Francesca's Words

Hi everyone,

I have spaces for sensitivity reading services, and I’m offering a limited number for free in exchange for testimonials throughout August, September and October.

What is sensitivity reading?

Also known as authenticity reading, it’s the process of reading a script and suggesting improvements or tweaks to improve the authenticity of the script. You can learn more about authenticity reading via this Society of Authors blog post by Hamza Jahanzeb.

Why use a sensitivity reader or authenticity reader?

Writers across the creative industries use authenticity readers at different points in their editorial process, including:

• If an agent has requested changes to a manuscript before agreeing to represent the author and sell the manuscript.
• A publisher has suggested a sensitivity reader may be beneficial to the manuscript.
• A writer knows they have something of a blind spot regarding a character or storyline and wants to handle the topic with care and due diligence, to avoid inadvertently causing offence or spreading harmful stereotypes about a particular group of people.

What I Offer

After 10 years of marketing consultancy I am branching out into sensitivity reading, and offering a limited amount of reads at an introductory price. I provide sensitivity reading for: ADHD, ME/CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) and joint hypermobility syndrome and chronic pain, bringing my own lived experience of these conditions.

I will read your manuscript and provide in-page comments plus a report about your manuscript, so you can begin or continue your self publishing or querying journey with the confidence that you’ve done everything you can to make your work the best it can be.

I focus on:

• Vocabulary (is it outdated, could an outdated term work in context, etc.)
• Story (is the plot condescending toward a disabled character; does a disabled character appear as a token gesture and not as fleshed out as other characters, etc.)
• General vibes (is your story offensive; would I recommend a full re-write or removal of a character or storyline).

Do you have to make changes to your script based on my recommendations?

Absolutely not. You can choose to take on board as many or as few of my suggestions as you like. I am just one person, with one person’s experience of conditions like ME/CFS. My aim is to provide thoughtful and constructive feedback so you can continue your editorial process with confidence.

If I don’t think I’m the right fit to provide thorough sensitivity reading for your manuscript, I will reach out to colleagues whose experience is better aligned with your story.

Please note that the time required to read your manuscript will depend on its length. As I am starting out in sensitivity reading, I request a testimonial at the end of our project for promotional purposes.

Why are they free?

I’m just starting out with formal sensitivity/authenticity reading, having done extensive critique partner work since 2016 and marketing consultancy since 2015. As I find my feet with my own reading process, I’m offering free reads in exchange for feedback and testimonials. You can find examples of my books here and my short films here. I have a BA(hons) in Religions, Philosophy and Ethics and am partway through a Masters in Scriptwriting, so I have extensive experience of the editorial process.

Are you even pleasant to work with?

I think so! Here’s a testimonial from a colleague:

“Francesca’s feedback has be tremendously helpful to me and my writing. I was worried that I would get overwhelmed by advice that triggers my CF flare up but Francesca was pleasant and gave me manageable feedback through our communication. She even went out of her way to help me with my first radio drama production. I’d highly recommend!”

Eddie T.

I’m interested, what now?

Email me at FrancescasWords (at) outlook (dot) com with a brief overview of your manuscript, including word count (or page count for screenplay, radio play or scripts), and what you’re looking for.

I’m happy to organise a video call to go through your project before we begin working together, and again at the end to discuss your manuscript.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Look after yourselves,
Francesca