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Should Your Books Have Content Warnings? Authors Weigh In

Should Your Books Have Content Warnings? Authors Weigh In

When Rachel Thompson writes about trauma, she knows firsthand the power of words to heal—but also to harm. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, she’s experienced how stories can evoke deep emotions, sometimes unexpectedly. That’s why she includes content warnings (also known as trigger warnings) in her books. “Books have the power to move, challenge, and heal,” she said. “But they can also evoke difficult emotions. Including a trigger warning is a way to extend care and consideration to our readers.”

Disclaimers and trigger warnings serve a simple purpose: to prepare readers for what’s ahead. If your book touches on sensitive or potentially distressing topics, a brief note can help readers decide whether they’re ready to engage with the material.

A good disclaimer serves multiple purposes. It raises awareness by giving readers a heads-up about potentially sensitive themes, such as graphic violence, abuse, or other emotionally heavy material, allowing them to decide if they’re ready to engage with the content. It also clarifies intent, signaling that the author has approached difficult subjects with care and an understanding of their potential impact. Additionally, a disclaimer can offer support by directing readers to resources or helplines if the book touches on issues like trauma or mental health, providing a pathway for those who may need further assistance.

Crafting a Thoughtful Disclaimer

A thoughtful one can set the right expectations and show respect for your readers.

Here’s how to approach it:

For Fiction Books

In fiction, a disclaimer should balance two things: reminding readers it’s a work of imagination and acknowledging the sensitive themes within the story. Here’s an example:

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. While the story and characters are a product of the author's imagination, the book explores themes of abuse, trauma, and other difficult subjects. These themes may be triggering for some readers. The author has approached these topics with care and respect, aiming to shed light on complex human experiences. However, individual reactions may vary, and reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is affected by similar issues, please seek support from a trusted professional or helpline.

This type of disclaimer sets a clear, professional tone while showing empathy for readers. It also highlights the intention behind including sensitive themes, which can go a long way in building trust.

For Nonfiction Books

Nonfiction often deals directly with real-life issues, so the disclaimer should focus on setting boundaries and expectations for the content. For example:

Disclaimer: This book addresses topics related to abuse, trauma, and other challenging life experiences. The content is based on research, personal accounts, and expert insights. While every effort has been made to handle these topics with care and sensitivity, some readers may find certain sections distressing. The information in this book is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you know is affected by similar issues, please consult a qualified professional or seek support from a trusted helpline in your area.

This type of disclaimer helps readers understand the book’s purpose while making it clear what it isn’t: a replacement for professional help.

Key Points to Keep in Mind

Your disclaimer should match the tone of your book. A formal approach is better suited for serious topics, while a lighter tone can work well for genres that allow for it. Keep it brief and honest by acknowledging sensitive themes without adding unnecessary detail. Think carefully about your audience and how they might respond. For instance, if your book is intended for younger readers or specific groups, adjust the wording to suit their needs. Adding resources, such as helplines or support services, can also show you’re mindful of the real-world impact these themes might have.

Finally, where you place the disclaimer matters. The front matter of your book—before the story begins—is the most effective spot.

A Case for Thoughtful Content Warnings

Rachel Thompson

“Including a trigger warning is a way to extend care and consideration to our readers,” says author Rachel Thompson

Rachel Thompson, an award-winning author and advocate for survivors of abuse, understands the importance of content warnings better than most. In her books, Broken Pieces and Broken Places, which explore trauma and healing, Rachel ensures readers are informed about sensitive themes before they begin. For her, these warnings are a way to empower readers to decide when and how to engage with challenging material.

“Books have the power to move, challenge, and heal,” Rachel writes in her Substack, BadRedhead Media. “But they can also evoke difficult emotions. Including a trigger warning is a way to extend care and consideration to our readers.” She compares content warnings to a “yellow light,” giving readers the chance to pause and prepare for what lies ahead.

As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Rachel draws on her personal experiences when addressing this topic. She knows firsthand how certain themes can feel overwhelming or retraumatizing and takes steps to help readers navigate such material. “The reader can choose to continue or stop—their call,” she explains. “As an avid reader, author, and survivor, I appreciate this insight to make my own decision.”

