sensitivity reader

plural sensitivity readers

1. A person who reviews a manuscript and advises on any content that may be culturally problematic.

   Her publisher, Harlequin Teen, sent the book out to two “sensitivity readers”, who vetted the manuscript for stereotypes, biases and problematic language.

   2018 April 27, Alison Flood, “Vetting for stereotypes: meet publishing's 'sensitivity readers'”, in The Guardian

   2 more examples

   Cultural appropriation is a difficult subject to navigate, because in literature appropriation is full of grey areas. Is the minority character a main or side character? Do they feel tokenistic? Is there a sensitivity reader available?

   2016 November 25, Neve Mahoney, “Question your motives when appropriating minority voices”, in Eureka Street

   A white writer, prominent in New York, warned me that my publisher now demanded “at least three sensitivity readers” and that I would not “be allowed” to object to anything these readers wanted to change or delete.

   2022 October 24, Eve Fairbanks, “Why Wasn’t I Canceled?”, in The Atlantic