One of our most beloved Story Spot readers sent in a question about query letters that many of you–whatever form your work takes–may find helpful (let us know if you do!) Mote writes:
A friend of mine is thinking about approaching some specialty production companies with a script he’s working on — when it’s finished. I told him, if it were me, I’d include a logline and tell them a little bit about myself, my background, and my writing experience — as well …
Loglines are hard. It’s true. Creating those snappy compressed bites of your story can feel more draining than writing the entire story itself. No one said they were easy but they are essential. Here are a few tips on how to create a great logline for your story.
Start with one page. Get out a blank sheet and challenge yourself to say all you can about your story on that …
Photo credit: westsidecreations
One of the best ways to capture a burning idea, shape a new story, check your premise as you work, and formulate a pitch is through the use of a logline.
What is it? Glad you asked.
Tweet And a tiny url for your sharing pleasure: http://tinyurl.com/754k9xd
We spend so much time working to perfect our stories, we often neglect a great little tool: The Outline.
With its partners, treatments and pitches, the outline is not only a compact way to communicate your premise but also a great way to rein in the sprawl of your thinking and focus on the key elements in your and your writing partners’ …
Here’s a good giggle. Literary agent Sharlene Martin posts this sample of truly pathetic query letters she’s received (sorry, there simply is no better word). The desperation is palpable, people.
(Scroll down on her page to view)Query Madness, Writers’ Digest, Nov-Dec 2007
Okay, snarkiness aside, I can see how many of these folks might have thought they would win her over–cut through …