Author Resources

Details
Written by: Texas Authors Institute of History
Category: Uncategorised
Hits: 1923
The following items are in the process of being created.  Please join our newsletter to stay up to date on this program.

Educational Webinars

At ReadSafeRatings, we believe that empowered authors are the best advocates for creative freedom.
Join us for free and low-cost webinars that cover:

  • Understanding the Rating System: How it works and why it matters.

  • Navigating Book Challenges: How to protect your work and advocate for access.

  • Building Trust with Readers and Librarians: Using your rating to connect and grow your audience.

Check our calendar for upcoming webinars, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Marketing Materials

Share your rating proudly and professionally!
We provide a range of resources to help you:

  • Digital Badges: Add them to your website, social media, or email newsletters.

  • Sample Press Releases: Announce your rated book to the world!

  • Social Media Graphics: Show your rating visually to build reader trust.

  • Tips & Best Practices: How to talk about your rating to attract the right readers.

These materials amplify your story—while helping to ensure it stays accessible.

Sample of Rating results that will be shared with Librarians and Bookstores:

Book Title: Pawnee Prisoner: The Story of Jane Gotcher Crawford
Author: Vivian McCullough
Rating: R
Content Labels: V, SC, ST
Explanation: This historical novel includes graphic and intense scenes of violence (including murders, scalping, and torture), explicit depictions of sexual violence threats, and deeply sensitive topics involving abduction, cultural conflict, and trauma. Given the severity of these scenes, it is best suited for mature readers ages 17 and up.

Book Title: PROVEN PATHWAYS TO WEALTH & HAPPINESS (2021 Revised)
Author: Victor Vonico Johnson
Rating: G
Content Labels: None
Explanation: This book is a motivational and practical guide on achieving financial well-being, wealth, and personal happiness through mindset change, goal setting, and practical financial strategies. It includes no explicit language, no violence, no sexual content, and no adult themes beyond general money and personal development. The book is suitable for general audiences of all ages.

Book Title: Pawnee Prisoner: The Story of Jane Gotcher Crawford
Author: Vivian McCullough
Rating: R
Content Labels: V, ST
Explanation: This novel contains scenes of intense violence including scalping, torture, and murder, as well as depictions of kidnapping and trauma, especially affecting women and children. Although no explicit sexual scenes are present, there are implications of sexual threat and humiliation. The sensitive themes of historical warfare, family massacre, and captivity render the book appropriate only for mature readers aged 17 and up.
 
Book Title: Sunrise Over the Pumpkin Patch
Author: Linda Brooks Davis
Rating: PG
Content Labels: ST
Explanation: This book contains mild thematic elements related to grief, abandonment, and personal loss, particularly surrounding foster care, family trauma, and healing from emotional wounds. While the tone is uplifting and faith-based, the sensitive topics presented may benefit from parental guidance, especially for younger readers. There is no explicit language, violence, or sexual content.

Book Title: Pillars of Creation: A Quest for the Great Name in a Nietzschean World
Author: Carlos Nicolás Flores
Rating: R
Content Labels: EL, DA, ST

Explanation: This literary novel explores themes of violence, poverty, and spiritual crisis along the Texas-Mexico border. It includes references to drug trafficking, mass graves, government corruption, and existential despair, as well as mild to moderate language and depictions of alcohol and substance-related trauma. While not graphically violent or sexual, the mature philosophical and social themes make it suitable for readers aged 17 and up.

For Librarians & Booksellers

Details
Written by: Texas Authors Institute of History
Category: Uncategorised
Hits: 1951

Why Ratings Matter for Libraries

As book bans and content challenges become more common, libraries and bookstores are on the front lines of defending access to diverse voices. ReadSafeRatings offers a transparent, neutral system to help you navigate these challenges.

By using our voluntary content ratings:

  • You can quickly assess which books fit your collection development goals and community needs.

  • You provide clear, factual context to support your selection decisions—especially if challenged.

  • You demonstrate a commitment to informed choice and open access, not censorship.

How to Use Ratings

  • Search by Rating: Our directory lets you find books rated from C (Children’s Books) to NC-17 (Adults Only), along with detailed content labels (EL, V, SC, DA, ST).

  • Match to Community Needs: Use the ratings and labels to identify the right titles for your patrons—whether it’s a family-friendly children’s book or a mature work for adult readers.

  • Support Diverse Voices: Ratings help you confidently stock a wide range of stories—while also addressing community concerns.

  • Be Proactive: Stay ahead of potential challenges by demonstrating that your selection process considers reader choice and responsible stewardship.

  • View the Database of current books that have been rated by our system. (Coming Soon)

Request a Presentation

We’re here to help!
Invite us to speak at your library staff meeting, regional conference, or local bookseller event. Our presentations cover:

  • Why voluntary ratings matter

  • How to use ratings to navigate new laws

  • How to advocate for open access in your community

Contact Us to Request a Presentation

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Details
Written by: Texas Authors Institute of History
Category: Uncategorised
Hits: 1988

 

Common Objections & Rebuttals

Q: Isn’t this program just another form of censorship?
A: No, ReadSafeRatings is entirely voluntary and author-led. Unlike censorship, which removes books from shelves, this program provides neutral, factual information that empowers readers and librarians to make informed decisions—while protecting authors’ creative voices.

