Sensitivity Reading & Editing Services
What is sensitivity reading?
Sensitivity reading is a service provided by reader or editor who reads a piece of work through an authentic lens of their marginalization(s) to determine whether there are problematic portrayals. This editing service typically includes detailed explanations and suggestions for revising unhelpful or harmful tropes, problematic language, and inaccuracies throughout the plot, within the characters, and structured in the world-building, etc. Sensitivity readings are a form of content editing suggestions that the author can then choose to implement or not.
Do I need a sensitivity reader? YES! Everyone, regardless of what they write, should use a sensitivity reader. These readers can help pinpoint biases writers don’t know they have, call out societal norms that are particularly harmful, and offer reassurance that the language in the work is not problematic. All writers will benefit from someone reading their work thoroughly in this regard.
My Qualifications and Areas of Specialization:
As a current graduate student attending Hamline University’s MFA for Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults, I am skilled in the art of reading as a writer. At Hamline, we are not only taught to finesse our own work but also to critique others’ work in a respectful and insightful manner, including using the anti-racist workshopping method (created by Felicia Chavez). I have also worked with young children and young adults (neurodivergent and non-neurodivergent) both within and outside my local library network.
Areas of Specialization:
- LGBTQIA+: Bisexual & Pansexual/ Sapphic/ Queer/ Non-binary & Genderqueer/ Coming out as an adult
- Mental Illness: Bipolar/ OCD/ PTSD/ Anxiety/ Depression/ Mania/ Panic Disorder
- Neurodivergence: ADD/ ADHD/ OCD
- Disability: Fibromyalgia/ Chronic Illness/ Chronic Pain & Fatigue
- Religion: Pagan/ Wiccan/ Witchcraft
- Contemporary
- Fantasy (Specialized)
- Science Fiction/ Speculative Fiction (Specialized)
- Horror/Thriller/Mystery
- Romance (18+ included)
- Paranormal/Gothic (Specialized)
Developmental Editing Services:
Developmental editing focuses on the whole picture of a novel. My process of developmental editing focuses on plot structure, character development, setting and world-building continuity, POV consistency, theme cohesiveness, and story pacing.
- Plot Structure: The sequence of events in the novel from beginning to end, driven by a character’s actions and the consequences/rewards of such actions that propel the story forward.
- Character Development: How the character(s) evolve based on the character’s reactions to plot events. Additionally, the determination of whether a character is thoughtfully constructed with personality elements that make them feel life-like.
- Setting/ World building: Elements of the story’s setting that make it feel immersive, such as culture, language, nature, geography, magic systems, religion, history, politics, and conflict.
- POV: The narrative perspective of either 1st person, 2nd person, 3rd person omniscient, or limited in the past or present tense.
- Theme: A unifying idea or universal truth that the author explores throughout the novel, which is usually interpreted by the reader.
- Pacing: The speed at which the plot or character elements in a novel unfold, usually determined by scene length, dialogue, action events, and descriptions.
Services Pricing:
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Initial Consultation $0
A 15 to 30 minute consultation in which we discuss the project and determine if I am a good fit.
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Sensitivity Read $50+
A sensitivity reading of a partial or whole project. Charged at $0.006/word without final report. Minimum $50.
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Developmental Edits $450+
A full developmental edit (discussed in initial consultation). Charged at $0.03/word without final report. Minimum $450.
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Final Report $50-150+
A final report offers a summary of major findings (discussed in the initial consultation) along with a reader's report that identifies areas that are strong as is and areas that need improvement. In addition to a one on one consultation of up to 2hr (if desired) to go over the report.
The Process:
- Initial consultation call of 15-30 minutes detailing the project, my rates, etc.
- Signing of a legal contract within 1 week of consultation.
- A 25% booking fee for services, in which you will receive a portion of the project returned within two weeks of date of the booking fee.
- Remaining balance of 75% for services will be required should you wish to continue working together within 1 week of returned portion of project.
- Project will be returned to you within the timeframe set during the initial consultation.
- If a final report has been requested, that payment must be made in full and the report will be returned within 1 week of said payment.
- No refunds will be administered due to the nature of the work, however, additional edits may be negotiated (please see signed contract).