As the world becomes more unified, authors often wish to tell stories, or at least involve characters, from ethnicities and cultures different from their own. Diversity in literature is incredibly important, but it also carries significant responsibility. To make certain that these portrayals are respectful, authentic, and free of harmful stereotypes, authors are beginning to turn more and more to working with a professional sensitivity reader. A sensitivity reader is someone from the same ethnic or cultural community as the character in the book who can provide feedback on how that group, or person, is represented. Their role is vital for creating accurate and respectful portrayals of marginalized groups in literature.

Break the cycle of stereotypes.

Hands down, the most important incentive to bring a sensitivity reader on board is to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes. People from marginalized groups have historically been misrepresented in ways that reduce them to simplistic or negative caricatures. Sometimes it's intentional, but even if it is not, these portraits reinforce biases and mislead about the realism of that culture or group. Sensitivity readers can identify concerns before your book reaches the public. Any opportunity for a writer to revise and correct missteps in advance is a blessing. Take it! Allow your characters and situations to be shown in ways that align with true lived experiences.

Keep it real.

Need another reason? Think about cultural authenticity. This can be everything from language choices and traditional customs to more subtle cultural practices. Have you ever read a book that's been crudely translated or watched a movie that's been dubbed? At best, it is achingly cringe-worthy. At worst, it is totally offensive. A sensitivity reader can smooth these details out so that are true to life. For example, they might suggest changes in how a character speaks because it is far too formal, or point out what is missing, or what would never really happen in a ritual, service, or situation. By incorporating this kind of feedback, an author can spit-shine a story to the point that it feels rich and lived-in, rather than superficial or, worse, completely wrong.

Earn your reader's respect.

Working with a sensitivity reader cultivates trust and respect between an author and their reader. It is a big, beautiful signal that an author isn't flying by the seat of their pants and is doing the homework required to deliver the best possible story. More importantly, it shows readers whose ethnicity or culture is represented in the book that the author cares about it, and is committed to presenting it honestly. For marginalized communities, misrepresentation or erasure in literature is deeply alienating. By consulting a sensitivity reader, authors demonstrate that they are taking the necessary steps to avoid missteps and are prioritizing inclusivity and accuracy in their work.

Do it for yourself.

For an author, collaborating with a sensitivity reader can be a transformative experience. It isn't the sensitivity reader's job to debate with and/or try to convince an author that something the author has written is off. The responsibility falls squarely on the writer to do three simple things: listen, acknowledge, and adapt. When anyone opens themselves up to learning about someone else, they are usually better off for it. An author has the final say in what they use or don't, but there is no downside to learning, and working with a professional sensitivity reader is the best place to start.