Demesnedenoir
Myth Weaver
Because minorities can't be offensive? I think these are separate issues with overlap.
That said, I don't need to have this conversation with my editor, I'd end up in a three-hour phone call listening to her gripe, heh heh. There's a reason we get along.
That said, I don't need to have this conversation with my editor, I'd end up in a three-hour phone call listening to her gripe, heh heh. There's a reason we get along.
I was chatting to my editor today and happened to mention sensitivity readers. I won't quote her, but in between the swear words she basically expressed both amazement and contempt for those publishers who find it necessary to use sensitivity readers. As she put it, if you want to ensure diversity and appropriate characterisation which avoids stereotyping then maybe you as publishers should employ more commissioning and developmental editors from minority backgrounds, instead of trying to correct perceived problems after the book is written. Better still, commission good books by minority authors.
I did ask if my publishers used sensitivity readers and got the answer that no Swedish publisher does. My editor gently reminded me that it's my job as the author to get these things right. Yes, an editor can help, but ultimately it's down to me and my characterisation. She also added that if I don't do the research before writing then I deserve all the criticism I get.
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