Log lines

A log line is a brief summary of a novel, film, or story that provides a synopsis of the plot and an emotional "hook" to stimulate interest. Log lines are usually just a line or two and are a useful selling tool for pitching your book or film. Some writers like to create a log line before they begin a writing project, believing that if the idea is clear in a short form it will help them keep focused on the longer form.

Time to complete
Ease of use
Development stage

Launch Story Planner Helper

The Killogator™, a Log Line Generation Formula

Graeme Shimmin’s Killogator™ log line formula helps create a perfect log line in a few easy steps.

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timeproperty 10 min
Challenging
Developed

Log line formula

A simple way to build your story’s log line.

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timeproperty 10 min
Easy
New idea

The Snowflake Method story outline

The Snowflake Method builds your story from one line to a paragraph, and then more.

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timeproperty 40 min
Challenging
In depth

The Moral Premise

Not strictly speaking a log line, but a guiding principle to help you create a powerful story theme that guides your novel or script.

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timeproperty 20 min
Specialist
Developed

The Logline-inator

The Logline-inator is a machine for crunching story elements into a log line.

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timeproperty 15 min
Easy
Developed

Who What Where log line

Who is your central character, what do they do? These questions will get you started on a log line.

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timeproperty 20 min
Challenging
Developed

Log line Elements

Key elements to define your story in short form.

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timeproperty 15 min
Challenging
Developed

Jean Paul’s log line wisdom

A simple common sense way to write a log line.

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timeproperty 15 min
Easy
New idea

No Frills log line

If you don’t want any formulas or tips and just want to write your log line, this is the place.

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timeproperty 10 min
Easy
New idea