In entertainment media, nothing is a simple as a one-word description. Classifying a movie as horror is about the same as classifying a song as dance or rap. Especially in the music industry, consumers and fans alike strive to bundle their favorites into phrases like “progressive speed metal.” As it turns out, book classification can be even more so. In calling my own book series “YA horror,” I thought I was providing a service by calling it what I know it is. Fortunately, a handful of insightful reviewers have provided alternatives to this, and I’m going to take advantage of those revelations.

While I will still market The Spooky Chronicles for Adult and Young Adult, I’m going to re-brand the core elements to a phrase that better sums up what the series is about: “paranormal mystery.” To further describe what can be expected, I’m also mentioning “occult, undead, and zombie” as elements of the story. Those who’ve read the current books already know there’s plenty more going on than this, but to draw potential readers to enjoy the series, it will hopefully provide a better clue as to what they can expect inside.

This marketing stuff is tough…!