Resources: Conscious and Inclusive Language

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  • A red, white, gray, and blue graphic that says "Conscious Language"

    Conscious Language

    This post provides an overview of conscious language, which is “language rooted in critical thinking and compassion” (Conscious Style Guide).

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  • A red, white, gray, and blue graphic that says "Ableism in Writing & Everyday Language"

    Ableism in Writing & Everyday Language

    Ableism exists throughout societies, and everyday language perpetuates harm against disabled people. Learn how to change that.

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  • A red, white, gray, and blue graphic that says "Gender and Inclusive Language"

    Gender and Inclusive Language

    Gendered language is common in English, but it doesn’t have to be. Find out what it looks like and ways to make language more inclusive.

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  • A red, white, gray, and blue graphic that says "The Language of Food and Bodies"

    The Language of Food and Bodies

    This post, based on a presentation by editor Jill Campbell, reviews the harmful language often used to talk about body size and food.

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  • A red, white, gray, and blue graphic that says "Dignified Language in a Healthcare EnvironmentDignified Language in a Healthcare Environment"

    Dignified Language in a Healthcare Environment

    The language used in healthcare and beyond can be dehumanizing, but there are ways to choose language that affirms a person’s humanity.

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  • A red, white, gray, and blue graphic that says "The Language of Aging, Illness, and Death"

    The Language of Aging, Illness, and Death

    When talking about topics such as aging, illness, and death, bias and fear can creep in. Learn more about common issues.

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  • A red, white, gray, and blue graphic that says "Web Accessibility: What, How, and Why"

    Web Accessibility: What, How, and Why

    Making content on the web accessible is important for allowing everyone to access information. Find out the tips I learned when I worked to make my website more accessible.

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  • A red, white, gray, and blue graphic that says "Microaggressions in Editing"

    Microaggressions in Editing

    One of the first rules of editing is to do no harm. Microaggressions are one way in which editors may be harming the text they work on and the writers they work with.

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  • A red, white, gray, and blue graphic that says "Conscious Language and the Editor Q&A"

    Conscious Language and the Editor Q&A

    In this guest blog post for Editorial Arts Academy, I talk about how I became interested in conscious language, my approach to it in life and in editing, and more. Readers can also get 20% off my Conscious Language Toolkits!

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  • A red, white, gray, and blue graphic that says "Conscious Language Toolkit for Editors"

    Conscious Language Toolkit for Editors

    This PDF resource helps editors assess language for potential bias and harm, and it includes information on working with clients and providing feedback. Includes all information contained within the toolkit for writers.

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  • A red, white, gray, and blue graphic that says "Conscious Language Toolkit for Writers"

    Conscious Language Toolkit for Writers

    This PDF resource is a pared-down version of the editor toolkit. It helps writers learn about language that can be harmful to readers and allows them to choose respectful and compassionate alternatives.

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  • A red, white, gray, and blue graphic that says "Self-Paced Course: Editing for Conscious & Inclusive Language"

    Self-Paced Course: Editing for Conscious & Inclusive Language

    This self-paced course through the Editorial Freelancers Association teaches editors about conscious language and inclusive language, how to assess writing, and how to provide feedback to clients.

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  • A red, white, gray, and blue graphic that says "Webinar on Sensitivity Reading and Conscious Language"

    Webinar on Sensitivity Reading and Conscious Language

    This recording of the webinar I presented for ACES: The Society for Editing in October 2020 is free for ACES members and $30 for nonmembers.

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  • A red, white, gray, and blue graphic that says "Webinar on Microaggressions in Editing"

    Webinar on Microaggressions in Editing

    This recording of the webinar I presented for ACES: The Society for Editing in June 2021 is free for ACES members and $30 for nonmembers.

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Podcast interviews

I was delighted to be interviewed by Louise Harnby and Denise Cowle about microaggressions in editing for The Editing Podcast. I also loved talking with Melanie Padgett Powers about conscious language for her Association Station podcast. Listen now!