Audience
This workshop is designed for writers, editors and publishers working on fiction or memoir who want to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander characters, themes, and perspectives are represented with cultural integrity and care.
Description
What does culturally sensitive editing involve? What do we mean by First Nations representation and authenticity – and why do these concepts matter in storytelling?
In this workshop, I draw on my experience as an author and cultural sensitivity editor to explore the role of cultural consultation in fiction. I outline the kinds of issues that commonly arise, including tokenism, stereotyping, narrative voice, cultural integrity, language ownership, and the appropriation of sacred stories, and offer practical, craft-based approaches to addressing them.
We also examine the different motivations behind including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elements in creative work – ranging from thoughtful, research-driven representation to more superficial or harmful inclusion – and the impact these choices can have on readers and communities.
This is an interactive session, with opportunities to work through case studies in small groups. Participants will leave with greater confidence in identifying potential issues, engaging constructively with authors, and recognising when to involve a specialist cultural sensitivity editor.
Testimonials
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
I completed Angie Faye Martin’s course First Nations Representation in Fiction in March 2025 and I can’t highly enough recommend it to publishers, editors and writers. Angie’s expertise and insight are matched by her compassion and engagement. I saw her respond to questions at all levels with equal care and diligence. The course is cleverly formatted, with both information segments and break-outs for case studies that support the learning really well. Whether you’re after an essential grounding in inclusive writing or just a bit more confidence addressing an author’s oversight or unconscious bias, this course will give it to you.
Kate O’Donnell, Book Editor
Please direct all enquiries to angie@versedwritings.com