Sensitivity reader
A sensitivity reader is someone who reads a literary work scanning for perceived offensive content, stereotypes and bias, creating a report for an author or publisher with suggested changes.[1]
Proponents state "the literary quality of a work is substantially improved" when reviewed and copy-edited by others from "a specific Nation or community that the author is writing about".[1] Helen Wicks, managing director for children's trade at Bonnier, defended the practice by stating that "we believe sensitivity reads can play an important role in inclusive, forward-thinking publishing."[2] Critics accuse sensitivity readers of being "new moral gatekeepers", offering a way to "cancel-proof your book".[3][4]
The use of sensitivity readers have attracted controversy from authors and the public. Anthony Horowitz and Kate Clanchy have both criticized the impact of sensitivity readers on their books, the latter ultimately breaking with publisher Picador after controversy surrounding her memoir.[2] In February 2023, new and altered editions of Roald Dahl's books sparked widespread media coverage and criticism. Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America, stated they were "alarmed" at the news, calling the move "a purported effort to scrub the books of that which might offend someone",[5] while Salman Rushdie referred to the move as "absurd censorship".[5]
See also
- Expurgation (also known as Bowdlerisation)
References
- ^ a b "Writing, Editing, and Publishing Indigenous Stories". Edmonton, Alberta, Canada: University of Alberta. 13 January 2022. Archived from the original on 19 February 2022. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
- ^ a b "Publishers defend sensitivity readers as vital tool following author criticism". The Bookseller. London, England: The Stage Media Company. 20 June 2022. ISSN 0006-7539. Archived from the original on 27 June 2022. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
- ^ Dubno, Zoe (10 July 2021). "The rise of the 'sensitivity reader'". The Spectator. London, England: Press Holdings. ISSN 0038-6952. OCLC 1766325. Archived from the original on 16 February 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
- ^ Rosenfield, Kat (August 2022). "Sensitivity Readers Are the New Literary Gatekeepers". Reason. No. August/September 2022. Los Angeles, California, USA: Reason Foundation. OCLC 818916200. Archived from the original on 22 February 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
- ^ a b Hassan, Jennifer (19 February 2023). Written at London, England. "Salman Rushdie calls revisions to Roald Dahl books 'absurd censorship'". The Washington Post. Washington, D.C., USA: Nash Holdings. ISSN 0190-8286. OCLC 2269358. Archived from the original on 22 February 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
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