Further Resources
(each resource hyperlinked)
Feedback:
Making the Most Of Your Sensitivity Reader Feedback
Starting Places before hiring a sensitivity reader (SR):
(each is hyperlinked)
Writing Classes
Blogs
Starting articles from the Writing Diversely and Salt and Sage Blogs as well as diversity guides
Making the Most Of Your Sensitivity Reader Feedback
What to Expect When You Hire a Sensitivity Reader
How to Ethically Kill Marginalized Characters
The Rules of Minimizing Marginalized Identities
Directories (all hyperlinked):
Disability Directory
If you can't afford a sensitivity reader:
If you already have a publisher, ask about their budget for sensitivity readers. It is standard practice for publishers to cover this cost.
If you’re pre-publication and working independently, the resources above can help you avoid common issues — though budgeting for a sensitivity reader at some stage is strongly recommended.
Reading list:
Suggested Reading:
If able to, I really suggest prioritizing reading/listening to/watching as much of the above as you can. They will make you a better writer.
Below are more resources -for some I only linked one article because spoons, but if you're able to, suggest reading the rest of their articles and websites as well. Your work will be so much better for it with deeper more complex plots and characters and authentic representation.
(They are certainly doing wonders for mine).
How Plot and Characters Intersect
Avoiding Stereotypes: Revisited
How to Write Characters of Color Without Using Stereotypes
Words For Skin Tone: How To Write Skin Color
(Writing With Color guide)
Orcs And Evil Races in Fantasy
Disabled Characters: Avoiding the Tragedy or Inspiration Binary
Writing Well Rounded Non Binary characters
Honest and Diverse Queer Character Writing
How to Identify and Subvert Modern Iterations of Historic Stereotypes
Books:
Read a variety of genres by marginalized authors. Many more suggestions will be added later
New Suns: Original Speculative Fiction by People of Color
Extended Reading list:
Books:
Articles:
LGBTQ2IA+
How to Write Asexual Characters (An incomplete guide)
Muslim
Hijab
Disability:
Mental Health:
Writing Psychiatric Hospitalization with Accuracy and Care
Neurodivergence:
ADHD
Busting Three Common ADHD Myths to Put The Facts in Your Fiction
Autism
How to Write Autistic Characters (An Incomplete guide)
Writing an Autistic Character But Don’t Know Where to Start?
Autistic Characters Deserve Good Representation
If you're disabled/have chronic pain:
Writing With Disabilities: What I wish I had known
Plot, characters, description:
How to Write Black Characters (An Incomplete Guide)
How to Write About Sexual Assault (An Incomplete guide)
The Real-World Impact of Character Names
How to Write Fat Positivity (An Incomplete Guide)
Description resources from Writing With Color:
Stereotypes & Tropes Navigation
(This article has many amazing resources at the bottom for further learning about descriptions)
More Resources to come! If you think of ones I'm missing, you're welcome to message and let me know and I'll add them. Hoping to create a table with resources to make it more accessible, if I get permission from the owners of the content above. As spoons become available, I'll be working on that.