A Strong Logline is a Muscle in Your Pitch Biology
The classic question, “So… what’s your book about?” is a dreadful mutation of the job interview greatest hit, “Tell me about yourself.” If you’ve ever struggled with how to write a strong logline, join the club.
But not as bad as other classics such as:
“Why Don’t You Just Self Publish” and “How Much Can You Make Doing That” and “Oh I’ve Always Wanted To Write A Book Also”
We can answer this question with another question:
How do you sum up 300 pages of character arcs, tension, plot, voice, and artistic nuance in one solid, face melting sentence?
Welcome to Logline Land – where you can whittle away your life’s work into a toothpick for the small price of relentless rejection.
What Is a Logline and Why Do Writers Suck So Badly At Them?
A logline is a single, punchy sentence that captures the heart of your story. It’s what you’d say if you had to pitch your book in an elevator, at a bar, or in the tiny text box of a query form.
And despite being just one sentence, it does a lot of heavy lifting. A good logline:
- Clearly introduces your protagonist
- Establishes the central conflict or stakes
- Gives the editor, agent, or reader a reason to keep going
Think of it like your story’s billboard. It doesn’t tell everything. It tells just enough to spark interest—and signal that you know exactly what your story is about.
Why We Suck At Loglines
Loglines, query letters, pitches… they are all elements of a sales letter. And of course, literary writers aren’t salespeople. They aren’t marketers. They aren’t copywriters. Sure, there are a few mutants out there who have mastered these skills. This is why, for most of us, it is so frustrating because we ARE writers after all but this thing does not come built in to our writing toolkit.
Sure, they involve storytelling to some degree, so that’s good news. Maybe a better description is a journalism box in marketing wrapping paper. There it is. Facts about you. Facts about the market, the story, and of course the bonding line (this is why I’m querying you specifically). Facts that convert, that sell.
Also, the obvious reason: loglines are short, and to accomplish this, writers must detach from their love of words and drama aka prose.
This is not prose.
Why Loglines Matter More Than You Think
In a perfect world, your work would speak for itself. But in reality? If your logline doesn’t work, most people won’t even get to your pages.
Agents, editors, and even readers want to trust they’re in capable hands. A strong logline is proof that you have command of your craft and your story. That you’ve distilled the essence because you know it. That you’re not just “winging it.”
And most importantly – it shows you respect everyone’s most precious resource, time.
You must not just crystalize your story into a very clear crystal, but be convincing enough to convey confidence, trust, and respect.
A Common Mistake: Vague, Vibes Only Pitches
Let’s talk about what happens when you skip the important parts.
Writers often pitch a story with poetic ambiguity like this:
“It’s a haunting journey of self-discovery set against the backdrop of an unraveling world.”
You’ve slow blinked at trash like that, I know you have.
Don’t make a reader guess. Guessing requires… time. And the outcome of guessing is uncertain – which means they aren’t confident, in you.
The really cool part? All of this psychological Tetris happens in seconds. Single digit seconds.
Give them sharp, soul-hooking information. Who is the story about? What are they up against? What’s at stake? What if they don’t succeed – will they?
A great logline delivers those answers in 25–30 words.
What About The Premise Line?
Ah yes, the cousin of the logline – easily confused, but very different in purpose.
A premise line is not for agents. It’s for you.
It’s an internal tool you use during the writing process. It’s longer, more detailed, and focused on structure. Where the logline sells the story, the premise line builds it.
Here’s a rough framework for a premise line:
A [protagonist] must [goal] despite [obstacle] or else [consequence].
It sounds simple, but getting this right takes time and skill. Still, once you do, it becomes a compass. You’ll turn to it when hitting those inevitable detours and have to remind yourself what you are doing here in the first place anyway.
Logline vs. Premise Line: A Quick Comparison
| Logline | Premise Line | |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | Agents, editors, readers | You (and maybe your critique group/beta readers) |
| Length | 1–2 sentences | 1–2 lines (but internal use only) |
| Purpose | To pitch and hook | To clarify structure and theme |
| Focus | Clarity and intrigue | Plot mechanics and stakes |
Both are vital. But they serve different functions in the writing and publishing process.
