Q. What is a sensitivity reader and why is it important?
Sensitivity readers are a type of editorial service that helps authors depict historically marginalized communities (e.g., LGBTQ+, POC, neurodivergent folk, etc.) in the most accurate and “sensitive” manner, often tapping into their own lived experiences to help those who do not necessarily share that background.
Sensitivity reading is crucial in eliminating harmful stereotypes and inaccurate depictions of people’s lived experiences in all kinds of written work.
Q. I am from [this big publisher]/I am [a famous author] - can you please prioritize reading my manuscript?
As a rule, all manuscripts and sensitivity reading requests are first come, first serve and I do not prioritize certain manuscripts over others!
I am usually booked out a month in advance, so if you need something looked over, please make sure to reach out asap.
BTW, the book process is pretty straightforward - I do not request for a deposit, and once you’ve signed the contract and agreed to a timeline suggested by me, your slot is pretty much secured!
Q. What are some things I can do to make sure I get the best experience out of your services?
Prompt payment and replies to emails are always appreciated!
Otherwise, being generally open-minded to feedback and having a humble attitude around your manuscript is always a sign of a great client. I totally understand that your manuscript is your baby, but please trust the process and try not to take critique too personally!
At the end of the day - the more you trust me to do my job, the better the outcome will be.
Q. What are some big no-nos when reaching out to you for your work?
This is a non-conclusive list of clients/manuscripts I will most likely respectfully decline:
clients who have a very strict set of questions that they need me to answer - I’m sorry, but sensitivity reading doesn’t work like that!
lowballers - I do try to be a bit more flexible with indie writers, but for the most part the pricing on my website is final.
manuscripts that are already slated to be published by Amazon. I do not support Amazon for ethical purposes.
fanfic of problematic IPs (*cough* HP) that are slated to be trad pubbed (fanfic for fun is fine though!)
colonizer romances & anything explicitly listed on the “no go” section of my website
Q. I used generative AI when writing my manuscript. Can you still sensitivity read my manuscript for me?
The short answer to this is no, I have a zero-tolerance policy for manuscripts that use AI. To quote my favorite bookstore in Edinburgh: we are here to support human endeavour and creativity.
If I see character art created by AI on your socials, I will immediately decline my services.
If at any point of the process I suspect that you have used AI to write the manuscript, I will immediately cease working on the project and send an inquiry on our email thread. However, if I do so, please do not take this personally - if you genuinely did not use AI, just tell me so and we can move on.
Q. What are some manuscripts that really catch your eye?
While I consider every manuscript that is sent my way, I am always extra excited to work on OwnVoices manuscripts that just happen to have a Japanese side character in the story. Obviously, I always want to give extra support to marginalized authors, but these manuscripts always seem to have that extra sauce that makes me really excited to engage with the story.
I also really appreciate it when it’s very clear to me that the author has either visited or lived in Japan for an extended period of time, and it’s always so interesting to see their own reflections on their experiences incorporated into the book.
Q. Where can I request your sensitivity reader services?
Please contact me at soupgirlreads@gmail.com!