My sensitivity reading (also known as sensitivity editing or cultural consulting) services entail a thorough read through of your book/work with feedback provided in a PDF document. In this document, I will highlight any specific words or passages I conclude Black or mixed Black readers may find offensive or awkward, AND suggestions on how to change them or where to strike them altogether. You can expect to receive a PDF from me regardless of the status of your book with those that are virtually edit free at a page or less, and those needing quite a bit more help in the 8-10 page range. I am very thorough! 

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Important things to note:

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I will only take on projects for Black and mixed Black characters.

For example: I am not Latina, I will not read for a Mexican character.

Example 2: You wrote a gay Black male character. I will sensitivity edit for instances of Black representation but you will also need a gay sensitivity editor if you do not share that identity because I don't either.

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My preferred genre is romance however, I will accept other projects on a case-by-case basis.

For example: I have sensitivity edited a treatment for a non-fiction television show. 

Example 2: I have sensitivity edited horror and mystery novels. 

Example 3: I have consulted on book covers/titles.

Example 4: I have received numerous requests for historical fiction or romance that I have declined. Because a lot of the historical accuracy around race is tied to knowing the time period well, I am not qualified for this type of read. I am not a historian and frankly would rather retake calculus than history.

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I will not engage in debate with clients once my review has been submitted; however, I can be contacted for follow ups if any part of my review needs clarification, within reason.

For example: If you disagree with my edit, do not reach back out to let me know that you won't be using it. In the same way a copy editor makes a suggested edit, you can choose to accept or reject the advice I provide.

For example: A part of my review was unclear, so you reach back out for clarification. I respond. And then you subsequently reach back out five more times. I will not engage in unlimited back and forths so please try to keep your requests concise and limited to three follow ups.

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Do not list my name in your book.

For example: You are listing the cover designer and copy editor for your book and, to be nice, list my name beside theirs in your front matter. Please don't. As I mentioned previously, my edits are suggestions. I have no way of knowing if or how my feedback was accepted or interpreted. I intend at all costs to avoid the idea that simply by hiring a sensitivity editor, the author is guaranteed a stamp of approval.

For example: You list my first name in your acknowledgements if you really feel my feedback helped. This, I'm more than happy with.

 

Sensitivity feedback is subjective.

I do my best to read for the "lowest common denominator" reader – I mean, if I were reading the book for pleasure and would overlook something personally, I will still flag it even if I only thing someone else might take notice of it. That said, time moves on, things change, so do reader preferences. I cannot account for all of those, and I cannot account for every lived Black experience. I will do the best I can at the time in which I'm reading, but I provide no guarantees that your book will be entirely error free for the duration of human history. If you are really concerned, in the same way you might hire a proofreader after a line editor, you are welcome to consider hiring additional editors or, as I tend to recommend, have a diverse group of beta readers look at it after your edits have been incorporated.

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Rates:

My sensitivity editing rates for novels are by word count and are as follows:

>39,999 words = $250

40,000-59,999 words = $300

60,000-79,999 = $400

80,000-99,999 words = $500

100,000-120,000 words = $550

120,000-140,000 words = $600

>140,000 words OR non-novel projects = by request