In today’s reading landscape, content warnings have become an essential tool for both authors and readers. They offer a way to navigate sensitive topics with care, allowing readers to make informed decisions about the content they engage with. Whether you're a writer looking to ensure your work is accessible to a wider audience or a reader seeking to avoid potentially triggering material, understanding the role and importance of content warnings is crucial.
In this post, we’ll explore what content warnings are, why they’re used, and how to implement them effectively.
What are Content Warnings?
Content warnings, also known as trigger warnings, are brief alerts that let readers know about potentially distressing material in a piece of media. These warnings help people to decide if they want to engage with the content, allowing them to avoid topics that might trigger strong emotions or discomfort.
Using content warnings shows care and respect for the audience, making media more inclusive and considerate. They can prevent unexpected distress and give readers a heads-up about what to expect.
Do I need to use content warnings?
Whether to use content warnings is up to the author. Some prefer not to use them, considering them spoilers. Others argue that the genre of their book should be a warning in and of itself (for example, horror or thrillers are usually going to contain challenging material). Others will go as far as to say content warnings encourage censorship and hamper learning, by allowing people to shy away from content that would be otherwise valuable to consume. Ultimately, each creator can choose what best fits their work and audience.
A List of Content Warnings
It can be challenging to recognize what elements in your content might be triggering, especially if you don't have personal experience with certain triggers.
To help make this process easier, I've put together a non-exhaustive list of potential content warnings. Make a note of any that appear in your manuscript (even if only briefly), and we'll discuss what to do with them in the next step.
Traumatic Events
Animal Cruelty
Cannibalism
Confinement, including Kidnapping.
War, including Genocide.
Violence, including Mass Shooting
Incest
Pedophilia
Police Brutality
Death & Loss
Abandonment
Death, including Death of an Animal, Death of a Child, Death of a Parent, and Miscarriage).
Grief
Murder
Health and Medical Issues
Abortion
Chronic Illness
Eating Disorder
Infertility
Injury
Medical Content / Trauma
Mental Illness, including Addiction.
Self Harm
Suicide / Suicide Attempt
Terminal Illness
Abuse & Violence
Emotional Abuse
Physical Abuse
Sexual Assault, including Rape.
Sexual Harassment
Stalking
Bullying
Torture
Discrimination and Bigotry
Ableism
Antisemitism
Classism
Hate Crime
LGBTQIA+ Discrimination
Misogyny
Racism, including Racial Slurs
Religious Bigotry
Xenophobia
Misc.
Gore
Cursing
Pregnancy
Graphic Sexual Content
Levels of Content Warnings
Not all potentially triggering content is the same—some instances are more graphic or intense than others. Because of this, a reader with a particular trigger might still choose to engage with your content depending on how it's presented. For example, a reader who is triggered by rape might be okay with reading a story where a character briefly mentions having been raped but may want to avoid any scenes that graphically depict the act.
To help readers make informed decisions, you can categorise content warnings based on their intensity. When creating your content warning list, consider using the following three phrases:
"Mentions of..."
This phrase is used when the trigger is referenced or briefly discussed without detailed descriptions or graphic content. It serves as a heads-up for readers who might want to be aware of the topic's presence without avoiding the material altogether.
E.g. "Mentions of Animal Death" may mean a character talks about how the death of their dog affected them as a child, but the animal's death does not happen on the page.
"Brief..."
Use this phrase when the content involves more than a mention but is still not graphically depicted. It may include short, quick, or vague descriptions.
E.g. "Brief Injury" may mean that the reader witnesses a character injured, but the event/injury is not dwelled on or detailed.
"Graphic..."
This phrase indicates that the content is explicitly depicted or described in detail. It is the strongest warning and is used to inform readers that the material could be deeply triggering, allowing them to decide whether to proceed or skip these parts entirely.
E.g. "Graphic Murder," may mean that the reader witnesses a murder take place in complete, potentially gory detail.
By using these distinctions in your content warnings, you give readers the tools to navigate your content in a way that feels safest for them.
Where to Place Content Warnings
The best place to include your content warnings is in the front matter of your book, typically around the copyright page or near the dedications. It's important that these warnings are clear and easy to find—not buried within the copyright material. Use a prominent heading, followed by the specific details. For example:
CONTENT WARNING
Mentions of Pregnancy, Brief Racism, Graphic Sexual Assault.
If you prefer not to place the content warnings at the front of your book, you can include them at the back. However, if you choose this option, be sure to add a note at the front directing readers to the location of the content warnings at the back. I recommend keeping them at the front, though, as this ensures that content warnings are visible even when readers are previewing your book on platforms like Amazon.
You may also choose to include your content warnings at the bottom of your book’s description on online retailers. This approach ensures that potential readers are informed about sensitive content before they even make a purchase.
Can I just link to the CW list on my website?
Some authors make the mistake of linking to content warnings on their website to avoid potential spoilers for other readers. While this might seem like a good solution, it can be frustrating for readers who need to know about potential triggers before diving into the book. Requiring them to search for the warnings elsewhere can be considered an accessibility issue, so in trying to make your content more accessible, you might actually be making it less so. If you'd like to include content warnings on your website, do this as well as inside your book.
Conclusion
Content warnings are more than just a courtesy—they're a vital part of creating an inclusive and considerate reading experience. By thoughtfully identifying and categorising potentially triggering content, you can help readers feel safe and supported as they engage with your work.
As an editor, I'm committed to providing you with free, insightful content, and I have no plans to clutter your reading experience with advertisements. If you've enjoyed my work and would like to support the continued creation of these articles, I invite you to consider buying me a coffee.