Rachel advises other authors to include warnings for vivid depictions of topics like abuse, violence, or self-harm and to consider whether culturally sensitive or emotionally intense themes might affect their audience. She believes content warnings demonstrate empathy and respect for readers’ boundaries. “Providing a content warning is an act of kindness,” she says, “that recognizes literature's power to evoke strong emotions. It allows readers to approach our work in a way that honors their experiences and well-being.”

Author Perspectives: A Spectrum of Opinions

Pro-Warning Advocates

Susan Arnold

“I learned the importance by seeing a friend with PTSD and learning over time how carefully I needed to introduce certain topics of conversation,” says author Susan Arnold.

Angela Yuriko Smith, a Bram Stoker Award-winning author and publisher of Space and Time magazine, writes primarily in the horror genre. She sees value in trigger warnings when the context demands it.

“For horror writers, the goal is to shock and disturb, so while I don't use a lot of trigger warnings, I have found the need,” she explains.

For example, when publishing a graphic novel during a period of civil unrest in the United States, Angela decided to include a warning for a scene depicting police violence.

“Even though the story had been purchased well before the violence had kicked up in real life, I felt publishing without a trigger warning would have been irresponsible.”

SI Clarke, a science fiction author, views content warnings as tools to help readers engage with challenging material on their own terms.

“Content warnings are there to ensure readers are able to make an educated and informed decision about when and whether they want to read a particular book,” Clarke says. For her, the idea that warnings spoil a story or pander to “political correctness” is a misconception.

Editor Suzanne Arnold once doubted the value of content warnings but changed her mind after witnessing their impact on a friend with PTSD.

“I learned the importance by seeing a friend with PTSD and learning over time how carefully I needed to introduce certain topics of conversation. So, I'm a convert—I think they're a good idea,” she explains.

Mila Evanovich writes about horrific historical events spanning long periods of time and ensures her books include a sensitivity note. For her, it’s about showing respect to readers who might have personal or familial connections to the events described. She recalls one particularly meaningful response:

“An 88-year-old woman who lived through these events reached out to thank me.”

Kay M. Weston includes a content warning section in her collection of short stories as part of her effort to enhance the reader experience.

“At the end of the day, I want people to enjoy my stories, not to be surprised by something upsetting to them,” she explains.

Kay places the warnings in the first 10 percent of the book, making them easy to find for those who want to see them while allowing others to skip past them. As both an author and a reader, she appreciates this approach.

“It’s the same way I appreciate warnings on Netflix shows that indicate difficult subject matter,” she says.

Cautious or Ambivalent Views

Jan Sayer

“I believe we need to distinguish between two types of book buyers: those making spontaneous purchases, and readers like myself who research reviews and recommendations before buying,” says author Jan Sayer.

Jan Sayer, a crime fiction author, emphasizes the importance of understanding different types of readers when it comes to trigger warnings and reader expectations.

“I believe we need to distinguish between two types of book buyers: those making spontaneous purchases, and readers like myself who research reviews and recommendations before buying. I generally know whose books I want to buy before I shop,” she explains.

Jan highlights the need for authors to consider both types of readers while recognizing that attitudes toward explicit content and profanity vary widely across cultures and regions. For her own work, which includes explicit sexual content and sexual violence, she markets to readers 18 and over.

“Based on the comments I’ve seen, it would be useful if there were some guidelines that included genre-specific recommendations,” she adds.

Robin Phillips takes a balanced view of content warnings. While they don’t have a strong opinion on whether warnings are necessary, they believe some arguments against them don’t hold up.

“People have said that the cover, description, etc., should tell the reader what to expect. That’s true, but only in general terms,” they explain.

Robin argues that content warnings provide specific information readers might need to make an informed decision about when and how to engage with a story.

“The purpose of a content warning isn't to prevent someone reading the book. They're about making sure they're prepared for what they're going to read.”

Kevin McLaughlin, a prolific indie author, has never included content warnings in his books. While he recognizes their potential value, he remains uncertain about whether they’re always necessary.

“I mean, we have them on music, movies, TV shows, and video games,” he says. “I can understand why adding a rating system to books makes sense as well—and any sort of content warning system is a de facto ratings system. Are they effective in TV, movies, games, etc.? I have no idea. I'd have to read the science to see. If they are useful there, then odds are good they'd be useful for books as well.”

Walter Boomsma, who writes in the self-help and personal development space, approaches disclaimers with caution. He sees them as a “risk and reward” calculation, balancing legal considerations with societal sensitivities.

