Authenticity Reading

Authenticity reading, also called sensitivity reading, strengthens a story by evaluating its representation of specific identities or experiences, usually when a writer is writing about something they don’t have firsthand experience with. For example, if a writer doesn’t have cerebral palsy but writes a character who does, they might hire an authenticity reader with cerebral palsy to offer feedback on the story and characterization.

This process is usually done prior to engaging editorial services, as the findings may result in the decision to make extensive changes.

Topics I read for

Below is a list of topics I read for. I provide feedback based on my own thoughts and experiences, and I don’t represent everyone within a demographic or community.

  • Asian American experiences (specifically Chinese American) and being the child of immigrants

  • Chinese culture, but not Chinese history

  • Women’s issues

  • Online gaming (MMORPG) culture

  • Ageism against older adults*

  • Alzheimer’s and related dementias*

  • Hospice/end-of-life care*

*These topics are based on professional experience, not lived experience. Therefore, I can’t speak to what it’s like to have Alzheimer’s disease or to be on hospice, but I have ten years of experience working closely with individuals and their loved ones.

If you’re looking for a more general assessment of the language and framing of a piece (not from a specific viewpoint or identity), a conscious language assessment may be more appropriate.

What you’ll get

Here’s what you’ll get:

Please note that this is not an editing service, so direct changes will not be made to the manuscript.

Price and project workflow

Every authenticity read requires a different level of evaluation and intervention.

Because each project’s needs are different, you’ll get a customized proposal based on your manuscript, which will include the timeline and cost (in the form of a fixed project fee so that you won’t have any surprises).

To give you a better idea of the process from initial contact to project completion, read about my project workflow.

“Working with Crystal was a great experience! She provided valuable insight into how I can improve my manuscript with a better use of conscious language. Her explanations for why certain words or elements needed to be corrected—in addition to giving examples of how to correct said elements—was eye-opening. I really learned a lot and am so thankful for her help and expertise.”

Ryan Howard, horror author

“Crystal provided clear and useful editorial advice that helped me see where I could strengthen my prose and make it more accurately reflect the diverse people in my epic fantasy narrative. She was especially helpful in helping me craft language that authentically depicted individuals who were older, blind, or diagnosed with dementia. I highly recommend her services for any writer seeking a trusted guide in the pursuit of sensitive writing.”

Jason Denzel, fantasy author