Diverse projects have unique needs – these often require a targeted edit.

Do you have a manuscript that features diverse characters?

Are you concerned that this representation may be upsetting or construed as false by future readers? 

Whether you’re writing an Own Voices novel (from your personal experience) or outside of it, ensuring that the stories you tell remain genuine is our first priority. For all of those who work in publishing, it is our duty to provide honest depictions of characters, especially when these characters are from diverse groups. This includes neurodiversity, mental illness, LGBTQIA, genderqueer, BIPOC, disability, chronic illness, as well as cultural and religious minorities.

A sensitivity read, also known as a targeted developmental edit, is exactly that: a focused editorial service that hones in on aspects of the work that could negatively impact diverse representation. 

In addition to comments in the manuscript margins to identify specific places of concern, authors will receive an editorial letter that, within the targeted topic of the sensitivity read, analyzes:

• Setting
• Microagressions
• Macroagressions
• Fact checking for culture and history
• Tropes
• Stereotypes
• Character development

Currently, we are only doing sensitivity reads for LGBTQIA (specializing in genderqueer and asexuality), neurodiversity, mental illness, chronic illness, and trauma recovery. We will be adding other underrepresented voices as our team continues to grow.

Cost: .01 cents per word
Turnaround: two to four weeks depending on length of manuscript.

Editors are available by email for any follow-up questions throughout the process, as well as after. Whether you have a question about the publishing process, or want to discuss your ideas to improve your novel, we are here for you every step of the way.

All first-time clients will receive a complimentary sample edit for the first five pages of your manuscript. This allows our team to insure your book receives the level of editing required at this stage in its journey. We strongly encourage requesting samples from any editor, so you can be sure they’re the right choice for you.

Custom payment plans area available for every service we provide. We understand that publishing is a long term financial commitment, and are happy to work with you to make the cost of putting out your next book a little easier on your budget.