Project Description
A sensitivity editor is sought for a short literary memoir on family estrangement and the rising social trend.
I am seeking a sensitivity reader for a completed nonfiction memoir of approximately 31,000 words. The book is written under a pen name and handles several sensitive areas, including suicide, psychiatric hospitalization, domestic violence, family estrangement, and the cultural critique of trauma vocabulary. I am looking for a careful reader who can identify potential triggers, flag passages that may land harmfully for readers in the affected communities, and offer feedback in a conversational, constructive register.
Project details:
Genre: literary memoir with cultural commentary
Length: approximately 31,000 words
Pen name in place; NDA
The manuscript is complete and has been through one round of light polishing
Sensitivity areas where I most need a reader's eye:
Survivors of clinical trauma and severe abuse (the book argues that trauma vocabulary has been culturally diluted, and I want to confirm that true survivors of serious abuse are treated with respect throughout)
Mental health, suicide, and psychiatric hospitalization (one passage describes my own suicide attempt and admission; I want to confirm safe-messaging and destigmatizing language)
Adult children of family estrangement (the book is written from the parent's perspective; I want a reader who has gone no contact from their own family to flag where my characterizations slide into stereotype)
What I am asking for:
A written report of 5–10 pages identifying specific passages, with chapter or page references and direct quotation of the language of concern
An overall assessment of whether the book treats your community fairly, even where you disagree with its argument
A conversational, relatable tone in your report; I am not looking for academic distance, I am looking for honest reader response.
Logistics:
Timeline: completion is flexible, but I am aiming for a month after the project start
Please quote me what you charge for a manuscript of this length and scope
I will sign an NDA and ask you to do the same
I will need editing before self-publication
Ideal background:
Demonstrated experience in sensitivity reading, particularly for memoir or narrative nonfiction
Lived experience in one of the sensitivity areas above, paired with professional or peer-support training where applicable
Strong written communication; the report itself should read clearly and warmly
If you are not equipped to read this manuscript for any reason, including because the cultural argument conflicts with positions you hold, I would rather you decline than accept reluctantly.
Thank you for your time and consideration.