Trigger warnings began in the 90s in chatrooms where women were discussing traumatic problems, seeking help. About 10 years ago, they saw their first introduction to the mainstream, which was met with widely-ranging opinions. Now they’re making a slow but steady resurgence in the rising tide of consent culture. But is it time for you to jump on? Figuring out if a still-somewhat-controversial publishing tactic is right for your readers can be complicated, but having an idea of each side’s opinions can help lead you in the right direction:
Reasons Why You May Want to Include Trigger Warnings
If you’re reading this page, it’s likely you’re already familiar with the virtues of trigger warnings in media. Essentially, it’s an inclusive way to invite readers into your story while giving them a heads up on what to expect in advance. Trigger warnings are typically discussed in conjunction with trauma victims and people living with PTSD, but trigger warnings can be valuable for many reasons beyond this as well:
Parents purchasing media for children can more accurately gauge content in advance.
To acknowledge your book as an optional piece of recreation, request enthusiastic consent, and ensure willing participants only by eliminating a gotcha moment.
As a means of addressing problematic plot points in advance and separate your ethics as an author from the actions of your characters.
Readers who want to support authors by purchasing can wait until they’re in the right headspace for the story.
To provide resources for readers who may need additional support on the topics discussed in your novel.
As a means of protection for any reader that could have an adverse reaction to your story.
In accordance with laws in some small communities. (Sure to grow.)
Like with most issues of accessibility, including trigger warnings in your story will have positive effects beyond the populations for which they were originally intended, and it’s worthwhile to acknowledge these advantages. But can trigger warnings do harm? Keep reading to find out.
Reasons Why Some Feel Neutrally About Trigger Warnings
There’s one place in society where we’ve had content warnings for decades: film. The Motion Picture Association of America introduced motion picture ratings in 1968, which means three generations in America have no memory of living in a world without these warnings. While these warnings aren’t as specific as many who tout trigger warnings would like, they have been used for both television and movies for years, and we haven’t seen boycotts for them yet. In truth, you likely won’t turn many readers away with them.
Reasons Some Readers Are Against Trigger Warnings
The outspoken opponents of trigger warnings in books are more often of a single mind than those who propose their benefits. However, when deciding whether to include them, it’s worth considering their side. So, though I don’t agree with all of them, these are the cons to trigger warnings:
Being made aware of major plot points in advance can be a spoiler.
Some readers agree that warnings are consent-based, but what if you don’t consent to being warned?
There is some evidence (needs more studying) that trigger warnings may actually cause more adverse reactions to victims of trauma due to their building anxiety in anticipation.
Experiencing unexpected moments of trauma in a fictional setting is a safe place to practice coping.
What You Can Do to Bridge the Divide
The great thing about this problem, if you’re on the fence, is that there are ways to make both the pros and the cons happy:
Put your trigger warnings in the back of the book and outline it clearly in your forward or somewhere else before the story begins.
If you really want to avoid spoilers, consider including a QR code or link to a landing page on your author website in your forward. This is a great place to provide resources as well for readers who suffer from PTSD or any other topics your story may cover.
Avoid printing trigger warnings in large, noticeable lettering or in spaces readers often frequent before purchase such as the back cover or with About the Author
Consider acknowledging if this is a #ownstory somewhere in the book if it is safe for you to do so.
While explicit content warnings aren’t yet the norm for fiction books, it is clear that this trend is becoming more common. Figuring out where you’d like to stand can be difficult particularly if your readership spans a wide political audience. If providing the best reader experience possible is something that you continue to question, a session with a book coach on the topic can make quite the difference to help you find solutions custom fit for your needs and your audience.
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