Universal Book Rating System (UBRS)
Based on a perceived need in the book community, BookToker and Bookstagramer Jessica Bethard (aka Lovey), working in conjunction with author Kathryn R. Biel, have put together a prototype for the Universal Book Rating System (UBRS). This 3-part system will be used to rate books so that consumers can determine the content level at a glance. 

Please forward any comments, concerns, or ideas about this to kathrynbiel@outlook.com.

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Profanity/Language
Indicated by a dot on the UBRS, the number of dots will correspond to the language and profanity content as follows:

  • 0 dots: No curse words, profanity, or cussing
  • 1 dot: Averages to less than one light swear word (damn, shit, hell, bitch, ass) per chapter. For example, if the book has 30 chapters, you can expect 29 or less light swear words in the entire book
  • 2 dots: More than one swear word per chapter, excluding “heavy” swear words. Swear words like damn, hell, and shit are included in this level. No limits on the amount of swear words. It is the same "level" of words as 1 dot, but there is no limit on the frequency.
  • 3 dots:  All of the above plus the addition of the more offensive swear words such as the F-word and G-damn, but the "heavy" words are used less than 1 time per chapter. More descriptive anatomical terms are used.
  • 4 dots: No limits on words used or the amount of usage. Expect liberal use of profanity and anatomical terms. 

Profanity/Language: *
Required
If you do not agree with the dot ratings as stated above, please explain why or how you would categorize this language:
Graphic Content and Violence
This section includes violence and traumatic sexual encounters and is rated on an alphabetical scale.

  • A rating: None
  • B rating: Violence or trauma occurs off the page or in a fade to black manner. You as a reader are aware that it occurred, but the encounter is described without detailed descriptions.
  • C rating: This level allows for descriptive violence and/or traumatic sexual encounters. This must be limited to 1 scene per 100 pages.
  • D rating: This level allows for descriptive violence and/or traumatic sexual encounters. The scenes can occur more than one scene per 100 pages but in less than 75% of the chapters. 
  • E rating: This level allows for descriptive violence and/or traumatic sexual encounters in more than 75% of the book’s chapters.

Graphic Content and Violence *
Required
If you do not agree with the alphabetical ratings as stated above, please explain why or how you would categorize this language:
Sexual Content
This section uses a numerical 6 point scale to rate the sexual descriptiveness. All consensual sexual activities are included in this category.

  • 1: Very few chaste kisses and one (maximum) passionate kiss is allowed at this level. There can be no sex (implied or otherwise) in the book. 
  • 2: At this level all forms of kissing and light, over the clothes touching is allowed. No orgasms or sex, implied or otherwise, is allowed. 
  • 3: Anything more than level 2 is implied and/or done off the page. Otherwise known as closed door. 
  • 4: At this level descriptive sex scenes are allowed. They must remain mild and not be the focus of the story. There must be at least one chapter between each sex scene. 
  • 5: Highly descriptive sex scenes, but these scenes cannot be the primary focus of the book.
  • 5+: When the + symbol is added, it indicates that there are more than 2 parties engaging in the sex scenes.
  • 6: At this level, the book can be classified as erotica. The driving force of the book is the very descriptive, very lengthy sex scenes, while the plot may be secondary.
  • 6+:  When the + symbol is added, it indicates that there are more than 2 parties engaging in the sex scenes.


Sexual Content *
Required
If you do not agree with the numerical ratings as stated above, please explain why or how you would categorize this language:
Color Coding
Should colors be used to determine genre or subgenres?
 *
Required
Please provide other feedback, as this is very much in the development phase, and we all know that teamwork makes the dream work!
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