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The concept of sensitivity reading can be one fraught with debate, but is an important aspect of writing. People often consider there to be two types of sensitivity readers. The first review already published books for issues, then recommending edits and adjustments. While the second work with authors while they write the book to avoid any issues or missteps. At WSP, we focus on the latter, helping authors ensure proper representation in their works through due diligence. Read more below to learn more about how you can become a part of the process.
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What does a sensitivity reader do?
A sensitivity reader reviews scenes, chapters, or entire books to ensure accurate representation of various groups and avoid stereotypes, cultural inaccuracies, micro-aggressions, and more. They will work with the author to provide input from their lived experiences through a lens of equity, equality, and inclusion. These readers can offer other forms of advice as well, not just cultural accuracy, but accuracy in other forms, such as legal jargon, medical terms and procedures, historical accuracies, and husbandry accuracies, to name a few.
As a sensitivity reader, you will be called upon to review certain texts which fall into your area of experience and expertise. An information package detailing what the author is requiring will be provided with the text to provide you with guidance on the scope of the review. Once the review is complete, you are asked to fill out a report template that will be included in a package to be delivered to the author. Should questions arise, we will follow up on behalf of the author.
As a sensitivity reader, you will be called upon to review certain texts which fall into your area of experience and expertise. An information package detailing what the author is requiring will be provided with the text to provide you with guidance on the scope of the review. Once the review is complete, you are asked to fill out a report template that will be included in a package to be delivered to the author. Should questions arise, we will follow up on behalf of the author.
Why volunteer to become a Sensitivity Reader?
In short, to lend your voice and experience to ensure accuracy and representation. If authors followed "only write what you know," there would be a lot of limited reading materials out there with very little representation. Writers need to write about places, communities, and practices that they may not be familiar with.
It is important to use the correct wording and representation to ensure accurate inclusion. For example, if you're not part of the BIPOC community, it's important to speak to those who are to write about their experiences, just like you would consult an expert to write about heart surgery procedures. Becoming a sensitivity reader allows you to speak for your community and help foster inclusion.
It is important to use the correct wording and representation to ensure accurate inclusion. For example, if you're not part of the BIPOC community, it's important to speak to those who are to write about their experiences, just like you would consult an expert to write about heart surgery procedures. Becoming a sensitivity reader allows you to speak for your community and help foster inclusion.
Am I Qualified to be a Sensitivity Reader?
If you belong to a community, then yes, you are. We are seeking individuals with a range of backgrounds, including LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC communities, disabled individuals, and under-represented groups, as well as professionals from various fields.
When an opportunity arises, you will have the chance to review the opportunity to judge whether you feel you are a good fit or have the time. If you are, we will work with you on that opportunity. If not, there will be more chances to assist in the future. There may be long periods between opportunities, as not all authors are writing about your specific area of expertise. We appreciate your patience for being on call. If you feel you have a strong voice and a good perspective on your community or a solid sense of expertise in your field, apply today!
When an opportunity arises, you will have the chance to review the opportunity to judge whether you feel you are a good fit or have the time. If you are, we will work with you on that opportunity. If not, there will be more chances to assist in the future. There may be long periods between opportunities, as not all authors are writing about your specific area of expertise. We appreciate your patience for being on call. If you feel you have a strong voice and a good perspective on your community or a solid sense of expertise in your field, apply today!
Apply to Become a Sensitivity Reader
Key points to remember before applying.
- Any and all works you review remain the intellectual property of the author and are not to be shared, copied, discussed, or disseminated in any way.
- All reviews and reports are to be done in a timely manner. If you are not able to complete the review in a timely manner, please contact us so we may make alternate arrangements.
- Sensitivity reviews are not editing.
- Do not make any changes to the manuscript. If you have notes, please include them in your final report.
- Be kind in your feedback and criticism of the works. Insults, degrading comments, and other harsh forms of feedback are not helpful and will be addressed. It is alright to dislike a manuscript, but use tact in your feedback.
- This is a volunteer position. There is currently no compensation for reviewing books, beyond early access to the book and helping ensure accurate inclusion.
- There will not be a steady supply of opportunities, you will be notified of new opportunities as they arise.
- Do not attempt to contact the writer directly unless it has been explicitly stated that contact is acceptable. Please send all feedback and questions directly to Wax Seal Productions.
- Wax Seal Productions retains the right to remove any sensitivity reader from the program at their discretion.
