What Is a Sensitivity Reader?

There is a lot of controversy in the writing world about sensitivity readers, so what is a sensitivity reader? What does a sensitivity reader do? Learn more about this specializing writing and editing role here.

A sensitivity reader is simply a reader who represents a certain culture or experience that you, as a writer, do not have. If you want to write from the perspective of another culture or experience, you will be well served by engaging a sensitivity reader to make sure you are telling a nuanced and authentic story involving this culture or experience.

Looking for sensitivity or beta reading services? Look no further!

If you step outside of your own experience to write a character or situation, let someone with that experience chime in. Share in different facets of our common humanity with a sensitivity reader.

Do I Need a Sensitivity Reader?

In this current climate of #ownvoices, publishing is celebrating diverse viewpoints, and that’s a wonderful thing. But what about writers who want to step outside their own experience—one of the basic functions of reading and writing—and go into the head or story of a character who isn’t like them? Are they allowed to? Should they?

I do not believe in self-censorship. I think you can certainly try to inhabit the shoes of someone different from you. If you have a story to tell, and you are coming from a genuine place, for the right reasons, and with honor, then you should tell it. You just need to be sensitive to the idea that other people also have this story to tell, and might feel that they own it. As part of your research, a sensitivity reader may be warranted. Besides, actually hearing from someone about the experience you’re writing is only going to deepen your project. (Here’s one writer’s experience using a sensitivity reader.)

Because (I would imagine) you’re striving to tell a great story and do your due diligence, my take is that using a sensitivity reader can’t hurt. On the other hand, if you don’t use a sensitivity reader, you could potentially do a lot of damage—completely unintentionally.

How Do I Work With a Sensitivity Reader?

One thing to keep in mind about sensitivity readers is that they aren’t critique partners, necessarily. They are more like beta readers. And most of them work for pay, because they specialize in specific topics. You can find them on a regulated marketplace, like Reedsy, or online. Michal Leah at Good Story Editing also offers sensitivity, beta, and proofreading services, and I cannot recommend her highly enough!

No matter where you find your sensitivity reader, make sure to communicate right away about expectations, turnaround, and payment (if any). How much is your reader reading of your project? How detailed is the feedback that you’re expecting? Will they read a revision? How long will it take them to read? Do they expect payment, and how do they expect to be paid?

Great communication sets you and your potential sensitivity reader up for success. Remember to approach this process with humility and curiosity, and you will be able to tell a good story that celebrates our human existence.

Michal Leah is our editor specializing in sensitivity and beta reading, and I cannot recommend her highly enough!