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Sensitivity reading (also known as authenticity reading, diversity reading, or cultural consultation) is a form of manuscript assessment that aims to improve the representation of marginalized individuals in media. While most creatives are well-meaning, there's a potential to portray marginalized communities harmfully or incorrectly the further we move from our identities. As a sensitivity reader, I aim to ensure that the Black and queer identities I read for are portrayed respectfully and free of bias.

I have offered sensitivity reads since 2016. I have worked with major publishers, indie publishers, and un-agented writers. The types of projects I've worked on range from novels, short stories, fashion memoirs, graphic novels, and more. Each sensitivity read comes with a high-level read, annotations (if necessary), and a detailed letter summarizing my thoughts and suggestions for improvement. 

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It is important to note that a sensitivity reader's job is not to censor a creative, rewrite their work, or act as a literary gatekeeper for publishers. I avoid approaching projects with a mindset of creating a problematic "checklist" that needs fixing. Instead, I aim to inform and offer another perspective on how to better enrich a work through a diverse lens.

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PAST CLIENTS

• HarperCollins

• Simon & Schuster

• Disney Hyperion

• Penguin Random House

• Macmillan

• Tor

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TOPICS I READ FOR

I am able to delve into many black and queer issues, but these are areas I am partial to:

• Blerd (Black nerd/geek) Culture

• Tokenism 

• Colorism

• Misogynoir

• Black American Culture

• Bisexual identity

GENRES I READ
I read widely in Children's, MG, YA, NA, and Adult. All genres are welcome, with the exception of Self-Help, Religious, and Erotica. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have a project that doesn't quite fit in the list below.

• Novels, Novellas, & Short Stories

• TV & Film Scripts

• Comics, Graphic Novels, Webtoons & Manga

• Memoirs

• Video Games & Game Design

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RATES & PAYMENT

Charging one's worth is great, but I also believe in making services more accessible. I have a minimum charge of $50 for manuscripts shorter than 10k. My flat rate is $.005/word for manuscripts longer than 10k words. The price may go up if the manuscript is longer than 100k. For other written or visual media, please reach out for current rates.

Payments are through Paypal or Venmo; however, I am willing to work with you if another method is preferable. Upon establishing services, you will receive an invoice prompting you to pay. Projects $200 or less must be paid in full before the service is provided. Any project over $200 may be split into two payments: half before, and half upon completion.

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TURNAROUND TIME
I aim to have manuscripts read and evaluated within 15 days. I will communicate with you if something occurs and I will need additional time. If you require a faster turnaround time an additional fee will occur. However, I would recommend that you look into sensitivity reads sooner rather than later if you have a particular deadline.

To contact me about a sensitivity read, email anahtillar@gmail.com with the subject line “SENSITIVITY READER REQUEST" and a one-page synopsis/query letter. Feel free to include anything else you feel is important about the manuscript. I will contact you within 1-2 business days.