Submissions

Questions? Contact us.

Drop us a synopsis!

Macguffin Co. is open to submissions. If your synopsis is accepted, and then greenlit by the Macguffin community, we’ll assemble a creative team, develop a pilot, conduct an Offering, and pitch the pilot to media partners on your behalf.

  • Once your submission is received, it is considered for publication by an editor, who will assess content, subject matter and suitability. If the editor considers the work to be appropriate for Macguffin Co., we will put forward an offer of publication, via a Macguffin Co. publishing contract.

  • Original ideas, simply expressed.

    We’re always looking for great, original, character-led storylines - in the form of loglines, synopses, and treatments - with broad, world-building potential.

    Many of the stories and characters you will see on Macguffin.co begin as concepts for children’s media/ entertainment franchises. This is a natural place to focus, but we are open to ideas that “age up” as well.

    The key is authenticity, originality, compelling characters with deep backstories, and the unique and interesting worlds they live in.

  • LOGLINES:

    Crafting a captivating loglines is crucial for grabbing the attention of your fellow Macguffins. Keep it concise: A logline should be a single sentence, ideally under 25 words.

    1.Establish the conflict: Clearly state the main conflict or challenge the protagonist faces. This could be an external threat or an internal struggle, but it should convey the stakes and create intrigue.

    2. Then highlight the protagonist. Clearly identify the main character and their key traits or occupation. This helps readers envision the story's central journey.

    3. Focus on the core elements of your story, avoid unnecessary details, and convey uniqueness. Emphasize the elements that make your story distinctive.

    Remember, writing a logline is an art form in itself. It requires distilling your concepts’s essence into a concise and captivating sentence that covers all of the above. See examples on the Loglines page for inspiration.

    SYNOPSES:

    Writing a compelling synopsis requires careful crafting to capture the essence of your narrative:

    1. Understand the Purpose: A synopsis is a concise summary of your entire story, highlighting the main plotline, key characters, and major events. Its purpose is to provide a clear overview while generating intrigue and interest.

    2. Keep it Concise: Aim for a synopsis length of 750 words to maintain brevity and clarity. Avoid including excessive details or subplots, focusing only on the main storyline.

    3. Introduce the Protagonist: Begin your synopsis by introducing the main character(s) and their primary goal or conflict. Clearly convey who they are, their motivations, and what drives them throughout the story.

    4. Outline the Plot: Summarize the main events and turning points of your story, ensuring a coherent flow. Include the major plot twists, conflicts, and resolutions, giving a sense of the overall narrative arc.

    5. Highlight the Conflict: Emphasize the central conflict or obstacle the protagonist faces, as this drives the story's tension and provides the backbone of your synopsis. Showcase the stakes and consequences involved.

    6. Include Key Characters: Briefly introduce other significant characters that contribute to the plot or impact the protagonist's journey. Mention their roles and how they interact with the main character.

    7. Focus on the Main Plot: Avoid delving into subplots or minor storylines that may confuse or overwhelm readers. Keep the spotlight on the primary narrative, ensuring clarity and coherence.

    8. Showcase the Setting: Provide a sense of the story's setting and atmosphere. Briefly describe the world your characters inhabit, whether it's a fantastical realm, a historical era, or a contemporary city.

    9. Maintain Objectivity: Write your synopsis in the third person, present tense, and maintain an objective tone. Avoid inserting personal opinions or subjective interpretations.

    10. Highlight Unique Elements: If your story has unique twists, themes, or innovative approaches, ensure they are evident in the synopsis. This will help your work stand out from the crowd.

    11. Create Hooks: Craft intriguing sentences to captivate your readers and make them eager to uncover more. Focus on the most captivating aspects of your story, leaving them wanting more.

    12. Proofread and Edit: Always proofread your synopsis for grammar, punctuation, and clarity. Ensure there are no typos or errors that may compromise its professionalism.

    Now, give it a go, Macguffin!

  • Rights & Permissions: Your submission must be your original work. We do not consider submissions that have been previously published, copyrighted, or are subject to previous claims in any way, shape, or form. By submitting your work to us, you confirm that you hold all necessary rights and permissions.

    Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old, and able to enter into a legally binding agreement where you reside in compliance with our terms of use.

    Submissions Format: We only accept submissions via the form on this page. No email, snail mail, or phone calls, please.

    Cover Letter: Not necessary.

    Simultaneous Submissions: Please let us know if your Synopsis is being considered elsewhere. We appreciate honesty and transparency.

    Response Time: We try to acknowledge receipt and acceptance or rejection of a Submission within 48 hours. If the manuscript has been rejected, please do not resubmit it unless we specifically suggested a revision.

    Rejection is a Blessing: If we must decline your submission, please don't take it to heart. Use our feedback as fuel to improve your craft and find the perfect home for your masterpiece.

    So Is Acceptance: If we agree to publish your Logline + Synopsis on Macguffin.co, you will be offered a publishing agreement, which will include detailed terms, but here are the highlights: (1) you will receive an advance against a royalty for future licensing revenue generated by your idea; (2) you retain the copyright; (3) you grant Macguffin Co. the exclusive right to represent your submission for a minimum of 90 days from the Submission Date. During this exclusivity period, you agree not to enter into any agreements, negotiations, or engagements with any other entity for the representation or publication of the submitted work/s. We will license your copywrite (in exchange for a royalty stream bases on the [profits/revenue] received from the franchise If your Logline + Synopsis is greenlit for an Offering.

Once your submission is received, it is considered for publication by an editor, who will assess content, subject matter and suitability. If the editor considers the work to be appropriate for Macguffin Co., we will put forward an offer of publication, via a Macguffin Co. publishing contract.