So...big scary warnings. Help or hindrance?

pepperlandgirl · Apr 17, 2007

Some of my published books have contained warnings in the blurb, but they're fairly mild, and I think more of a CYA than anything. But our recent book contains the following advisory. FWIW, other books in this genre, with this publisher, do not contain the advisory, so if nothing else, it makes it unique!

Genres: Gay / Dark Fantasy / Vampire / BDSM / Mystery / Detective / Ménage (M/M/F) / Group Sex / Exhibitionism / Public Places / Voyeurism / Series
Heat Level: 3
Advisory: This book contains graphic violence, hardcore bondage and punishment, torture and blood play. May not be suitable for the more sensitive reader.

I have two minds of this. One says that people are attracted to warnings. I know I'm more likely to watch a movie with a big ol M for nudity, violence, adult situations, etc. On the other hand, I'm vaguely worried this might be more like the kiss of death. Especially since it sorta obscures the larger point of the book--it's still very much a romance, imo.

What say you?

WildScribe · Apr 17, 2007

I say... WOW. You fit that all in ONE plot??

The_Grand_Duchess · Apr 17, 2007

I agree with WildScribe on that one.

It would attract me simply becuase it's like, "OOOOOOOO, lots of warnings. . .". That's just me though. I don't think you would scare people off becuase aren't into those things won't look at your book anyway so you're not really losing sales on that.

pepperlandgirl · Apr 17, 2007

Yeah, that's a good point. I doubt people looking for gay bdsm would think to themselves "hardcore bondage? that's not for me!"

I probably worry about things too much...

KatyaFleur · Apr 17, 2007

Personally, I'd think this kind of warning is more of a benefit than a hindrance. When I see a warning like this, it's like a challenge to me. I read it as "I double-dog dare you!" And then, well, I must read that book.

Katya

kristie911 · Apr 17, 2007

I'm attracted to the warnings...the naughtier the better, I say!

Marlys · Apr 18, 2007

I agree that you should definitely have the warning. Not only will it attract the audience you want, but it won't do you any good to yuck out readers who aren't interested in torture.

pepperlandgirl · Apr 18, 2007

Well see, you've pinpointed my largest concern. The "torture" in question has nothing to do with the "extreme bondage/punishment." It's from an entirely different, non-related part of the book and the plot. As is the graphic violence. The way it's all thrown in together makes it look like our characters are super-super-depraved. I mean, one character does torture somebody for a short scene, but she's a vampire, she's evil, she's not handing over info, and ....ok, I know I don't have to explain/justify. This is me worrying too much again.

The_Grand_Duchess · Apr 18, 2007

Pepper, its hot. The whole thing is hot. Stop worrying, it'll be fine

cletus · Apr 19, 2007

I don't think I have EVER been put off by a warning. If anything, I'd be more likely to check something out BECAUSE of the warnings.

troutkitty · Apr 19, 2007

pepperlandgirl said:
Some of my published books have contained warnings in the blurb, but they're fairly mild, and I think more of a CYA than anything. But our recent book contains the following advisory. FWIW, other books in this genre, with this publisher, do not contain the advisory, so if nothing else, it makes it unique!

I have two minds of this. One says that people are attracted to warnings. I know I'm more likely to watch a movie with a big ol M for nudity, violence, adult situations, etc. On the other hand, I'm vaguely worried this might be more like the kiss of death. Especially since it sorta obscures the larger point of the book--it's still very much a romance, imo.

What say you?

I pick what I read by warnings, too, the darker the more I think I'm going to like it. I just wish they'd have warnings for sappy plots, melodrama, purple prose and adult humans acting on the emotional level of twelve-year-olds. I'd sure like to limit my accidental exposure to those

veinglory · Apr 19, 2007

I love the Samhain warnings which are mucher funnier whilst accomplishing the same goal. Although the wouldn't let me put a 'this book contains no sex' "warning" on my MMF

-- for those people who seek MMF for the sex...

I figure the blurb should give a good enough indication of contents but epublishers do like their keywords.

pepperlandgirl · Apr 19, 2007

Yeah, I think the blurb does give a good indication of what it's all about. This is the blurb btw

[FONT=Arial, helvetica, verdana][FONT=Arial, helvetica, verdana][FONT=Arial, helvetica, verdana][FONT=Arial, helvetica, verdana]Jesse Madding has been working for Gideon, a vampire fighting to maintain the balance between good and evil, for two years, and has loved him for nearly that long. When Gideon slams him against an alley wall and demands sex, Jesse is too happy to oblige, but it opens doors in their relationship that Gideon isn't sure he wants to enter. Especially since he suspects he was under the powerful influence of an unknown substance, and Jesse is his best friend. [/FONT][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, helvetica, verdana][FONT=Arial, helvetica, verdana][FONT=Arial, helvetica, verdana]
[/FONT][/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, helvetica, verdana][FONT=Arial, helvetica, verdana][FONT=Arial, helvetica, verdana]As they try to negotiate a new relationship involving Jesse’s willing submission to Gideon’s darker desires—including bondage, pain, and bloodplay—they learn that a new drug is being distributed in the city. Known simply as "obsidian," this drug unleashes a vampire's demon, destroying any sense of self-control. Widespread use of obsidian could bring chaos to Chicago and turn the city into a bloodbath, but even as Jesse and Gideon race to contain it, they're consumed and distracted by their own growing passion and burgeoning emotions...

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Well, this was the warning for the book I sent you to review, Emily, so you'll have to tell me if the advisory does it justice.

veinglory · Apr 19, 2007

I'm looking forwards to reading it

Although job interviews are keeping me busy right now! (Writing is far from paying the bills in Chateau Veinglory).

So...big scary warnings. Help or hindrance?

pepperlandgirl

American Aquarium Drinker

WildScribe

Slave to the Wordcount

The_Grand_Duchess

I record everything.

pepperlandgirl

American Aquarium Drinker

KatyaFleur

kristie911

Happy to be here

Marlys

Resist. Love. Go outside.

pepperlandgirl

American Aquarium Drinker

The_Grand_Duchess

I record everything.

cletus

I'm a king bee

troutkitty

veinglory

volitare nequeo

pepperlandgirl

American Aquarium Drinker

veinglory

volitare nequeo