Sensitivity edits involve a thorough review to ensure respectful and accurate representation. This includes verifying that Indigenous Knowledge is handled appropriately, with permissions sought from knowledge holders before sharing any sacred stories. It also involves assessing whether sensitive themes are approached with nuance and care, avoiding stereotypes that may cause harm. Another key focus is on the portrayal of agency, ensuring Indigenous characters are depicted as independent and resilient, rather than falling into the outdated trope of needing rescue – much like how female characters were once commonly portrayed in fiction. Lastly, the authenticity of dialogue is carefully evaluated to ensure it aligns with Indigenous voices and experiences.
How does sensitivity editing usually work?
When work is already under contract, the publisher will engage a sensitivity edit and if the author is uncontracted, the author may seek a sensitivity edit before submitting to an agent/publisher, or prior to self-publishing.
Authors often share their concerns with me, whether they’re specific issues or a need for a general review. I assess if I’m the right fit for the project – if the manuscript deals with the experiences or stories of a nation I’m less familiar with, I’ll refer the author to that Land Council or to an individual or writer from that area, if I know someone suitable.
We establish timeframes, costs, and other terms in writing before proceeding.
My Approach
I take a strengths-based approach. All my feedback is constructive. I understand many elements of works of fiction come from ‘the heart’ and I am therefore sensitive in giving feedback. In saying this, I never shy away from providing feedback where I identify issues. Cultural sensitivity feedback on fictional work is subjective by nature – there is no right or wrong. I do my best to provide well-rounded, balanced feedback, drawing from my experiences as an Aboriginal woman of the Kooma nation growing up in southern Queensland with urban experiences and a tertiary education.
I specialise in providing cultural sensitivity editing for fiction and memoir manuscripts, however I can offer this service for academic and social policy writing on a case-by-case basis.
I also provide a 2-hour workshop on this topic which you can read about here.
Media
ABC news report: Jamie Oliver’s controversial children’s book has shone a spotlight on the importance of sensitivity readers
Sydney Morning Herald: ‘Significant oversight’: Where Jamie Oliver’s children’s book went wrong
Guidelines
If you are looking for guidelines on how to write and speak about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, you may like to start with the following resources.
Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts, Australian Council for the Arts
A guide to writing and speaking about Indigenous People in Australia, Roberts, Z., Carlson, B., O’Sullivan, S., Day, M., Rey, J., Kennedy, T., Bakic, T., & Farrell, A.
Aboriginal Studies Press style guide for authors and editors, Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies
More than Words: Writing, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture and Copyright in Australia, Terri Janke and Company, 2021
True Tracks: Respecting Indigenous Knowledge and Culture, Terri Janke
Passing the Message Stick, led by Dr Jackie Huggins AM, Larissa Baldwin and Karrina Nolan, supported by GetUp, Original Power and Australian Progress.
What should I do if my manuscript includes Indigenous cultural material? Australian Society of Authors
Testimonials
I engaged Angie Faye Martin (Versed Writing) as a sensitivity reader for my women’s fiction manuscript to ensure the depiction of my Aboriginal character was authentic, respectful, and aligned with allyship.
Anne Freeman, Author
Angie delivered a rigorous, context-aware appraisal that combined close textual analysis with cultural insight. She scanned intensively for white-saviourism, offensive romanticising, and subtle discrepancies in physical description that might imply fair skin as the default. On a practical level, she checked terminology, including capitalisation and the spelling of Indigenous words.
Professionally, Angie was exemplary: responsive, transparent about timelines and deliverables, and precise in her communication. She set clear expectations, met them, and exceeded them. Her manner was thoughtful, warm, empathetic, and encouraging, as only a fellow writer can be.
Her endorsement has given me the confidence to share this story, knowing it does not perpetuate harmful stereotypes. I recommend Angie and Versed Writing without reservation.
Angie is a thoughtful, enthusiastic and engaging presenter whose expertise and investment in the importance of culturally sensitive editing to the Australian literary landscape made this workshop a valuable learning experience for IPEd editors. From explaining what culturally sensitive editing is and what it entails to giving participants the opportunity to work with real examples of fiction manuscripts and brainstorm ways of responding to the issues they raised, and sharing her experience of building positive and supportive relationships with authors seeking specialist cultural sensitivity editing, Angie provided a practical, professional guide to identifying issues around the presentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander characters and cultures in fiction manuscripts and working with authors in these areas. Highly recommended!
Kerrie Le Lievre, IPEd Professional Editor
Angie uses a clear, concise approach to reviewing texts that is informative, professional, and sensitive to the author’s writing. She is conscious of deadlines and generous in her expertise. I would happily use her services again and recommend her to anyone needing a cultural sensitivity reader.
Jennifer Neal, author of Notes on Her Colour and My Pisces Heart
This was my first time working with a cultural sensitivity editor and I was so impressed at how thoughtful and helpful Versed Writings were while guiding me through this process. The feedback and notes I received were comprehensive showing a deep understanding of what I was trying to achieve, they enriched my writing and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this service.
BP Gregory, author of The Town, Flora & Jim and Outerman. bpgregory.com
I learned much from you. Thank you. I feel able to look at my writing as I go forward now through different, more discerning eyes when dealing with issues that will definitely reoccur. Whilst context is paramount when signposting red flags in sensitive content, so too is gut feeling. You have this in spades. Your comments reflect a deeper understanding of the manuscript in its entirety.
Steve Hawe, Author