Authenticity and Sensitivity Reads
Tell Your Story With Care and Authenticity
Stories shape how people see the world—and when those stories are told with care, they build connection, empathy, and understanding. Authenticity and sensitivity reading helps ensure your work represents people, cultures, and experiences with the respect they deserve.
What is an Authenticity and Sensitivity Reading?
Authenticity (or sensitivity) reading is the process of having someone with lived experience or cultural knowledge review your manuscript to ensure it represents people, communities, or identities accurately and respectfully. It’s not about censoring your voice—it’s about strengthening your work by spotting unintentional stereotypes, misrepresentations, or gaps in understanding. The goal is to help your story land with the readers you want to reach—without causing harm along the way.
Why Authenticity and Sensitivity Reading is Important
Good intentions aren’t always enough. Even the most thoughtful writer can miss details, overlook harmful tropes, or unintentionally cause hurt. A sensitivity read provides insight you can’t get from research alone, offering lived perspective that makes your writing more authentic, layered, and trustworthy. This isn’t just about avoiding criticism—it’s about honoring the real people behind the stories you’re writing and creating work that resonates deeply.
When to Consider Authenticity and Sensitivity Reading
Not every project requires a sensitivity read, but you may want to consider one if:
You’re writing about a culture, identity, or lived experience that isn’t your own.
Your characters belong to marginalized or underrepresented communities.
Your book touches on topics like race, gender, disability, sexuality, religion, or trauma.
You want the peace of mind that your story is both authentic and respectful.
A sensitivity reader helps you identify blind spots, ask the right questions, and refine your work so it connects with readers in the way you intend.
How Authenticity and Sensitivity Reading Helps
Here’s how it works at two key stages of your writing journey.
Coaching for Writing
If you’re still drafting, a sensitivity reader can guide you early—helping you shape characters and storylines in ways that feel real and avoid pitfalls.
Coaching for Editing
When your draft is done, a sensitivity read provides detailed feedback on language, representation, and cultural accuracy. This helps ensure your edits bring your book closer to the story you want to tell.
Authenticity Reading for Indigenous Stories
For authors writing about Indigenous characters, communities, or themes, authenticity is especially important. Indigenous peoples have too often been misrepresented in literature, leaving stereotypes to overshadow real voices and experiences. A culturally informed sensitivity read can help you:
- Avoid harmful clichés and inaccurate portrayals.
- Understand the difference between appreciation and appropriation.
- Respectfully integrate Indigenous languages, traditions, or worldviews.
- Create authentic, respectful representation that honors Indigenous perspectives.
This kind of guidance not only strengthens your book—it helps ensure your work contributes positively to the broader conversation around Indigenous stories.
Ready to Tell Your Story With Care?
Authenticity and sensitivity reading isn’t about limiting creativity—it’s about helping your story reach its fullest potential with honesty and respect. With thoughtful feedback and culturally informed insight, you’ll feel confident knowing your work uplifts, rather than harms, the communities it touches.