1 thought on “If this was a normal cover”

  1. I have no frame of reference for this quote, but the sentiment about the “gripping” nonsense is exactly a topic of discussion I had with some other writers. We were discussing loglines, and how so many writers fail to write them correctly. You’re supposed to tell us: the characters, their problem and why it matters, and the complication that keeps them from solving it in a straightforward manner. Let us know the antagonist, and if necessary, the setting.

    Instead the worst loglines just go on with gobbledygook about how “gripping” the story is, and how “you won’t be able to put it down!” and how “thought-provoking” or “steamy” the book is, and completely leave out any clue what the book is about. Or they leave out the empty praises, but just give us the premise of the story. Like this one:

    When Lieutenant [Fantasy Soap Opera Name for Beautiful Female Lead] returns from an investigation into a ‘pilot error’ case aboard the aircraft carrier [name redacted to protect the guilty], she comes face to face with NCIS Special Agent and former lover, [Fantasy Soap Opera Name for a Hunky Male Lead] , once again.

    And that’s it. That’s it. Does the “pilot error” scare quotes matter? Does it signal sabotage, or terrorism, or some other high-stakes problem? On the romance front, does it matter that Lady with the Fantastical Soap Opera Name has run into her ex? Is one of them married? Did one of them previously fake his or her death? Is any part of the story’s scenario actually a problem? The story’s logline is really just a premise, a writing prompt. Saves me money, but probably not the author’s intent.

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