If you have been a part of the writing community for any period of time, you have probably heard of sensitivity reads. Maybe you know what they are, maybe you don't. But I have discovered in my years of being a sensitivity reader, that many people have misconceptions about us. So, I am gonna share some facts really quick and simple.
What A Sensitivity Reader Does:
Sensitivity readers read your manuscript in order to pinpoint biased representation of marginalized populations. Most people assume this is just based on race or ethnicity, however that is only a part of it. We also look at things such as body shape/size, language, socioeconomic status, sex, and many other factors.
Perhaps more importantly, we don't just go through your manuscript checking to see if you have as much diversity on the page as possible. In fact, what we tend to look at more is how diverse groups are presented. Are all your Asian characters shy and good at math? Are all the women buxom blond beauties? Are people of a lower socioeconomic status seen as valued or treated the same? (Of course, if this is part of the plot, that is not an issue. Eg, Brave New World.) If you have set your novel in our world, how are other countries and cultures presented? Whose voice is centered? Are any biases present?
I have had many clients who didn't even realize that their inherent biases were showing up on the page! It is always great when they review my feedback and put in the work to change it.
A Sensitivity Reader Is Not:
Your editor. We point out the issues, we don't change them. Those are two different functions although some editors (like myself) are both.
A punching bag. I have had clients yell at me or use abusive language when I point out issues in their manuscript. If you don't like what I have to say, why did you hire me?
Your mother. We won't coddle you or tell you it is okay because you didn't know. Unintentional harm does just as much damage as when it is intentional.
An excuse to write whatever. Just because you can hire a sensitivity reader later on doesn't mean you should go throwing in as much derogatory language and imagery in your manuscript as possible.
Also, I have had quite a few clients hire me because their editor said they needed a sensitivity read, but then refused to change any of the issues that I pointed out. You can't begin to imagine how frustrating that is! They want to say they've done it, but don't want to put their money where their mouth is, so to speak.
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