Book Warnings
In case you've never browsed the selections at Samhain, each information page on a book includes warnings. It's a neat idea, if you think about it -- might keep you from buying a book you'd toss at the wall or it might induce you to buy a book.
For the most part, the "warnings" are pretty standard: explicit sex, male-male sex, explicit language, violence, etc.
So I was participating in an author chat at Fallen Angels Reviews last night and we began talking about those warnings, specifically because an author directed us to her "humorous" warning about crispy villagers (it's a dragon book). Anyway, someone commented that the more creative warnings induced her to buy the books.
Now, I've seen male-male romances tagged as "hot nekkid man love," which I'm sure lures in more readers than "male-male sex."
To that end, since I'm promo-obsessed lately anyway, I thought I'd work on revamping my warnings for future books.
Instead of "mature language," I'm going to use "Lots of cussing. Perhaps even gratuitious use of the F-bomb."
For "explicit sex?" Hot naked loving! Or for one certain book, "hot naked loving with . . ." (Wait. Can't finish that. Connie visits me here and if Connie is reading it . . . my students might find their way over here . . .). Use your imagination. ;-)
A little violence involved? How about a warning that says "an ass-kicking good read"? Or "dastardly villain injured in this book!"
What do you think? And do you have suggestions for warnings you'd like to see on books before you buy?
For the most part, the "warnings" are pretty standard: explicit sex, male-male sex, explicit language, violence, etc.
So I was participating in an author chat at Fallen Angels Reviews last night and we began talking about those warnings, specifically because an author directed us to her "humorous" warning about crispy villagers (it's a dragon book). Anyway, someone commented that the more creative warnings induced her to buy the books.
Now, I've seen male-male romances tagged as "hot nekkid man love," which I'm sure lures in more readers than "male-male sex."
To that end, since I'm promo-obsessed lately anyway, I thought I'd work on revamping my warnings for future books.
Instead of "mature language," I'm going to use "Lots of cussing. Perhaps even gratuitious use of the F-bomb."
For "explicit sex?" Hot naked loving! Or for one certain book, "hot naked loving with . . ." (Wait. Can't finish that. Connie visits me here and if Connie is reading it . . . my students might find their way over here . . .). Use your imagination. ;-)
A little violence involved? How about a warning that says "an ass-kicking good read"? Or "dastardly villain injured in this book!"
What do you think? And do you have suggestions for warnings you'd like to see on books before you buy?
Labels: Linda's Posts
posted by Linda Winfree at 1:03 PM
3Comments:
ROFLMAO. I hope explicit sex involves hot naked loving. ;)
I actually like those warnings at Sahmain. Gives you a good idea what's in the book. With epubs you can't pick up the book and leaf through it to see what's in there (which is what I do in the bookstore. Pick a page here and there and skim it). So, I have to admit I've been disappointed and irritated the few other times I've bought from epubs that don't have that warning.
Well, there could be hot partially-clothed loving. ;-) I have a scene in MOU where the heroine gets naked, but all the hero loses is his tie.
I like them, too, E, for that very reason. There was a long talk the other day on the SP author loop about the concept of "forced seduction" in romance and I can really see where having that in the warnings might keep someone from buying something they really didn't want to read.
Those warnings are great. :) I love the funny ones...but I'm not really creative as far as the warnings go, so my Samhain books get a pretty dull warning label. My upcoming one is the most boring so far (warning: explicit sex) but I didn't write it so I can't claim credit for it. LOL
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