Sensitivity Reader
What is a sensitivity reader?
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someone who reads a literary work, looking for perceived offensive content, stereotypes and bias, creating a report for an author or publisher with suggested changes
Do you need a sensitivity reader if you've created a character that is different than you and part of a marginalized sub-group?
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The short answer is no. You don't need one, but as an author, it's your responsibility to honestly portray your characters to the best of your ability. Not doing so could come off as offensive, and it could perpetuate stereotypes that we've worked so hard to dispel.
How do you choose a sensitivity reader?
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A google search is a good option. Additionally, talk to other authors who have similar content and find out who they used.
How I can help:
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If you have a character who is an amputee, I'd love to help make your project great! I have over three decades worth of experience as an amputee, and I'm also an author. Not only do I understand all things amputee, but I also know good writing. I'd be honored to read your manuscript and offer feedback/suggestions!
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Recent Experience
November 2023- I worked with Simon and Schuster on a YA Fantasy project that had a character who lost her leg as a teenager.
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September 2023- I was an authenticity editor for a Young Adult manuscript that had a character who was injured in war and lost his leg.
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May 2023- I subcontracted for Harper Collins as a sensitivity reader for a graphic novel that included an amputee character. I made sure the pictures were accurate and sensitive, the terminology was correct, and the character depiction was realistic.
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June 2022- I worked for an indie author who wrote a middle-grade novel about an amputee character who goes on an adventure in Alaska.
Reading Interests/Pricing
I'm open to reviewing any genre.
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Contact me for pricing, as fees depend on length and type of manuscript. Typically, though, I stick to the industry standard of $.005 per word.
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Qualifications: I have my MAT (Masters in the Art of Teaching) from Miami University's Ohio Writing Project and have been teaching writing for 17 years. I am also an author myself. Of course, my personal experience of being an amputee for the past 36 years likely makes me most qualified to work as a sensitivity reader for your manuscript.
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*Please note that I am a congenital amputee, so I don't have as much experience in what it's like to lose a limb later in life. However, I'm very active in the amputee community and am a peer mentor for those who have just become amputees, so I can give feedback based on that.
