Just like in the movies, our rating system is designed to tell the reader something about the piece it describes. Lots of us are open to reading about sex, murder, and mayhem, but not everyone is. On the other hand, maybe somebody only wants to read about sex, murder, and mayhem, and lower ratings just aren't going to cut it.
When you write for The Library, we ask that you use the following rating system. When you create your blog entry, select the rating category that works best for your piece.
See the rating definitions below and click on the rating to see works in that category. Enjoy!
Rating Categories
Readers of any age would generally be able to read this content. There is no profanity, violence, use of illicit substances, graphic nudity or sexual content. Any romantic content is chaste and not central to the piece’s theme.
All but the youngest readers would be able to read this drabble. There is infrequent/mild profanity, non-lethal, non-graphic violence, and no on-screen use of illicit substances. Nudity and/or sexual content, if present, is fleeting and non-graphic. Any romantic content is mild.
Teenaged readers would likely not be new to this content or surprised by it. Mild to moderate profanity and violence is likely to be common. Themes may include the use of illicit substances, nudity or sexual content, however limited. Any romantic content is approaching explicit and may be the focus of the narrative.
Content is not appropriate for those under the age of legal majority/consent. Is likely to contain explicit violence, crude language, the use of illicit substances, and/or sexual behavior.
This content is appropriate for adults only. Portrayals of violence, substance abuse, and sexuality are frequent and possibly central to the narrative. Dialogue is likely to contain profanity, explicit references to violent/sexual acts and body parts, or is otherwise inappropriate for anyone underage.