Support for Indie Authors discussion
This topic is about
Hart of His
Archived Workshop No New Posts
>
Umm. Is cussing a no-no in blurbs?
Not sure if it is allowed or not, but on a purely personal level from the opinion of someone who never swears if I read swearing in a blurb I would assume that there would be lots in the book and thus not pick it up, which isn't a bad thing as I get annoyed with books with excessive swearing so probably would find that detracting from your story if indeed there was a lot, I can skim it if there isn't too much, so I guess its another case of wanting to accurately depict your story through the blurb so the right people pick it up. Sorry thats not really a very helpful answer to your question!
I don't cuss. I like to keep shit classy.
Tara, I feel the same way about that shit. : DI must add that I've seen the "F" word in a book title.
Mod
As for if it's allowed, check with the terms and conditions of wherever you're publishing. There should be a list of what is allowed and what is not.
No, Miss Jane! That was very helpful!! Thank you!! The funny thing is that I don't personally cuss. Like ever. For real. But my hero kinda sorta does, at least in his head haha. And I thought it was funny in the blurb. Would you mind taking a look-see when you have a second? No obligation, obviously!!https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
I think it's very "Cale" (the hero) but I don't wanna offend anyone haha.
And Miss Tara... *hugs* XD
More hugs,
Ann
What level of cussing exactly? It also probably depends on what type of book you are going for.
Some cussing is probably allowed, but if it includes someone's mother, it probably isn't.
Ooops, I totes missed your comment, Mr Dwayne. Sorry! And thank you!! F.A.R. Not much. I'm just gonna stick the blurb in here...
It’s been two months since I moved in with Mickey Hart.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
1. 523 square feet is really f**king small.
2. You have zero privacy in a studio apartment.
3. Sharing a bathroom is the worse idea ever. Especially when you’re a damn paraplegic.
Oh, and one last thing...
I love her. More than ever.
Even if I’m still a workaholic. And a stubborn a**hole.
Hugs all,
Ann
Dwayne, please delete if I wasn't supposed to do that XP
2nd EDIT: Ken... *smirks*
I'm sorry. I don't know if it is allowed. By that I mean if Amazon or B&N or Kobo or Smashwords or... will sanction it, but I have to admit I like it. It gives a good idea of the main character and of what you may expect in the book. And also to keep away from it if you don't like cussing in your reading experience.Just my 2cents
Hi, Annie, glad I was helpful! I read your blurb, I liked it, I thought it was unique, it gave me a sense of your character, I still would have written it without the swearing, but if it accurately represents your character, and its not against any rules, then I would leave it as it is. Hard for me to say as I don't read romance (well I do but it has to be romantic suspense/thriller/crime/mystery) but I don't think the blurb as it is now would have put me off, I probably would have checked out a bit more of the book to see what the level of swearing was before deciding, but I thought your blurb was engaging enough to pull me in even with the swearing, I even feel like I like Cale even though he swears! Also, I hope you don't mind me saying, but should it say "worst idea" instead of "worse idea" in number three?
Hugs back to you!
Thank you, Miss C.C.! I was actually leaving the ** in. I don't plan to actually spell out the curse words hahaha. I think it's funnier this way *smirks* (and see how much I love asterisks?) But, yeah, Cale is a bit of a potty mouth in his head...like even for me haha...might make him start a swear jar to curb that bad habit of his... XDMiss Jane! Very helpful, indeed! And thank you for your kind words, ma'am! I just typed that blurb up straight into GR. Like, took me 2 mins LOL. Annnnd, that's totally why I missed the worse vs worst *grins sheepishly* I owe you!!! Thank you!!!!
Hugs
Ann
*runs aways to fix typo before everyone notices*
EDIT: And, no, ma'am! Of course I don't mind!!! Appreciate it!!!
Annie, you're welcome! Someone once pointed out an "its" instead of "it's" in one of my blurbs and I was eternally grateful so I thought I should return the favour!
I think cussing in a blurb if done correctly. After reading yours it does sort of come off forced and unnecessary. I just think it stands out too much for such a small blurb. Just my opinion.
Well, Miss Jane! I am certainly grateful. Eternally so XDAnd thank you, Mr Justin. Your opinion is much appreciated!!!
Hugs,
Ann
My line of thinking is that if you don't often, or ever, see profanity in a blurb that means the big 5 don't do it for a reason. Not saying that we have to mimick everything the trad pubs do but if they base their decisions on expensive independent research and market/demographic analysis why shouldn't we take advantage of their findings for free? And if you don't see it done often that means it doesn't make them money. Lastly, if there is a slight chance that you could offend it is better to go with an almost zero chance of offending and forego the profanity.Your blurb is intriguing.
Hmmm. Good point, Miss Tara!!I'd better pull the f-bomb out *ponders* Do you guys think a** is too much of a cuss? Like, I don't personally say it ever, but I think most people do? haha I dunno...
And thank you! I'm glad you dig it :D
Ken wrote: "Some cussing is probably allowed, but if it includes someone's mother, it probably isn't."Well, unless it's in the title: https://www.amazon.com/Mother-Fucking...
