If you’re writing characters with marginalised identities different from your own, it’s important to represent their lived experiences in a thoughtful and sensitive way.
Hiring a sensitivity reader who shares the identities and experiences of your characters will help to ensure that your book doesn’t perpetuate harmful tropes or stereotypes. It can also aid in making sure that those characters come across as authentic and convincing, ultimately enriching your work.
You can hire sensitivity readers at any stage of your project. If any of your major characters have marginalised identities or lived experiences that you do not share, it often makes sense to bring readers on board at an earlier stage.
Types of feedback
I can provide feedback on partial and completed manuscripts. Or, if you have yet to begin drafting your manuscript, I can provide consultation on:
- your initial idea or premise,
- a plot outline or synopsis,
- character profiles,
- any related worldbuilding (see also gender worldbuilding consultation),
- and any other relevant planning materials.
This can be done as an add-on to other developmental feedback and coaching, or I can provide sensitivity reading as a stand-alone service.
Identities I read for
Some of the identities I can read for include:
- transmasculine characters;
- non-binary, genderqueer or agender characters who are transmisogyny exempt;
- asexual and aromantic characters;
- chronically ill and disabled characters.
It’s important to be aware of the intersections of identity when hiring a sensitivity reader. I am white, so I can’t read for BIPOC transmasculine characters, for example. I haven’t listed all of my identities and lived experiences above, so please do get in touch below to check if I’d be able to help you with your particular character.
Get in touch
Please get in touch using the form below to tell me about your project and what type of guidance you’re interested in. I’ll let you know if I’m the right sensitivity reader for you and we can talk about the options available.