Do You Need a Sensitivity Reader?

[Quantum]

Note: I'm adding on to Annette's foray into this topic: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...).

But sensitivity readers introduce a new twist in the debate. On the one hand they help a writer create the experience of a marginalized group more authentically. On the other, they legitimize the mimicking of marginalized voices by non-marginalized writers.

Why not just publish more books by black people, Latinos, Native Americans and others? some ask.

Despite the efforts of groups like We Need Diverse Books, "it's more likely that a publishing house will publish a book about an African-American girl by a white woman versus one written by a black woman like me," Clayton says.

"So until publishing is equitable and people are still writing cross-culturally," Clayton points out, "sensitivity reading is going to be another layer of what's necessary in order to make sure that representation is good."

(http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifesty...
Published 15 February 2017)

[Nik]

Interesting. I'm pretty sure my stuff would be torn apart by sensitivity readers already after the first chapter -:)

[M.L.]

Alex G wrote: "Note: I'm adding on to Annette's foray into this topic: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... sensiti..."

Why not just publish more books by black people, Latinos, Native Americans and others? some ask.


I agree with this statement, why not go to diverse writers in the first place? I have a feeling there are many around!