Q: Do we really need ratings for books?
A: Many readers, especially parents and librarians, don’t have time to read every book in advance. Ratings provide quick guidance, helping them choose confidently—just like in movies and music.

Q: Won’t these ratings label and stigmatize books?
A: Ratings are neutral and factual—not value judgments. In music and film, similar systems have boosted trust and sales. They make it easier for books to stay on shelves instead of being removed due to vague complaints.

Q: Shouldn’t authors be free to create without explanation?
A: Authors still have full creative control. Ratings are a tool to protect their books and help them reach more readers safely.

Q: Could ratings give ammunition to book banners?
A: Actually, they do the opposite. Ratings provide a clear, objective standard that makes it harder for complaints to be based on personal bias.

Q: Won’t this cost authors money they can’t afford?
A: The program is designed to be affordable and scalable, with multiple pricing tiers. It can pay for itself over time by helping authors retain access to libraries and schools.

Links to Educational Resources

Explore more about why transparency and choice matter in book publishing and libraries:

Have another question?
???? Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.—we’re happy to help!

Directory of Rated Books

Details
Written by: Texas Authors Institute of History
Category: Uncategorised
Hits: 1997
 (Below is our vision of the searchable listings.  This will continue to evolve based on our growth and understanding of what readers and librarians need.)

Searchable Listings

Explore the growing collection of books that have been reviewed and rated through ReadSafeRatings.
Our directory is designed to help readers, librarians, and booksellers quickly find books that meet their interests and needs.

How it works:

  • Every book is assigned a clear content rating (C, G, PG, PG-13, R, NC-17) and any additional labels (EL, V, SC, DA, ST).

  • Listings include book title, author, genre, short description, and rating summary.

  • Use our search tool to find the right book for your library, classroom, or personal collection.

Filter by Rating, Genre, and Author

Refine your search:

  • Rating: See only books with your preferred content level.

  • Genre: Filter by fiction, nonfiction, romance, fantasy, children’s books, and more.

  • Author: Search for your favorite author or discover new voices.

Example Filters:

  • Show only C-rated books for children under 6.

  • Browse all PG-13 historical fiction novels.

  • Explore books with explicit language (EL) or sensitive topics (ST) for awareness in educational settings.

Together, these tools make it easy to navigate the changing landscape of book challenges and bans—while keeping the focus on informed choice and creative freedom.

 

Sample Book Listing

Book Title: PROVEN PATHWAYS TO WEALTH & HAPPINESS (2021 Revised)
Author: Victor Vonico Johnson
Rating: G
Content Labels: None
Explanation: This book is a motivational and practical guide on achieving financial well-being, wealth, and personal happiness through mindset change, goal setting, and practical financial strategies. It includes no explicit language, no violence, no sexual content, and no adult themes beyond general money and personal development. The book is suitable for general audiences of all ages.

Submit Your Book

Details
Written by: Texas Authors Institute of History
Category: Uncategorised
Hits: 2008

 

Submission Form

(We are currently working on the submission form.  Below is the information we will require once it is up and running.)

Ready to have your book rated?
Fill out this simple form and join the ReadSafeRatings community of authors and librarians.

Required Information:

  • Full Name

  • Pen Name (if different)

  • Email Address

  • State of Residence

  • Book Title

  • Genre

  • Target Age Group

  • Short Book Description

  • Digital Manuscript File (PDF, ePub, or Word)

  • Cover Image (optional)

  • Additional content notes (e.g., explicit language, violence, etc.)

Package Selection:

  • Basic

  • Standard

  • Premium

By submitting your book, you acknowledge and accept our Legal & Liability Disclaimer (see below).

Legal & Liability Disclaimer

ReadSafeRatings is a voluntary, third-party program operated by the Texas Authors Museum & Institute of History, Inc.
All ratings and content labels are provided as informational tools only and are not legally binding.

Authors remain fully responsible for the content of their books.

ReadSafeRatings and the Texas Authors Museum & Institute of History, Inc. do not assume liability for how ratings are used or interpreted by others.

Participation in this program is strictly voluntary.

Pricing & Packages

We’ve created three affordable packages to suit your needs:

Basic Rating – $50

  • Content review and assigned rating

  • Digital badge to share online

Standard Package – $75

  • Content review and assigned rating

  • Digital badge + 10 high-quality stickers

  • Inclusion in the ReadSafe Ratings Directory

Premium Package – $125

  • Content review and assigned rating

  • Digital badge + 25 high-quality stickers

  • Inclusion in the Directory

  • Featured spotlight in our newsletter and social media

All packages help support the mission of ReadSafe Ratings and the Texas Authors Museum & Institute of History, Inc., a nonprofit organization.

Turnaround Time

We’re committed to fast and fair reviews.
Our typical turnaround time is 10–14 business days.
We’ll confirm receipt of your submission and keep you updated on your book’s progress.

  1. Book Content Ratings
  2. Quick Guide - ReadSafe Ratings
  3. About the Program
  4. Texas Author Con

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