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, and other problematic content surrounding a certain identity or topic. Sensitivity readers are often used by authors who want someone to look over their manuscript, but they can also be used 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 is biased too. 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 things you’re writing about. 

What I can do for you as a sensitivity reader

I read for the topics of autism, ADHD, Tourettes (mild), non-binary gender identities, general LGBTQ+ matters, general disability & neurodivergency matters, depression, general mental health matters, asexuality and aromanticism.

Rates

Works 10k words or more:

  • €0.007/word for 1 area (for example autism)
  • €0.008/word for 2 areas (for example autism and depression)
  • €0.009/word for 3 or more areas

Works under 10k words:

  • €75 for 1 area
  • €85 for 2 areas
  • €95 for 3 or more areas

*I accept different currencies but will change my prices accordingly to match the conversion rate properly. Payment by PayPal may be subjected to a 5% fee to cover the PayPal fee.

Sensitivity consulting

Sensitivity consulting is similar to sensitivity reading. Sensitivity consultants usually also end up reading or otherwise reviewing work and giving feedback, but as the title suggests, they can be consulted. This could be a meeting to discuss if the fantasy world you’re building isn’t portraying cultures in a way that is similar to how actual cultures are problematically portrayed, or to discuss how you can best handle mental illnesses in your horror game.

I’m a sensitivity consultant for TTRPGs, games and comics, and I read for all the areas listed above. In a 1-hour consult you can ask me as many questions as you like about one or more of my expertise areas. This consult costs €50 (VAT not included). Do you need multiple consults or do you wish to use my services throughout the development of your project? Then we can discuss a different rate. Feel free to contact me!

Past experience

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

Cover art for Lunarkin. It displays two figures: a non-binary individual with blue skin and somewhat royal attire, and a Black woman in a guard uniform with a spear.

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

Beyond Diversity

In 2021 I worked as a sensitivity reader for the book “Beyond Diversity”. It’s a book about how to create a more inclusive world, complete with tips and tools. You can read more about the book on this website.

Manuscripts

I’ve done sensitivity reads for various manuscripts, ranging from fiction to non-fiction, and how-to guides to picture books. If you need a sensitivity reader for your manuscript, feel free to contact me!

“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

“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

An image of the Beyond Diversity book. It has a yellow cover with five rows of three circles, each filled with one letter that together form the title of the book.

Want to work together? Contact me!

Please note that I’m not interested in inquiries involving blockchain/NFT or AI related projects.

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