What is a sensitivity reader and how to find a great one.
You may have recently heard the term sensitivity reader for the first time, after quite a few very well-known authors shared their opinions online.
But does having a sensitivity reader mean that your writing will be sanitised?
Does it mean your stories and characters will be watered down?
Does it mean that you will be shamed for an honest mistake?
The short answer is NO!
We're all very much aware, especially as writers, of cancel culture. Where people have written things that have been problematic, and they've ended up in trouble.
Funny how, in nearly every example of someone crying that they've been cancelled, they've had their voice heard in more places than before. If anything, they've managed to get more publicity out of it.
But fear of this mythical cancellation is a good thing. If you, as a writer, are concerned your words could potentially get you in trouble, in my honest opinion that is a good place to start, and shows you're already on the right road to doing better.
"But fear of this mythical cancellation is a good thing."
As writers we should be allowed (and indeed, as of right now, we still are) to write anything we want.
You know how I feel about non-lgbtq+ writers, writing lgbtq+ characters. I'm all for it.
I don't think it's right for anyone to gatekeep what people can and cannot write about. For me that is a slippery slope.
If only queer people can write queer characters, then ultimately that leads to only men writing men, and women writing women.
We can't gatekeep it and at the same time moan that there's not enough representation in tv, film and books. Gatekeeping actually leads to less representation.
Plus, lgbtq+ people already have to fight for our queer stories, if less writers are writing us, those characters are going to fade away. And now is NOT the time for that to be happening.
There are, of course, stories that are best left to those who have experienced them. However, there's no harm in touching on these subjects in any story (by that I mean rather than these issues be full on plot points, they're moments that add realistic texture and colour).
As humans, we cannot fully understand, nor have lived, every experience. We can have multiple points of view, but not all of them.
Plus we want our stories to reflect the real world. We want to fill our stories with all kinds of people.
At the end of the day we are creating art, and also (and there's no shame in this, despite what society leads us to believe), we want to make money from said art.
The more diverse are characters are, the more inclusive our stories are, the more potential we have for a bigger audience.
So what exactly is a sensitivity reader?
Here's 5 sensitivity reader myths I'm going to dispel right now.
1. They'll shout at me if I've written something problematic or offensive
NOPE.
While it's true a sensitivity reader will point these things out, they also understand that nobody can know everything and honest mistakes happen.
You'll be advised on how to correct the mistake with the full understanding that you've literally asked for the right help, in the right place.
2. What if I trigger my sensitivity reader?
YOU WON'T.
People choose to be sensitivity readers so they can help writers improve how they represent others. Nobody goes into it (or they shouldn't), if they're extremely sensitive about it.
Good sensitivity readers are prepared for anything, and will get the job done.
3. I don't want to get re-written.
IT'S NOT AN EDIT.
No sensitivity reader will make any changes to your story or script in any way.
What you will get are notes offering suggestions of where you might be going wrong, and places you can add more realistic detail.
If anything, it's about updating your knowledge, so your story can be more authentic.
4. Won't it sanitise my story?
WAIT, WHAT?!
A good sensitivity reader will not only help you with mistakes, they'll also point out ways you can bring extra texture to your characters and stories. Making them seem more real.
They can offer brilliant details that will ultimately make your work an even better read.
A good sensitivity reader will also be a huge source of knowledge on their lived experience, so can point out things you may not have thought about, nor could ever imagine.
Far from sanitising, you might be given suggestions on how to go even further with your character, or deeper into your story.
5. My story is make-believe, so any mistakes are part of the imaginary character's imaginary journey, so why do I have to use one?
YOU DON'T!
You can write what you want, it's unlikely anyone will ask you to use one, even if you're with a publishing company or production company.
It's a decision you make on your own.
And even if you do decide to use one, you are under no obligation to make any changes.
Although why you'd get a sensitivity reader (often at your own expense), and not use their feedback to improve your story so you get a bigger audience, is beyond me.
More and more writers are turning to a sensitivity reader.
You can find them for literally any sort of lived experience, including queerness, race, gender, forms of abuse, a particular culture and pretty much any profession.
You can of course, research everything online yourself, but that can only go so far.
Plus, the more specific your characters are, the more interesting they become. No character can represent a whole community, nor should they, but even though everyone within a particular community will have had a different experience, there are many things that they will have all gone through, or there will be certain behaviours in common.
For instance, the general consensus when it comes to queer characters, is that there's this coming out moment and it's done. There are loads of films, tv shows and books where an lgbtq+ character must come out, it's a big moment, often a huge plot point, and once it's over, it's over.
That could not be further from the truth. For anyone. I don't know a single queer person who has had to come out once and it's done. It's a lifetime of telling people, or not. There's moments where we have to go back in the proverbial closet for our safety. This can happen at any moment.
But unless you've been through that, how would you know?
Use a sensitivity reader.
But where do I find one?
3 tips for finding a sensitivity reader.
Ask your writer friends.
Finding a sensitivity reader that someone has used before is your best bet.
Although finding someone who's used one are few and far between right now, it is on the rise.
Even better if the writer you asked has written something similar to you, as you might be able to use the same reader.
Google it.
“Sensitivity reader” will mainly bring up blogs and posts like this, so try something like “Sensitivity reader for hire”, or “sensitivity reader for [insert particular voice you're looking for].
You'll certainly find people on sites like fiverr, but be aware, you get what you pay for, and you could end up paying twice because that “cheap” reader was no use.
Ask on social media.
Twitter is a good place to ask these questions.
You'll no doubt get people selling their own services, as well as others saying who they used.
But use your due diligence to look into each suggestion carefully, to find the right one for you.
Rates for sensitivity readers will vary, depending on the reader, their experience and their specialities. You can of course find people willing to do these for free, but like any sort of peer review, the quality can vary.
Some feedback might be very basic, others might be too strict. That's if you get a reply at all.
At least paying for one, you know you're getting someone who will take the time to do a thorough job.
So what should I look for in a sensitivity reader?
3 tips for choosing the right sensitivity reader.
1. Someone with the lived-experience you're writing about.
You can find people with multiple experiences, or find people with specific experience but also have in-depth knowledge about the wider aspects of the community.
So if your character is trans, find a trans reader, but if you have, say, a mixed heritage trans femme character, then finding a sensitivity reader who is also a mixed heritage trans femme, is going to be even more to your advantage.
2. Someone with writing experience is a bonus.
Anyone can be a sensitivity reader, but finding someone who is also a writer would be extra beneficial. Especially if you're looking for someone to look over your script.
Understanding of how plot and structure work, as a writer, can play into how characters and communities are portrayed, thus someone who understands this will be an added bonus.
3. Get to know them.
Chat with them first to get a sense of how right they are for your particular needs.
Delays replying to messages, or forceful selling techniques could mean problems during your read.
You want someone who understands your needs, and whom you feel comfortable sharing your precious words with.
Have you used a sensitivity reader?
Drop me a message to tell me of your experience, and I might use your words to update this article in the future.