Sensitivity Reading is a relatively new field that is not well understood yet. It’s essentially a new form of editing, even though no actual editing is being done. A sensitivity reader’s first job is to share a marginalized identity with at least one of the characters of a client’s manuscript. (LGBTQ+, POC, neurodivergent, etc.) They will then read that manuscript to make comments throughout the document. Comments mainly focus on any microaggressions, stereotypes and harmful material that the sensitivity reader has found, though I personally like to point out areas that the author did well on in terms of proper representation of their character. A sensitivity reader does not edit the manuscript at all—rather, they make comments about what they think needs to be changed based on their experiences as a marginalized person.
Below, you will find an example of what I do as a sensitivity reader:
As you can see, a sensitivity reader is responsible for pointing out harmful material, but also explaining why it is harmful. As a living person who shares the identity of the client’s character, a sensitivity reader is able to give valuable information on how the character can be improved based on personal experience.
Now, the burning question: Where do we find sensitivity readers?
The Writing Diversely directory is a great place to start: https://www.writingdiversely.com/directory
Author Twitter is also a great place to meet people. Typing "sensitivity reader" into Google will point you to a handful of people as well.
Do you really need a sensitivity reader? That's up to you and your manuscript. (Keep in mind that it is significantly more important for YA, MG and Children's fiction.) I always tell my students that if you don't hire a sensitivity reader, all you have is a search engine and your own common sense. If you don't think a sensitivity reader is worth it, I highly suggest having a friend who shares your character's marginalized identity to read your work.
I am a professional sensitivity reader and I am always open to new clients. If you are in need of a sensitivity reader, feel free to comment below and I would love to get in touch with you. If you have a marginalized character of an identity that I do not share, I can certainly point you to someone who does.
5 comments:
Thanks for your visit. Your posts must be very interesting to published/would be published writers.
Thanks for the informative page. Tough job, I imagine.
A sensitivity reader sounds like an essential for anyone wanting to publish their work. Glad to have made your acquaintance.
My WIP will require sensitivity readers as the main characters are a queer couple, one Welsh and one Tamil, while I'm a WASP who can only claim to be disabled. One of secondary characters is the deaf sister of my POV MC.I'm trying to get 'diverse' input during the research and revision stages.
My S post: https://rolandclarke.com/2019/04/22/s-for-sabotage-azure-spark-part-19/
Great explanation about why one would need a sensitivity reader.
Ronel visiting with the A-Z Challenge music and writing: Something Local
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