How to Write Trigger Warnings
- Hannah Bartlett
- 20 hours ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 11 minutes ago
Last summer, I wrote a blog about why trigger warnings are so important. (You can read it here!) In that post, I wrote that everyone deserves to have the choice of whether or not to read trigger warnings. I also explain why warnings do not make trauma central to our identities, but instead give trauma survivors freedom to engage in exposure or not.
Some of the feedback I received on that post mentioned that reading trigger warnings can be triggering to some, and some people said that the phrase "trigger warnings" can create an emotional response that might cause someone to close a book. I haven't come across anyone saying that they themselves have had reactions, but I do recommend that authors label their warning page with "Content Warnings" instead of "Trigger Warnings," and that also gives readers the choice of whether or not to read the warnings. Like I said in my last blog on this topic, "trigger warnings are like ingredient labels; not everyone will read them, but they’re there to protect the people who need them."
This blog will give you some ideas of how to write trigger warnings with the intention of giving your readers control over what they read and protecting those struggling with the effects of trauma.
Table of Contents:
Ways to format warnings in your book
When it comes to implementing trigger warnings in a book, there are a few options:
Print them directly in the front matter
Direct readers from a page in the front saying that they can go to the back matter where you have a comprehensive list
Create a page on your author website with your list and put a link and/or a QR code in your front matter
There are pros and cons to each of these options, though my opinion is that a combination of the second and third will be the most beneficial to readers. Not only does a link/QR help with marketing (they can get to your socials easily!), but it also can allow you to adjust your warnings if the need arises. I would put the link/QR code in your front matter with a notice that you also have your warnings printed in the back matter.
Because of how society has trivialized the word "triggers" and because your warnings are likely to be more general than ultra-specific, my recommendation is to title your page with "Content Warnings."
Writing warnings on social media
On text-based sites, it is as simple as putting the warning at the top of the post. Oftentimes, it looks something like "TW// XXXXX" or "CW// XXXXX" (or with the words spelled out) followed by pressing enter a couple times. Be specific by stating the level of the material: mention of XXX, descriptions of XXX, images of XXX, etc.
It is better to not censor words so that blocked word lists are still effective. I do still recommend to use common letters like "SA," "ED," etc. because people will likely have those on their blocked list if needed.
For image-based posts, many people will post a trigger warning image as the first image on their post. This works best on platforms that use carousels. For other platforms, such as Facebook, people will put a series of non-triggering images in front of the triggering image so that no one will see it while casually scrolling without getting a chance to read the warning.
How to choose what content to warn readers of
Important note: Identities are not trigger warnings. You don’t need a trigger warning for things like a gay relationship or a disabled person. Trigger warnings would, however, be necessary if said elements include triggering material regarding them, such as internalized homophobia or extreme injury.
While of course I'm advocating for content warnings really strongly, I want to remind you that you are human! We can't anticipate every single thing that could cause strong emotional reactions in someone. My advice is that as long as you are putting effort in, you are helping and that means so much to readers like me. It is so much better to try and miss something than to not write any at all!
One way to decide what needs a warning is to think about which scenes in your book caused you the most intense emotional reactions while you were writing it. Would elements of those scenes cause an emotional reactions from others as well? Think of people you know or stories you have read or watched on social media. Would any scenes in your book affect them strongly or align with stories you have heard?
If you choose me as your editor, I would be happy to give some advice as to what might need a warning. I also recommend, however, that you try to make a warning list to give your editor before they begin work. I'm sure many editors would be happy to give advice!
Beta and ARC readers are also amazing resources for refining your content warning list. I advise sending beta readers a draft of your list and asking for feedback as they read. If you feel comfortable, many ARC readers would also be happy to give advice. Many ARC readers post warnings in their reviews, and some bookish platforms such as StoryGraph have a built-in system for them. Asking a trusted person to look at the reviews could help you refine your list before publication.
How to phrase trigger warnings
Be kind: Don't phrase your warning in a way that trivializes it.
Be specific: It is important to know how the trigger is represented in the book. Some people can handle different levels of exposure to triggers, so the mention of something wouldn't be triggering but detailed mentions or a scene would be. Phrases you can use include "descriptions of XXX," "depictions of XXX," and "discussion of XXX." You can also give context, such as stating that while there is a scene of XXX, there is a positive outcome. I've seen many notices where the author states that no animals are harmed in their book!
Be clear: Have your warning list in the book, on your website, and post it on social media.
A list of common trigger warnings can be found here. There is also a database of tropes and books with trigger warnings on the same site.
Thank you so much for reading this post! I hope it helps you. Content warnings have really helped me, so thank you for having an open mind about implementing them.
If you liked it, please share this post to help other people know how to write their content warnings! My socials can be found here.
Looking for an editor or sensitivity reader? Take a peek at my services page :)
Happy writing <3
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