“It doesn’t take much to trigger some people, so there’s a bit of choosing your poison involved,” Walter says.

While he acknowledges the value of warnings for particularly intense material, he believes their overuse could dilute their purpose.

Skeptical or Opposing Views

Liz Harris

“The reader will be aware of the nature of the book they’re considering reading,” says author Liz Harris.

Novelist Liz Harris argues that content warnings should not be necessary if a book’s cover, blurb, and keywords accurately reflect its themes.

“The reader will be aware of the nature of the book they’re considering reading,” she says.

Liz also raises concerns that warnings could attract an unintended audience.

“It’s conceivable that indicating violence or explicit sex could attract the attention of those who shouldn’t be reading such a novel.”

Author Ara Bell supports the idea of content warnings but believes their placement should be strategic to avoid spoilers.

“Include them at the back of the book so readers don’t see them by accident if they don’t want to,” she suggests.

For physical books, she recommends adding a note in the front matter directing readers to the appropriate page. While Ara agrees that certain genres, like horror, naturally include disturbing content, she feels that genres where such themes are unexpected benefit from clear warnings.

Guidelines and Considerations for Authors

Including a content warning in your book is a personal choice, but if you decide to add one, it’s important to approach it thoughtfully. Here are some practical guidelines to help you craft a warning that’s both effective and considerate:

Start by assessing your audience and the themes of your book. If your work includes vivid depictions of abuse, violence, or self-harm, a content warning can help readers prepare themselves. Similarly, books that touch on culturally sensitive or deeply personal issues, such as racial trauma or mental health struggles, may benefit from a disclaimer that acknowledges these themes with care. For younger audiences or specific demographics, it’s especially important to adjust the tone and level of detail in the warning.

Where you place the warning matters, too. The front matter of your book is the most common location, ensuring readers encounter it before diving into the story. For those concerned about spoilers, an alternative is to include a note in the front matter directing readers to a more detailed content warning in the back of the book or on a dedicated webpage.

A well-crafted disclaimer should be brief, clear, and empathetic. Avoid excessive detail while ensuring the warning reflects the tone of your book. For example, a formal disclaimer might suit a serious memoir, while a lighter tone may work better for a YA novel. Including a line about available resources—such as helplines or support organizations—can also show your commitment to handling these topics responsibly.

Ultimately, a good content warning respects the diversity of your readership and allows them to engage with your work in a way that feels safe and empowering.

Common Concerns and Misconceptions

Some authors worry that content warnings might reveal key plot points or deter readers from engaging with their work. However, many writers and readers argue the opposite. Rather than spoiling the story, a well-placed warning can build trust between the author and the audience, allowing readers to approach the material with confidence.

Another misconception is that content warnings are about censorship or limiting creativity. In reality, they’re about transparency. A warning doesn’t tell a reader what they should or shouldn’t read—it simply gives them the information they need to decide for themselves.

There’s also a fear that including a warning will harm sales, but some authors, particularly those in genres like horror or crime, have noted the opposite. Angela Yuriko Smith observed that trigger warnings can drive up interest in a book, especially in genres where the audience is prepared for dark or disturbing content. Ara Bell suggests placing detailed warnings at the back of the book, allowing those who want to avoid them to do so while still providing a resource for readers who appreciate the information.

Each author will weigh these concerns differently, but it’s clear that content warnings, when used thoughtfully, can enhance the reader’s experience without detracting from the story’s impact.

Conclusion

Content warnings and disclaimers are more than just a trend—they’re a way for authors to connect with readers on a deeper level by showing empathy and awareness. Whether you choose to include one depends on your audience, your genre, and the themes in your book, but the decision should always come from a place of respect for your readers’ experiences.

Rachel Thompson’s perspective reminds us that content warnings can be an act of kindness. “Providing a content warning acknowledges the power of literature to evoke strong emotions,” she says. By taking this extra step, you’re not just protecting your readers—you’re inviting them to engage with your work in a way that feels right for them.

The diversity of opinions from authors across genres highlights that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you see warnings as essential, situational, or unnecessary, the key is to be intentional and considerate. Thoughtfully crafted disclaimers don’t dilute storytelling—they create an environment where readers feel informed and supported as they take the journey with you.


Thoughts or further questions on this post or any self-publishing issue?

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