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 to short stories, fashion memoirs, podcasts, graphic novels, TTRPGs, 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.
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.
Sensitivity Reader
Titles I've worked on
I've helped dozens of authors over the years across various genres. Below is just a small sample.
Other past clients include:
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HarperCollins
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Simon & Schuster
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Disney Hyperion
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Penguin Random House
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Macmillan
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Tor
TOPICS
I am able to delve into many black and queer issues, but these are areas I am partial to:
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Blerd (Black nerd/geek) Culture
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Tokenism
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Colorism
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Misogynoir
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Black American Culture
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Bisexual identity
GENRES+MEDIA
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.
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Novels, Novellas, & Short Stories
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TV & Film Scripts
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Comics, Graphic Novels, Webtoons & Manga
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Memoirs
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Video Games & Game Design
TESTIMONIALS
"Anah's feedback is clear and concise, delving deep into the mechanics of a story, and providing context to said feedback so authors (and editors too) understand the work and some of the nuance that the story is missing. I highly, highly recommend her."
- Mara Delgado Sánchez, Assistant Editor, Wednesday Books
"I've worked with Anah on two projects and in both cases she was insightful, efficient, and offered kind and useful feedback. Anah is an astute reader and a joy to work with. I would definitely work with her again."
- Emily Feinberg, Senior Editor, Roaring Book Press
"I was initially nervous about getting a sensitivity read for my short story -- I really enjoyed writing my lesbian black character but had no idea how she would be received by actual queer WOC. When I reached out to Anah for help, she was immediately friendly, approachable and above all, professional. She gave me a very fair rate for my short piece and her critique -- which was both insightful and encouraging -- helped me find nuances to the story that I initially hadn't considered. I couldn't be happier and recommend her highly. Thank you so much!"
- Rebecca Henley
"Anah Tillar has a sharp editorial eye and gives direct, useful feedback for manuscripts, particularly in regards to the portrayal of Black characters and queer relationships. She presents thought-provoking questions for authors in relation to overall story as well as noting constructive feedback on more minor details throughout. She has helped make authors' worlds, whether inspired by the real world or an entirely fantasy setting, richer and more inclusive."
- Senior Editor, Big 5
"Anah's feedback on my play was perceptive, thoughtful, nuanced, and very helpful to me as I thought through some questions of representation. I would definitely work with her again, and I would recommend her to any writer looking for a skilled sensitivity reader. "
- Abe Koogler, Kill Floor
"Anah’s insights into my writing weren’t just helpful, they were essential to helping me create and present my characters honestly, accurately, and with sincerity. More than that, she helped reveal biases that I truly thought I had faced and overcome in my own life. She did all of this in the most impactful way: she posed questions that forced me to look at my writing from more nuanced racial and sex/gender angles, and then guided me toward making my characters more human.
She makes no judgments. No prescriptions. All her comments come through an extremely perceptive and thoughtful critical lens that takes into consideration depth of character, plot/story, and social climate. What’s best is that she happily lets you know what you’ve done accurately and effectively, and she tells you why.
If there is someone I can more highly recommend than Anah, I haven’t met them. She’s thorough, hyper-intelligent, funny, affordable, and an absolute joy to work with. For as long as I am writing, she will be my first choice for a sensitivity reader. I think she should be everyone’s."
- J.E. Erickson
"Anah is someone that gives your work the necessary time and respect that one would hope for from a
sensitivity reader. My questions were answered excellently, her advice was thoughtful, insightful, and
helped make a better product. Her understanding of TTRPG dynamics was definitely appreciated, and I
highly recommend her for others looking to have their playable content reviewed."
- Brenden Carlson, Lead Designer, Hammer City Games
"I came to Anah with a ticking clock and no small amount of desperation. She read my novel in record time but somehow still managed to give detailed, smart-as-hell feedback. Though she didn't pull any punches, she also endeavored to see the book for what it could be. I will definitely be using her again with my next novel."
- Tim Lane, The Neighbors We Want
"Anah’s sensitivity read was smart, thorough, and prompt. My book dealt with issues of race and sexuality, and while I was writing from experience on the sexuality issues, I wanted to make sure my writing wasn’t unintentionally promoting any harmful racial stereotypes. Anah was thoughtful in her explanations of her notes, and provided resources to help me find ways to improve my characterizations. I feel a lot more comfortable and secure with my manuscript after making revisions based on her notes. I definitely recommend her services."
Britta Lundin, SHIP IT
SENSITIVITY READER RATES
Sensitivity Read
$50 for manuscripts less than 10K words.
$0.006/word
What's Included:
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A 2+ page letter assessing Black and/or queer representation in the MS, with suggestions for improvement.
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Inline comments on your manuscript.
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Optional 1-hour video call to discuss feedback.
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Turnaround time of 15 business days.
Sensitivity Read + Little MS Critique
$0.01/word
This service combines sensitivity reading with a short editorial assessment of your manuscript. I will provide feedback on the plot, pacing, structure, character, voice, and more. This is not a scene-by-scene critique as it's focused on your manuscript as a whole.
What's Included:
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A 5+ page letter combining a sensitivity read with an analysis focused on your manuscript's strengths and areas for improvement.
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Inline comments on your manuscript.
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Optional 1-hour video call to discuss feedback
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Turnaround time of 30 business days.
*For other written or visual media, please reach out for current rates. You can get an idea of what I'll charge by looking at the Editorial Freelancers Association's estimates.
THE FINE DETAILS
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Payments are through Paypal or Wise (Wise is preferred for international clients). Please note that any fees associated with these services are absorbed by the client.
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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: 50% before, and 50% upon completion.
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For any editorial service, you may request a free sample edit of the first 1000 words of your manuscript.