Sensitivity Reader



“A sensitivity reader reads through a manuscript for issues of representation and for instances of bias on the page…A sensitivity reader reviews a manuscript for internalized bias and negatively charged language. A sensitivity reader is there to help make sure you do not make a mistake, but they are also NOT a guarantee against making a mistake.”

My job as a sensitivity reader is to check your work for harmful bias against at a marginalized group. My area of expertise is black women and queer/pansexual issues. If you would like a sensitivity read, it is important to realize that I do not speak for all black or queer women. Minorities are not a monolith and there are some issues that don’t bother me as much as others. However, even if I don’t personally take an issue with something, I will still point it out if I see the potential for it to be harmful to other black/queer women. It is up to you to consider whether my suggestions are useful or not. You cannot use me as a shield against any criticism you might receive.

Manuscripts submitted for sensitivity reads should be submission ready and free from obvious errors. It is important to remember that a sensitivity read is not a developmental edit. I am happy to negotiate a higher price if you would like to add on developmental edits.


Experience

B.A. in English Liberal Arts from the University of Northern Colorado; Editor-in-Chief of The Crucible Literary Magazine; Editor at Paperweight Editorial. Novelist and short story writer; my work has received various awards, including Rosenberry winner for Best Creative Non-fiction. Life experiences.

Area of Expertise
I am able to delve into many black and queer issues, but these are areas I have personal experience in:
  • Black Geek Girl – The experience of a black girl teased and mocked for enjoying popular geek culture. Accused of acting white, being an oreo, etc. Sometimes feels ostracized from black and white people
  • Tokenism  – Often the only black person in a group, town, or area.
  • Culture shock  – Moving from a diverse area to an area devoid of POC.
  • Microaggressions against black women.
  • First-generation college student.
  • Confusion over sexual identity.

Genres I read
As a reader, I am mainly interested in YA and NA. These are the genres I am willing to look at in either category.

  • Contemporary
  • Fantasy (urban, contemporary, high, light)
  • Science-fiction (particular space operas/adventures)
  • LGBT/Queer fiction
  • Horror
  • Magical Realism
  • Mystery/Thriller
I am not interested in Adult, Memoirs, Self-Help, Religious, Romance, Erotica, or Crime Fiction.

Cost

$250 for 60,000-100,000 word manuscript

 If you would like a developmental alongside a traditional edit, I am happy to negotiate a higher price. All payment are made via paypal. Upon establishment of services, you will receive an invoice prompting you to pay. I will not start reading until all payments are made. 


Turnaround time

I aim to have manuscripts read and evaluated within 30 days. I will communicate with you if something occurs and I will need additional time.

If you require a faster turnaround time an additional fee will occur. However, I would recommend that you look into sensitivity reads earlier rather than later if you have a particular deadline.

To contact me about a sensitivity read, email paperweighteditorials(at)gmail (dot)com with the subject line “SENSITIVITY READER REQUEST" and a one-page synopsis/query letter. Feel free to include anything else you feel is important about the manuscript. I will contact you within 1-5 business days.

CONVERSATION

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