Sensitivity Reader

Do check out our Support page - in our blog posts you will find short spotlights on various subjects.

What’s a Sensitivity Reader - and Do I Need One?

A sensitivity reader is someone who reviews your manuscript for accuracy, respect, and authenticity when you’re writing about experiences, identities, or communities that aren’t your own. They’re not censors. They’re specialists who help you avoid unintentional harm, stereotypes, or inaccuracies.

What a Sensitivity Reader Does

• Highlights outdated or harmful tropes

• Flags unintentional bias or assumptions

• Checks cultural, historical, or identity‑specific details

• Offers context and alternatives, not demands

• Helps you portray characters and communities with care

They’re usually hired for specific areas - race, disability, religion, LGBTQ+ identities, mental health, and more.

When You Might Need One

• You’re writing outside your lived experience in a meaningful way

• A character’s identity or background is central to the story

• You want to avoid misrepresentation or unintentional harm

• You’re writing for younger readers, where accuracy and care matter even more

When You Might Not

• Your story doesn’t touch on sensitive identities or experiences

• The representation is minimal and not central to the plot

• You’re writing purely from your own lived experience

  
  

A sensitivity reader isn’t about restricting creativity - it’s about strengthening your story, respecting your characters, and building trust with readers.