When a writer submits their work to Diabolical Plots, suggesting content notes for us is requested but never required. Below is an explanation of how we handle them and a list of examples.
Though suggesting a content note might mean it will eventually be included with the story if published, ultimately that decision will be made in discussion with you during edits. Prior to that point, suggesting content notes to us here during submission is a great way to give our staff a heads-up so they can make sure they’re in the right headspace for the story.
That said, if you’re feeling a lot of stress or anxiety around trying to figure what to provide a content note for or how to phrase it, we’ve provided a list of possible examples below that you might find helpful. (Stories can have more than one content note. You can copy and paste any that you think apply.) But we also want you to know that it’s okay either way, and we will read your story and give it the chance that every story deserves regardless.
Thank you!
(And thanks to Chelle Parker for putting together the original version of this list.)
Bigotry
- This story contains transphobic slurs.
- This story contains transphobic microaggressions.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] transphobic behavior.
- This story contains threats of violence toward transgender people.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] violence toward transgender people.
- This story contains homophobic language or slurs.
- This story contains homophobic microaggressions.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] homophobic behavior.
- This story contains threats of violence toward queer people.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] violence toward queer people.
- This story contains racist language, or racial or ethnic slurs.
- This story contains racist microaggressions.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] racist behavior.
- This story contains threats of violence toward people of color.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] violence toward people of color.
- This story contains misogynist behavior.
- This story contains misogynist microaggressions.
- This story contains misogynist language or slurs.
- This story contains threats of violence toward women.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] violence toward women.
- This story contains ableist behavior.
- This story contains ableist microaggressions.
- This story contains ableist language or slurs.
- This story contains threats of violence toward disabled people.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] violence toward disabled people.
- This story contains fatphobic behavior.
- This story contains fatphobic microaggressions.
- This story contains fatphobic language or slurs.
- This story contains threats of violence toward fat people.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] violence toward fat people.
Harm to Children
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] parental neglect and child endangerment.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] physical abuse toward children.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] emotional abuse toward children.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] attempts to coerce a child into unwanted physical contact.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] child sexual abuse.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] significant harm to a child.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] the death of a child.
Non-consent
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] attempts to coerce someone into unwanted physical contact.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] unwanted physical contact.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] sexual harassment.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] sexual assault.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] non-consensual medical treatment.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] non-consensual medical or scientific experimentation.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] non-consensual hospitalization or institutionalization.
Animals
- This story contains threats of harm to animals.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] harm to animals.
- This story contains depictions of pet death.
Common Phobias
- This story involves elements of body horror.
- This story involves [references to/depictions of] insects and/or spiders.
- This story involves [references to/depictions of] snakes.
- This story involves [references to/depictions of] needles.
Eating Disorders
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] disordered eating.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] using exercise as a form of self-harm.
Drugs & Alcohol
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] drug abuse.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] alcohol abuse.
Other Violence and Harm
- This story contains threats of self-harm or suicide.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] self-harm or suicide.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] loss of limb.
- This story contains threats of intimate partner violence.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] intimate partner violence.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] mass illness events or pandemics.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] mass death events.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] mass atrocities or genocide.
- This story contains [references to/depictions of] school shootings.
- This story contains threats of graphic violence or torture.
- This story contains graphic depictions of violence or torture.