Sensitivity readers get a bad rap, with many writers believing they're out to 'get' writers. Here's 10 myths about them & why they're wrong.
A sensitivity reader is someone who reads a literary work, looking for perceived offensive content, accidental stereotypes and bias. They then create a report for a writer, publisher or another industry pro with suggested changes. No more, no less. FYI, I actually donβt like the term βsensitivity readerβ. I feel it plays into (some) writersβ belief the job is βpanderingβ to various communities or cultures. These writers focus on the word βsensitivityβ being about the READER or VIEWER, when in reality that word refers to US, the writer (ie. weβre the ones who should be βsensitiveβ, not the other way around!). I much prefer the term βauthenticity checkerβ. It shows the value of the job, because as we all know: industry pros want AUTHENTIC STORIES right now! But maybe youβre on the fence about needing a sensitivity reader, or perhaps youβre thinking about becoming one yourself? No doubt you will have heard all the myths I list here β¦ I know I have! Iβm going to spotlight each one, with why theyβre wrong. Ready? Letβs go β¦ [...]