I've seen swearing in titles and in blurbs on Amazon. I believe, but I'm not certain, that there are restrictions on profanity, sex, violence, etc when it comes to things like paid advertising and the Kindle Scout program, but the line is pushed back a bit for just posting. (Though they do have some restrictions on content as I understand it, but we're talking about decency restrictions that fall within the realm of illegal materials, such as bestiality and pedophelia)
Oh, wowzer! Thanks for that example, Miss Christina!! I wasn't even gonna actually swear. Just have like f**king or a** written like that haha. Well, at least I know I CAN if I wanna tee heeHugs,
Ann
What goes on under the book covers is the writer's business. Personally, I think cussing in a book blurb detracts from the author who wrote the story and is not on the same playing field with his/her character(s) who speak the lingo.
To me your blurb is taut and funny and intriguing.The cussing doesn't feel gratuitous. Which is annoying.
I'd not change a word.
Miss Eva: I can totally see where you're coming from. Do you think it's too crude even with the asterisks? I was never going to actually cuss...just trying to be funny... XDMiss Jane: Thank you very much!! May I ask if you are referring to the blurb I included with f**king and a**hole? Or the actual GR blurb of the book (I've changed it since).
Thank you both!!
Hugs,
Ann
Annie wrote: "Ooops, I totes missed your comment, Mr Dwayne. Sorry! And thank you!! F.A.R. Not much. I'm just gonna stick the blurb in here...
It’s been two months since I moved in with Mickey Hart.
Here’s w..."
It doesn't offend me as written. But then, I'm not easily offended by the written word.
I'd say it all depends on your target audience.
Annie wrote: "Miss Eva: I can totally see where you're coming from. Do you think it's too crude even with the asterisks? I was never going to actually cuss...just trying to be funny... XDMiss Jane: Thank you v..."
The version with the asterisks on this thread. Made me want to read your book....
Personally, I think it lessens the classy factor if there is cursing in the blurb, or even in the book (though I realize it can be necessary,) but that's just me.
Mod
No, it's cool. But, I did move this to the Blurbs / Covers / Trailers Workshop folder.
Mod
Since it's written in the character's own words, I think a little grammatical mistake can be forgiven, eh?
Mod
I've seen it in titles a lot, especially in the humor section. I may be the only humorist alive who has not used an asterisk in a book title. Yet.
I don't see why not. It means people won't be shocked or appalled when the character turns the air blue. The whole point of a blurb is to get a reader's attention - that would definitely grab mine!
Annie wrote: "Ooops, I totes missed your comment, Mr Dwayne. Sorry! And thank you!! F.A.R. Not much. I'm just gonna stick the blurb in here...
It’s been two months since I moved in with Mickey Hart.
Here’s w..."
And I somehow missed this! Honestly, Annie, I'm a blurb skimmer. I hate them, I hate writing them, and I typically just pick out words that I might be interested in, but... this blurb is fantastic. The swearing is absolutely perfect. I can totally see this guy and I want to read the book even though it's outside my usual genres, so that should tell you something.
Dwayne wrote: "Jane wrote: "Also, I hope you don't mind me saying, but should it say "worst idea" instead of "worse idea" in number three? "Since it's written in the character's own words, I think a little gram..."
In a perfect world it would make sense but there still always be someone who doesn't understand the principle.
I thought 'worse' was just part of the character's way of speaking.The blurb is humorous in a 'cocky chick-lit' way.
I have seen the asterisk in the actual visual title, 'Go the F(blip)ck To Sleep - but in the link form there it's just written out.
More common is f*ck as opposed to f**k, but then again using 2**s is more chick-litty, kind of cute.
My perspective! :-)
Dwayne wrote: "Since it's written in the character's own words, I think a little grammatical mistake can be forgiven, eh?"Absolutely NOT!! I mean, I should totally be forgiven. But Cale? *gasp* NEVER! He should know better... *narrows my eyes* *takes out cat-o-nine-tails* *backs him into a corner*
Seriously, though, thanks for moving it, Mr Dwayne! Btw, do you wanna see asterisks in a book title? I'd totally do it *smirks my little rebel smirk*
Miss Lyra: Input much appreciated! :)
Mr Ken: Glad to hear it. I'm soooo not offend-able either (to a fault) so I can never tell LOL
Miss Rachael: Thank you! Glad you think it's attention-grabbing :D
Miss M.L.: Hmm. I might have to go the "cute" route haha. The f*ck seems so...un-me *giggles* Thank you for making me think of that!
Christina wrote: "I can totally see this guy and I want to read the book even though it's outside my usual genres, so that should tell you something. "
Jane wrote: "The version with the asterisks on this thread. Made me want to read your book.... "
Misses Christina and Jane: Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm going to trust my gut and change it back. I'd much rather have lovers and haters than be "meh." Done and done.
Hugs group appreciatively,
Ann
P.S. - I did read all the comments and took them all into consideration. Or why even ask for input, eh? haha. My brain is just waking up right now, though, so I'm soooo sorry if I missed thanking anyone!!!
I like the blurb just the way it is.
