Accidental Spoilers

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

I have a quick, cautionary tale for you today.

I released book nine in the Southern Quilting series in late-April.  I consider the series to be one that can be read out of order with no problem…there’s really no continuing story arc for the main story, since each mystery is wrapped up at the close of every book.

But there are subplots that arc for this series.   As usual, I tend to think that nothing is more important than the mystery.  That’s been a stance that I’ve had to reconsider through many years and many editors, but my first instinct always concerns the mystery.

Another note: I always write my book description before I write the book.  In fact, I write it months before I write the book…when I have my cover designer create the cover.  I’m focusing so hard on the wording that maybe I have tunnel vision.

That’s the set-up.  And here’s what I did in the first paragraph of the back cover copy:  (if you’re a reader of mine who hasn’t read all of the last 9 books….spoiler alert!)

When Beatrice takes on a new case, she must solve it before anyone else rests in pieces.

Beatrice and her new husband, Wyatt, have started their life together.  Their first big event as man and wife is another wedding: that of Beatrice’s daughter. It’s a happy occasion and a beautiful ceremony—aside from the appearance of the odd and uninvited Ophelia. Ophelia argues with another guest, who is later discovered dead.

When the book released, I received an email almost immediately from a reader.  She said, “I suppose it’s my own fault for not being caught up with the series, but the synopsis for Rest in Pieces begins with a giant spoiler: Beatrice and her new husband, Wyatt.”  She signed it “still a fan.”

I slapped myself on the forehead.  The subplot of the sleuth and Wyatt’s developing relationship was something started in book one. Not everyone is on board with book nine.  Some readers have faithfully followed along but missed book eight. Or book seven.  Or whatever.

I wrote back and apologized to the reader.   Then I just as quickly opened up a bazillion publishing dashboards to change the book description.

It was quickly edited to:

When Beatrice takes on a new case, she must solve it before anyone else rests in pieces.

It’s a beautiful evening for a wedding and Beatrice couldn’t be prouder as the mother of the bride. It’s a happy occasion and a beautiful ceremony—aside from the appearance of the odd and uninvited Ophelia. Ophelia argues with another guest, who is later discovered dead.

There you go.  What not to do!  I figured if I could so easily and cluelessly mess this up, it could be worth sharing to prevent other writers from doing the same thing.  It seems to be easier to accidentally give series spoilers than it does for the book itself.

Have you accidentally spoiled your own books?  Thoughts about spoilers (for books, films, etc?)

Photo credit: pedrosimoes7 on Visual hunt / CC BY