Working as a Sensitivity Reader: Just Another Step on the Way to Publication-Reference-Cited by-同舟云学术

Working as a Sensitivity Reader: Just Another Step on the Way to Publication

Published:2024-06 Issue:2 Volume:40 Page:201-215
ISSN:1053-8801
Container-title:Publishing Research Quarterly
language:en
Short-container-title:Pub Res Q

Author:

Withers D-M^ORCID,Díaz-Andreu Elio Smith,Kamsika Georgina

Abstract

AbstractThe use of sensitivity readers has become increasingly prevalent in the publishing industry over the past decade (Brouillette 2023; Jilani 2023; Kingsbury 2024; Sharma 2023; Thomalla 2023; West-Knights 2023). To some, sensitivity readers are controversial figures who seek to censor writers’ voices, while for others they are much-needed defences against the perpetuation of discrimination in literature (Lawrence 2020). Given the relatively novel application of sensitivity reading in publishing processes, there remains a scarcity of research into, and understanding of, the practical implications of this editorial process. The following transcript of a discussion between University of Exeter Master of Arts (Publishing) student, D-M Withers, and sensitivity reader and published author Georgina Kamsika reflects on the specificities of this industry role, providing insight into our understanding of sensitivity reading as a unique editorial layer within the publishing chain.

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Link

https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s12109-024-09997-x.pdf

Reference27 articles.

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2. Brouillette, Sarah. 2023. “‘Activism for Introverts’: Sensitivity Reading and the Discourse of Emotional Labour.” Women 34 (4): 291–309. https://doi.org/10.1080/09574042.2023.2278266.

3. Coe, Catherine. 2022. “Diversity in Publishing Is Improving, But There’s a Long Way To Go.” The Bookseller, April 8. https://www.thebookseller.com/comment/diversity-in-publishing-is-improving-but-theres-a-long-way-to-go.

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