NAIL YOUR LOGLINE IN ONE LINE—or LOSE ME!

Written by Lynch Rivera.

Alright, seriously—what’s your logline? Right now. Out loud. (I’ll wait.)

If you’re stuck or fumbling for words, don’t worry. We’ve all been there! Writing a logline—the ultimate one-sentence elevator pitch—is like trying to boil down your entire story into a single shot. But by the end of this, you’ll have a logline you can say confidently and clearly. Here’s
how.

5 Must-Haves for Loglines:

1. Character

Who are we following? Make them vivid in one phrase: a retired assassin, a sexy baker, a lovestruck barista. Picture your character at a glance.

2. Catalyst

What sparks their journey? An external force that flips their world upside down—like a mysterious letter, a job offer, or a breakup text. Whatever it is, make it the match that lights the fire.

3. Goal/Want

What’s driving them forward? This is the thing they’re chasing. Maybe it’s love, a million dollars, or the chance to clear their name. It’s their North Star.

4. Stakes

What’s on the line? Think of this as the why it matters. What will they lose if they fail? Their freedom? Their family? Their pride? Make it feel huge.

5. Obstacle

Who or what stands in the way? A rival, a deadline, a betrayal. This is your character’s big wall—they have to climb it to get what they want.

Now, look at these five elements and ask yourself—does my logline have them all? They’re the bones of every gripping logline. The stronger each piece is, the harder your logline will hit.

Your Turn: Apply It

So, read your logline out loud again. How does it sound? If it’s sharper, bolder, and gives a clear shot of your story, you’re ready. Here’s how these elements come together:
● A washed-up boxer faces his fiercest rival to redeem himself, but failing health and haunted memories threaten to KO him for good.
● A young widow receives a letter claiming her husband is alive and risks everything to uncover the truth as a powerful organization hunts her down.
● A rebellious artist plans to expose a dangerous leader through his portrait, risking her freedom under constant surveillance.

Now go write the logline that’ll make anyone want to hear the whole story!