An authenticity read (also known as a sensitivity read or a targeted critique) is a great tool for authors writing outside their areas of knowledge and experience, who want to make sure that the representation in their book is both authentic and avoids harming the reader.
If you’re an author who is writing cross-culturally and have some hesitation on whether you’re writing in your blind spot, then an authenticity read is a good way to check in with someone of that culture to point out any inaccuracies or aspects you may not have considered.
I am particularly equipped to read for the experiences of:
- Fat, Black cis-gendered women
- Black people in majority White spaces
- Southern African nationals raised in the USA (e.g. impact of matriarchial and non-traditional/Western family structures)
- People who travel extensively
- People with family members with alcohol abuse/dependency and mental illness—narcissism, borderline personality disorder, depression—and the impact within the family
- Individuals with trauma-based social anxiety
- Chronic illness (asthma, chronic sinusitis, ligamentous laxity)
- And any intersectionalities that occur therein
At the end of the targeted critique, you’ll receive an editorial letter outlining major representation issues, as well as in-manuscript comments directing your attention to finer concerns.