline should be clean and easy to understand.
Weeds on Showtime
A Simple Logline Formula
Not sure where to start? Try this formula:
[Protagonist] must [goal/action] after [inciting incident], but faces [conflict/stakes].
Example (The Hunger Games):
A teenage girl must fight to survive a televised death match after volunteering to save her sister.
This formula works because it highlights the protagonist, goal, and stakes while giving us enough intrigue to want more.
See, it doesn’t seem that hard to write a logline now, right?
Struggling with Your Logline? Here’s the Solution
If writing a logline feels like pulling teeth, you’re not alone—it’s a skill that takes time to master. But there’s good news: Save the Cat Logline Coaching can help.
Here’s what makes Save the Cat’s coaching so effective:
✅ Expert Guidance: Work one-on-one with experienced coaches who know what makes a logline pop.
✅ Personalized Feedback: Get tailored advice to highlight the best parts of your story.
✅ Confidence Boost: Walk away with a polished logline you can proudly pitch.
Save The Cat now has SOFTWARE! Making it even easier to use their methods to craft a great script!
Why Specificity is Your Superpower
Your logline isn’t just a summary—it’s your story’s first pitch. A great logline shows decision-makers exactly why your script deserves attention.
By honing in on the specifics of your protagonist, inciting incident, action, and world, you’ll not only stand out but also demonstrate your storytelling expertise.
Take Action Today
Your story deserves to shine, and it all starts with a killer logline.
If you’re ready to refine yours and make your script unforgettable, check out Save the Cat Logline Coaching. Their expert coaches will help you craft a logline that sells your story in just a sentence or two.
Have questions about writing or loglines? Drop them in the comments—I love talking about storytelling and helping writers achieve their goals! ✍️
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