I know, I know. This is about the logline – for the query letter – you’ve written the book. Back to that.
The Character Choices And Consequences Secret Sauce
You want to write a killer logline? Don’t just describe the plot. Direct the focus to decisions.
Stories that pull us along hinge on the choices characters make – especially when they’re in a corner. Highlighting those choices in your logline gives it emotional gravity and urgency.
Example:
“After an airborne spore pandemic decimates civilization, a guilt-ridden mercenary must choose between sacrificing a life to immunize the living or protect a child he considers his own.”
Last of Us. It’s the Last of Us.
- A protagonist
- A moral dilemma
- Massive stakes
And we want to read more.
Expose the decisions clearly, but only hint at what the consequences could be, might be.
The Strong Logline Exercise Regimen
- Identify the protagonist – Be specific. Name, role, or a descriptive phrase.
- Clarify the conflict – What challenge or force are they up against?
- Heighten the stakes – What happens if they fail? What’s at risk? Bonus points if everyone’s screwed win or lose.
- Cut the fat – Make every word pull its weight.
- Read it out loud – If it sounds like a movie trailer or book flap, you’re getting very warm.
- Write 3–5 versions. Don’t stop at your first draft. Revise and refine ferociously.
If all else fails, copy. Find book flaps and handwrite them – commit it muscle memory. Then rewrite again.
Before checking the done box on this – bounce it off some trusted comrades – ones who read and/or write. You’ll quickly understand how effective your logline is.
Why Editors and Agents Love a Great Logline
Time! It’s because of time, again. Nobody has the time, desire, or mental resources to spend deciphering vague pitches.
Editors want to know, at a glance, if your book fits their list and on the shelf. Agents need to understand it well enough to sell it to a publisher. And if you can’t explain your book clearly, how can they?
Clarity and specificity, will separate you out from the herd. It’s professional. You make their job easier.
And in a hundreds-high pile of submissions? That’s good enough to escape Query Hell and avoid a trip to Mount SlushMore.
How This Helps You As a Writer
Aside from pitching, writing a strong logline or premise line helps you:
- Uncover plot holes early… or late
- Stay on theme
- Transcend muddy middles
- Keep your revisions on target
- Remind you WTF you are writing
It’s a sanity tool as much as it is a sales one.
Final Thoughts on Writing a Strong Logline
Yes, writing a great logline is one of the hardest parts of the sales… oh ahem I mean, query process. It forces you to discriminate. To prioritize. To let go of “but this subplot is cool too!” and focus on the guts of your story.
But here’s the truth: if you can’t say what your story is about in one sentence… you’re not ready to pitch it yet. Don’t try it – I beg you. An amateur logline is a potent rejection magnet.
So sit with it. Rewrite it. Mr. Miyagi that thing until it crane kicks through the air.
Because when someone asks, “What’s your book about?” – your story, your MC, deserves a kick ass answer.
Bonus points if you can answer – How many times did he use logline in this article?
FAQ
What is a logline and why is it important for writers?
A logline is a one- to two-sentence summary of your story that highlights the protagonist, conflict, and stakes. It’s essential for pitching your work to agents and editors.
How does a premise line differ from a logline?
A premise line is used internally by the writer to clarify the structure and arc of the story. A logline is external-facing and designed to pitch the story quickly and clearly.
What should be included in a query letter?
A strong query includes your logline, a brief synopsis, relevant bio, and any comparable titles or genre notes. Clarity and professionalism are key.
How can I improve my logline skills?
Start with mastering character choices and stakes. Read widely. Copy book flaps. And use tools like premise lines to clarify your own intent before drafting.
Why do editors and agents dislike vague pitches?
Because they don’t have time to interpret ambiguity. Editors and agents need to know exactly what your story is about to assess fit and marketability.
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