Sensitivity Reading

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Sensitivity Reading is an art form that, thankfully, the writing community is beginning to embrace in earnest. While there are writers who think they can effectively write about other cultures with no help, or who don't care if they get it wrong or produce something offensive, most writers are interested in getting it right and reflecting cultures they aren't part of in positive and beneficial ways—even when we are writing about starships, swords, fantastical creatures, and imaginative landscapes.

This is where a writer like me comes in. I will read through your manuscript and give you any needed insight, point out where you may want to think further about characterizations, and help you avoid unnecessary pitfalls that would turn away readers.

Beginning prices:

Short Story: $100-250 

Novellette/Novella: $500-1000

Novel: $1000-1500

The final cost is dependent on length.

Reviews

"Gerald L. Coleman is my go-to sensitivity reader not just because he's smart, attentive and deliberate, but because he has a wealth of both historical knowledge and lived experience. He is a creative writer himself, so he understands that what writers want from sensitivity readers is the insight they don't have, the questions they maybe never thought to ask, rather than the wholesale redirection of the project to suit a particular ideology. You won't get a rubber stamp from him, and you may have to reckon with some serious issues, but he doesn't force the story into the form he would give it if he were the author, and if you listen to him the resultant work will be exponentially richer and deeper for his insight. Highly recommended."

—A.J. Hartley

“Gerald L. Coleman is a great sensitivity reader because he examines your story and pinpoints what it needs to become the best narrative possible. Because he’s a skilled writer himself, he can perceive the areas where your story can be more insightful and can convey its meaning more succinctly.

You should know that he’s not afraid to challenge your assumptions. That’s important because whether you agree with specific remarks or not, your work will be better because he’s made you think more deeply about it.

Highly recommended.”

—Dave Creek