Sensitivity Reading
Why me?
I am a non-binary speculative fiction writer born in Yorkshire, England, to Indian immigrant parents. I have been sensitivity reading since 2017 and have experience across most genres and age ranges, and both fiction and non-fiction. I have written an article for the Science Fiction & Fantasy Association on sensitivity reading. Please read it here.
I have been commissioned for a number of sensitivity reads by a range of publishers and by independent authors. I have experience ranging from working on own voice novels that asked for a second set of eyes to ‘backlisted’ novels; ones that have been cancelled on social media that need deep structural edits from the ground up. I am happy to work from initial ideas stages through to full manuscripts.
Thanks to my experience I am an expert on giving feedback that is welcomed, even by the most nervous of authors. I will provide options for any revisions, edits or additions and links to further information if needed. For example, explaining ‘the unmarked state’ and how to ensure conscious language choices flow throughout the manuscript. I also ensure to advise on how to elevate and embed authenticity, if possible, rather than just comment on what is already within the text.
It’s important to note, this isn’t a fail proof method. My input is not a guarantee that your book is perfect for the millions of people who share my identity. I give you my feedback and you decide what comments or changes, if any, you want to apply to your book.
- British Asian identities and communities.
- Biracial Asian identities.
- Immigrant culture.
- Existing as a woman of colour in the workplace.
- Race relations in the UK, especially the Indian/Desi diasporas.
- UK anti-immigration politics, from the current government to UKIP, the BNP and Britain First.
- General racism, from abuse to microaggressions.
- Please note I do NOT read for fictional stories where the main focus is on religion.
The procsses and costs:
I offer my service as a sensitivity reader for works of fiction in any genre. I will provide notes and edits on ideas, fifty-page/15k word chunks or full completed manuscripts. I am willing to negotiate discounts in specific cases, e.g. if your novel is very long, if you’re self-published, a marginalised writer, a teen, and other cases – feel free to mention this in your email. Thus, the prices below are estimates.
£65 – IDEA SESSION
If you have ideas for a plot, characters or a world that involves any of the things I sensitivity read for, this ideas session is where you can send me those concepts and I will give you my thoughts and opinions on what you’ve come up with. For example, if you’re worldbuilding and you want to involve Desi people in your conception of the world, I can take a look at what you’ve come up with so far. This covers two sessions with a maximum of two plots or ideas.
£100 – PARTIAL READ
I will read over the first fifty pages/15k of your novel or portion that includes the character(s) you’re asking me to read for specifically. This is great for minor characters who only show up for short periods of time. I will give you minor line edits and a report on what I think worked and what would make these characters and their experiences stronger.
£400 – FULL NOVEL (UP TO APPROX 100K)
This is a more in-depth read for novellas or novels that include the above topics throughout the book as plot points and as characters. I will read through your entire manuscript and provide you with line edits and a 3+ page summary focused on the issues you’re having me read for. Turnaround time is 3 to 4 weeks depending on manuscript length.
Please contact me to discuss details via the contact form. If you’re requesting a full read, please include your word count and I’ll give you a finalized quote. I look forward to receiving your stories.
Payment is PayPal or bank transfer only. For all services, half payment is required before I begin my read. Historically sensitivity readers struggle to get paid, therefore I ask for half up front. For this reason, I offer examples and references so you know what you’re paying for.
Your work is your intellectual property and will not be shared or reproduced without your written permission. Similarities in publishing do arise and if I think your work is too similar to something I’m working on, I will politely decline. I will keep your material confidential. I will also send you an agreement before you pay that has details of the entire process.
Developmental Editing
Developmental editing, sometimes called structural editing or story editing, tackles the overarching areas of plot, characterisation, point of view, style etc of the novel. It is looked at the book as a whole. Do subplots wrap up? Do the characters have a story arc? Is the worldbuilding solid throughout the novel?
As developmental editing addresses the big picture, it may result in major changes, which means it should take place before copyediting.
Why chose me?
I have been developmental editing for other authors since 2016 and have
experience across most genres and age ranges. I am happy to work from initial
ideas stages through to full manuscripts. It is always better to talk to me before
a solid or final draft, as I may suggest some major changes.
Thanks to my experience I am an expert on giving feedback that is welcomed,
even by the most nervous of authors. I will provide options for any revisions,
edits or additions and links to further information if needed. My input is not
a guarantee that your book will be perfect. I give you my feedback and you decide
what comments or changes, if any, you want to apply to your book.
Pricing
Pricing will vary from project to project, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you’d like a quote.
Prices will be between 0.01 and 0.02 GBP per word, which will vary depending upon the length of the work and the scope required. Once we have agreed on a deadline and a budget, I will start to work on your manuscript. The price includes a round of email exchange to answer any questions that might arise.
