Should You Use Profanity in Your Book Title?

While it may feel bold or on-trend, there are important factors to consider before going down that path—especially if you're aiming for long-term success.

Distribution and Advertising Limitations

Retailers like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) often require authors to mask profanity in titles using symbols (e.g., “sh*t” instead of the full word). Even with such substitutions, your book may still face restrictions:

• Advertising Challenges: Many ad platforms, including Amazon Ads and social media channels, may reject campaigns that include profanity in titles—even if the words are censored.

• Retailer Sensitivities: Some bookstores and distributors may choose not to carry books with profane titles, especially if their customer base includes schools, libraries, or family-oriented buyers.

Impact on Sales Potential

We’ve heard firsthand from authors who saw significant gains in visibility and revenue after rebranding their titles to remove profanity. In some cases, revenue increased up to six times simply by changing to a cleaner, more widely marketable title.

Consider the Bigger Picture

A book title isn’t just a statement—it’s a gateway to your audience. If your title turns people away before they even read the blurb, you’re limiting your reach. Readers may still appreciate edgy, bold, or provocative content, but your title should invite them in—not alienate them.

Our Recommendation

Be creative. Find a clever or powerful way to express the same energy or idea without using explicit language. You’ll maintain your edge and open the door to broader opportunities.

Remember: you're not just publishing a book—you're building a brand and a business.