Sensitivity reading
A sensitivity reader (also called an authenticity reader or diversity reader) is someone who checks various forms of (often written) media for stereotypes, bias, or other problematic content surrounding a certain identity or topic. Sensitivity readers are often hired by authors who want someone to look over their manuscript, but they can also be hired for other types of writing and media.
Why do I need a sensitivity reader?
The short answer: to make sure you’re portraying various identities and experiences as authentic as possible.
The long answer: because we all have biases, whether we’re aware of it or not. Growing up, we are taught by society what to think of various kinds of identities and experiences which can lead to things like racism, ableism, transphobia, etc. Even when we take the time to unlearn these things, and even when we do hours and hours of research, we will still never know what it’s like to live the life of someone who’s different from us. Things we find online only give us so much insight, and often this information lacks nuance and dimension. So the best way to ensure that your work is as authentic as possible is to hire sensitivity readers with the lived experience of the topics you’re writing about.
My areas of expertise
I read for the topics of Autism, ADHD, Tourettes, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), non-binary gender identities, general LGBTQ+ matters, general disability & neurodivergency matters, depression, general mental health matters, asexuality and aromanticism. I can also be consulted for anything related to the Netherlands and the Dutch language.
Rates
– Works up to 5k words: €55
– Works 5k to 10k words: €100
– Works over 10k words: €0.01/word
– Urgency fee: €100 – €200 depending on project size and turnaround.
– Visual/auditory or other types of media: please contact me for a more exact rate!
Sensitivity consulting
Are you still in the drafting stage of your project and do you want more insight how to best tackle some of the topics you’re planning on incorporating? Consider hiring me as a consultant for the project to avoid running into issues further down the line.
Hiring a consultant while you’re still drafting can be very useful when you’re worldbuilding, developing important mechanics, and generally creating things that are affected by the topic you’d hire me for. It minimises the risk of having to redo certain parts of your work when it’s near-finished. It can also be beneficial for anyone who’s working on an Actual Play, audiodrama, film, or other medium where there is no script or where looking at a piece of writing might not be sufficient.
During a consultation meeting you can ask me as many questions as you want about one or more of my areas of expertise. This consultation lasts up to an hour and costs €60. Any repeat consultations cost €50, and you can always e-mail me with simple follow-up questions free of charge (within reason). Do you need me to also go over the finished project afterwards? Then a 10% discount applies to my usual rate (see above).
Past experience
Manuscripts
I’ve done sensitivity reads for various manuscripts, ranging from fiction to non-fiction, and how-to guides to picture books. I have worked with publishers, agencies and independent authors. If you need a sensitivity reader for your manuscript, feel free to contact me!
Manuscripts
I’ve done sensitivity reads for various manuscripts, ranging from fiction to non-fiction, and how-to guides to picture books. I have worked with publishers, agencies and independent authors. If you need a sensitivity reader for your manuscript, feel free to contact me!
“Highly professional, precise, accurate, on time and on point. I needed a sensitivity reader to give me feedback on my endeavour to portay a gender-fluid character, and Anna centered the mark by highlighting weak points and providing really constructive counseling. I firmly believe my novel is on to a better path because of their contribution.” – Chiara C. Rizzarda
“Anna’s expertise was invaluable for my manuscript. They provided not only incredibly helpful advice for things to change, but also mentioned sections they liked! My manuscript is better and my heart is at peace after Anna’s stupendous help.” – Annye / Maker Fishmeal
“Anna was an absolute lifesaver on a fantasy story I wrote with a wide variety of LGBTQ+ characters and themes. They were able to provide exactly the kind of feedback I needed with a relatively short turnaround time, and they were incredibly informative with the suggestions they made for alternative approaches and phrases. I learned a ton from our collaboration, and Anna was such a pleasure to work with that I cannot wait to collaborate again!” – S.C. Selvyn
Westchester Education Services
I worked as a sensitivity reader for Westchester Education Services since December 2020 up until the end of 2023. I reviewed U.S. education materials for them and point out problematic content in lessons on various platforms.
“Anna Everts has worked with Westchester Education Services since 2020. In their time here, they have been an integral part of our reviewing team. Anna’s work includes assessment and critique of problematic educational materials. They bring the necessary perspective and thoughtful feedback our clients expect. Anna has also been an excellent example for new reviewers as they enter this complex, fast-paced process. I highly recommend Anna for reviewing and general editorial work to anyone hoping to employ their services.” – Samantha Tucker, Former Senior Supervising Editor at Westchester Education Services
Write Up
Since 2023 I’ve worked with Write Up, and editorial agency that connects authors with sensitivity readers. I have been hired by Write Up numerous of times to review manuscripts and other texts across different genres, both fiction and non-fiction.
“Anna has been an invaluable asset to many Write Up projects, providing insightful and sensitive feedback that has really enriched our clients’ work. Their attention to detail and thoughtful analysis have improved the authenticity of our clients’ writing. I’m grateful for their expertise and highly recommend them as a sensitivity reader.” – Holly Edgar, founder of Write Up
TTRPGs
Because I work as a TTRPG writer and appear on Actual Plays (APs), I also often get hired as a sensitivity reader for these kind of projects. With the more frequent use of safety tools in games also comes an understanding that games are supposed to be fun for everyone, even when they’re meant to be horrifying or meant to highlight societal problems. If you want your TTRPG or AP looked at by someone who both writes and plays them, don’t hesitate to contact me!
Lunarkin
For TTRPG illustrator and comic colourist Eren Angiolini I worked as a sensitivity consultant on their “Lunarkin” homebrew lineage for Dungeons & Dragons.
“Anna was fundamental to the creation and release of my first D&D homebrew lineage. They were my sensitivity consultant and editor on the project, and their contribution was instrumental. English is not my native language, and Anna was amazing at helping me make my writing flow better and making sure it was clear and cohesive. They also provided feedback and insight when I had a hard time dealing with a second sensitivity consultant on a specific topic. I highly recommend Anna: they’re professional, knowledgeable and easy to communicate with!” – Eren Angiolini
Want to work together? Contact me!
Please note that I’m not interested in inquiries involving blockchain/NFT or GenAI related projects.
If applicable, please include in your inquiry the following information: estimated word count or project size, estimated deadline, and your estimated budget. This will help me give you a better response!