Aww, thank you! *hugs Chikamso* Delighted to hear that, ma'am! Especially since I changed it back already XD
Dwayne wrote: "Christina wrote: "I've seen swearing in titles and in blurbs on Amazon. "I've seen it in titles a lot, especially in the humor section. I may be the only humorist alive who has not used an asteri..."
I've also seen the "F" word in titles, but with an asterisk.
Swear on, Dwayne. Be true to your art!
Mod
I'll call my next book "&*#@ &%@# !!%@#".
Dwayne wrote: "Sue (Dog Mom) wrote: "I've also seen the "F" word in titles, but with an asterisk. Swear on, Dwayne. Be true to your art! "I'll call my next book "&*#@ &%@# !!%@#"."
Is that Q*Bert's biography?
Dwayne wrote: "Sue (Dog Mom) wrote: "I've also seen the "F" word in titles, but with an asterisk. Swear on, Dwayne. Be true to your art! "I'll call my next book "&*#@ &%@# !!%@#"."
Hmm... I wonder where the book stores and libraries will file that. ; D
I asked about the worse/worst thing because I was trying to be helpful but some people's comments are making me feel like I did something wrong, so in the future I will just refrain from commenting Annie, all the best with your blurb and your book
Jane wrote: "I asked about the worse/worst thing because I was trying to be helpful but some people's comments are making me feel like I did something wrong, so in the future I will just refrain from commenting"Huh? No way, Miss Jane!! I sincerely appreciate your keen eye!!! That was definitely a mistake! And I'm grateful to you for pointing it out. 100%. I would HOPE that other authors would do the same. I mean, it's not even something subjective. It was a legit error on my part.
Big hugs,
Ann
P.S. - I make a ton of typos all the time. If you ever notice anymore, please, please, please don't hesitate to give me a virtual smack *nods enthusiastically*
Hi Jane,I think it was good that you mentioned it because the author intended exactly what you said and is asking for input.
Jane wrote: "I asked about the worse/worst thing because I was trying to be helpful but some people's comments are making me feel like I did something wrong, so in the future I will just refrain from commenting..."Hi Jane. No one here is trying to make you feel bad, and Annie was grateful for the help, but we've had people come through and grammar police, so we may seem a bit trigger happy. Our intent is to keep the group running positively.
Jane wrote: "I asked about the worse/worst thing because I was trying to be helpful but some people's comments are making me feel like I did something wrong, so in the future I will just refrain from commenting..."Jane...if I had made that mistake in my blurb I would hug/kiss you for pointing it to me. <3
Annie wrote: "Ooops, I totes missed your comment, Mr Dwayne. Sorry! And thank you!! F.A.R. Not much. I'm just gonna stick the blurb in here...
It’s been two months since I moved in with Mickey Hart.
Here’s w..."
LOL. I loved the blurb, Annie! It definitely makes me want to read the book. Keep the colorful word in there. :) It's my fave word, FYI.
April
Jane wrote: "I asked about the worse/worst thing because I was trying to be helpful but some people's comments are making me feel like I did something wrong, so in the future I will just refrain from commenting..."Hi Jane, I'm with everyone on spelling errors. You read your work 50 times and things like this still can happen. I use spell check, but of course if it's a word, it will pass. I don't think grammar check picks up everything. I would be embarrassed and will always appreciate anyone pointing out my errors. : )
April wrote: "LOL. I loved the blurb, Annie! It definitely makes me want to read the book. Keep the colorful word in there. :) It's my fave word, FYI."
Yes, ma'am! I shall keep the colorful words. And which is your fave word? F**k or a**hole? XP
Hugs,
Ann
P.S. - I'm with ya, Sue!
Sometimes the cuss words fit the character, but it's a matter of what will be sanctioned, as previously mentioned. I've found that a lot of authors tend to make their characters cuss certain personal words to them. Freaking/ frigging/ fudge as a word for fuck or fucking. Excuse the language please, guys?A word that only he/she says in exchange for a cuss word and all the time can give it that extra quirk to a character too. :)
Ps. The further out of the box it is, the more lovable or quirky it is for them too!
Ann,As you can see, your interesting question has gotten opinions on both sides of the fence. You're in the driver's seat to do what you think is best. I'm also a firm believer in writers making decisions that please themselves.
Hugs and cheers to you!
E.A.: Ah, soooo true! Funny thing, the heroine doesn't cuss at all (since I don't *smirks*) so she says things like "freakin'", "oh, poop", "son of a beeswax". Now I feel bad for her cuz she's as wacky as I am haha. It's Cale that's the potty mouth when he gets riled up *smh**passes over swear jar**sigh*
Seriously, though, thank you very much for that reminder. Uber helpful!!
Miss Eva: Indeed, it has, eh? And I think you make a valid point. I tend to rewrite stuff a plethora of times...and...end up back to my initial gut instinct *headdesk* Annnd, thank you for the hug! I love hugs!! XD
Hugs (see?),
Ann
Another weird question for y'all. What's new, eh? :P Is cussing allowed in blurbs? Or would it be taken down? And if it is allowed would you still recommend against it?
Thank you oodles!!
Hugs,
Ann
P.S. - I feel like I should just make a single "Ann asks random questions" thread *smirks*