Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Writing Warnings/Blurbs For YA Books



So part of my day job is to write little taglines and/or warnings to go with the books that I edit. This is hilarious and super fun. And my boss is a complete pro at it. But it got me to thinking, since the YA category is so large (13-21+), couldn't a lot of questions about the books be solved by a simple tagline or warning on the back of the book?

For example...(SPOILERS AHEAD)

Warning: Someone dies. It's horrible but every minute of this book is also wonderful. Bring three boxes of Kleenex.


Warning: This book is totally awesome but will make you feel really uncomfortable and you might not sleep for four nights thinking about it.


Warning: Even the most hard-hearted anti-romance readers will fall in love with this book and be swooning over Etienne. Dudes included. Also, you might want to get a passport because you'll probably be ready for Paris after this.


Warning: Do not be fooled by hot muscly arm or hot muscly author picture in the back. This book will rip you to shreds and leave your guts in a small pile next to your book shelf. It is also fantastic and has one of the best endings ever.


Warning: Do not read this book if you don't have any interest in becoming a Jay Asher fan girl/boy. The writing. The premise. Every moment of this book is seeped in WIN. Fan club meetings are on Twitter Wednesday nights at 9EST. See you there.


Warning: You know how they say you can't judge a book by its cover? Well, yes, you totally can. And I think I can stop right there.


Warning: You know how they say you can't judge a book by its title? Well, they are right. This is NOT a summer full of twenty guys (which my friend Lucy was very sad about). It is in fact a crushing portrayal of first and lost love. Please allow three weeks between reading this and TFiOS. Two boxes of Kleenex should do it, but only because it's slightly shorter.



Warning: ??? (Don't even get started on the 74 f-words...it hasn't been SimonPulse edited YET!)
Instead, we shall leave it at: It remains to be seen. I may have to send an ARC to the book-burners just to knock that whole pesky "banned book" question right off the table. You all can help me write the warning then.

19 comments:

Lydia Kang said...

I loved this post! If only those blurbs were on the back!

Mandie Baxter said...

Haha!!! Loved this and I have so many of those books to read. Need more time. Laughed at yours. So glad I support banned books. ;-)

Elodie said...

Wonderful, Christa! :D (and I have a few more books to add on my TBR now based on those warnings...)

Katy Upperman said...

Whole-heartedly agree on every single one of these! The only one I haven't read is LEVERAGE and now I'm pretty much desperate to get my hands on it. Also, I'm thinking if there is a YA book that'll make me cry, it might just be YOURS! Cannot wait to read it!

Brinda said...

I bought an autographed copy of The Fault inOur Stars with the intention of making it a prize. I might have to keep it for myself.

Lisa Dunick said...

Love this! Especially about the Jay Asher Fangirl comment. I was unaware there was a club :O)

Anonymous said...

I *will* read this book. ;-)

Anonymous said...

Accurate and entertaining. :-) There should be a whole website for this. TFiOS is devastating and wonderful, that's just the only way to describe it! Love the Perfect Chemistry comment and Anna comments. :-)

Rachel Searles said...

Apparently your day job is awesome :) Also, I just read the first chapter of Leverage, interest sparked by your blurb, and holy smokes does that look GOOD.

Deana said...

I so with these warnings came with every book. It would make choosing SO much easier!

ali cross said...

The things about warnings is, they only make me want to read the book MORE! (I'm such a rebel)

Can't wait to read yours Christa!

Alexis Bass said...

I’m just guessing, but if I know you like I think I do it will be, Warning: this will change your mind about a lot of things you used to think you understood. And you will need an entire box of tissues.

PS: The Fault of Our Stars is sitting on my book shelf staring at me. (I totally bought the autographed copy too – Brinda. “John” signed with a green pen. LOVE HIM.)

Sarah Tokeley said...

Me too - Lucy gets around is an awesome title :-)

Talli Roland said...

I love your warnings! You've obviously got talent. :)

anthony stemke said...

I enjoyed reading this post, interesting and humorous.

Kelley Vitollo said...

hehehe. Love this. So fun. I've had to do those warnings before too ;) They're pretty interesting...

M.J. Fifield said...

Only three boxes of tissues for TFIOS?

I am now scared to read both Forbidden and Leverage. But in a good way.

Heather said...

LOL! This is fun, and makes me want to read all of these.

A.L. Sonnichsen said...

You are so funny. These are great. :) (I am reading TFiOS right now and am underwhelmed. This usually happens to me when books get a lot of hype. I'm in the middle and I'm stalled. Blagggh. I'm more mad at myself than anything because I was so looking forward to LOVING it. Grrr. I couldn't finish 13 Reasons Why, either ... Did I just say all that on a public forum? Oh dear, I need to stop now.)