Stop! Before you go any further writing copy for your Amazon ads, read this post. You’ll find tips to help you make sure your ads get approved.
Indie publishing gives you the freedom to write about whatever you want to write about (mostly, anyway.) But Amazon has some strict rules around what content it does and doesn’t allow in its ads, and it’s important you understand the requirements so that you don’t put your ad account at risk.
To help you sail through the ad approval process with ease, here are some important tips.
1. Erotica is a No-No
While you can publish erotica on Amazon, the platform doesn’t want you to advertise it… at least not as such. That means you can’t have explicit sexual references in your ads or your blurb. Don’t use the word “erotica” itself in the ad and be careful of how you phrase things in your hook and blurb.
That doesn’t mean that you can’t advertise an erotic book — you just have to be careful. In your ads and sales copy, you’ll need to imply that the book is erotica rather than state it outright. Focus on the romantic aspects of your story in your sales copy and let readers know there is a high heat level without being too direct about it.
2. Be Careful With References to Violence
Amazon doesn’t want to glamorize violence, with good reason. Graphic violence can upset readers and sometimes real-life violence gets blamed on books that include similar incidents.
Of course, if you write thrillers, suspense, or horror, you have legitimate reasons for including the violence. Be careful not to be too graphic in your descriptions, though you can let readers know what level of blood and gore to expect.
3. The Tough Case of Sexual Violence
There are many stories written each year that involve sexual assault, often as a major part of the plot.
Amazon may ban ads that use the words rape or sexual assault, though, and you have to be careful in your sales copy, too. As with erotica, it’s best to imply what you’re talking about instead of saying it directly. You can say things such as “a brutal crime” or just say that the character is assaulted while leaving out the word “sexual.”
In general, Amazon will crack down on graphic sexuality, violence, or drug use. If your work includes these, tread carefully to not run afoul of the rules. If you’d like help creating sales copy that won’t trip the Amazon censors, contact us today at Best Page Forward.
And for even more tips to help you better utilize Amazon Ads, click here to get our Top 10 Amazon Advertising tips!