2. How much does authenticity reading cost?
Rates are aligned with Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) standards. Restorative-justice pricing adjustments are available for marginalized writers. Pricing reflects the project’s scope, manuscript length, and depth of cultural analysis requested.
Larger works or projects exploring multiple communities may require additional consultation time.

Every project begins with a short consultation to confirm scope, timeline, and alignment. I prioritize partnerships rooted in curiosity, integrity, and care for authentic representation.

3. What’s the difference between authenticity reading and editing?
Authenticity reading focuses on representation, cultural dynamics, and reader impact, while editing addresses grammar, structure, and style. It complements developmental editing by offering an equity-centered perspective that strengthens empathy, accuracy, and inclusion in storytelling. Think of me as a creative partner—someone who helps expand your awareness, not rewrite your story.

4. Do you work with TV scripts and screenplays?
Yes. I specialize in script consultation for television, film, and theatrical productions, drawing from my background as an actor, director, writer, and theater educator.

5. When should I hire an authenticity reader?
Best results come from reviewing manuscripts that are beyond first-draft stage but not yet in final editorial phases.
I recommend reaching out at least five weeks before any hard deadlines so there’s enough time for review, feedback, and optional follow-up.

6. What genres do you work with?
I specialize in mystery and crime fiction, scripts for television, film, and theater, and educational content.
I also work with science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, and contemporary works. My feedback considers intersectional experiences and systemic context—helping stories reflect humanity in all its complexity.

7. What kinds of projects do you accept?
I collaborate with authors and creative teams who approach diverse representation with curiosity, humility, and care.
If you’re unsure whether your work fits, we can schedule a brief consultation to discuss alignment.

What I Review For
I assess manuscripts for accurate and respectful representation across identity, culture, race, disability, gender, sexuality, age, and class. I also consider intersectional experiences and power dynamics, ensuring your work reflects authentic lived realities rather than surface-level diversity.

Authenticity reading isn’t about limiting creativity—it’s about expanding it.
When stories include accurate, empathetic representation, readers connect more deeply, characters feel more believable, and the work gains lasting impact.

Inclusive storytelling also strengthens trust with audiences and publishing partners—building a reputation for integrity and awareness.

Authenticity reading helps ensure that the worlds you create feel real, resonant, and respectful.

Stories that reflect humanity in all its complexity are the ones people remember. That’s the kind of work I love to help you create. Authenticity reading helps writers tell richer, more resonant stories, it’s not about restriction, it’s about connection.

8. What’s included in an authenticity reading?
Each project includes a detailed written report highlighting both strengths and suggested areas for revision.
You may also book an optional live debrief session to review feedback, ask questions, and brainstorm next steps.
Most projects take two to three weeks, depending on manuscript length and scope.

9. Do you provide follow-up reviews?
Yes. After revisions, I offer optional follow-up sessions or re-reads to ensure your updates feel aligned and intentional.
These are billed at a reduced hourly rate for returning clients.

10. Do you sign NDAs or confidentiality agreements?
Absolutely. All materials and discussions are treated as confidential.
I’m happy to sign an NDA or provide my own confidentiality agreement prior to beginning the project.

11. Does working with an authenticity reader guarantee I won’t face criticism?
No. Authenticity reading is a collaborative process, not a seal of approval. My role is to help you write with intention, awareness, and respect—not to provide permission to write outside your lived experience or to prevent all future critique.
Ultimately, creative choices remain your own, and feedback from readers will vary. My goal is to give you the context and clarity to make those choices with confidence and care.

12. What do you mean by “Supportive, Not Judgemental”?

I focus on expanding your creative possibilities, not restricting them.
Many authors avoid authenticity reading because they fear being shamed or having their work unfairly dissected. I believe this process should be about creating a shared safe and brave space where I assess representation issues and ask probing questions to help you discover your own solutions. My role is to help you develop cultural competency, not work from unfamiliarity with certain experiences. We don’t know what we don’t know – and that’s exactly why this collaborative process is so valuable.

13. What do you mean by “Intersectional Expertise and Analysis”?

My feedback considers ensures nuanced representation, richer character development, and more authentic storytelling. While I bring lived experience as a disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent woman who grew up in poverty and experienced abuse, my value extends far beyond personal identity. Having lived in multiple countries and decades as a DEIJBA consultant witnessing human experiences in countless organizations, I’ve developed a unique lens for spotting bias patterns, systemic issues, and representation problems within diverse communities and contexts. This allows me to conduct comprehensive bias analysis and guide you toward authentic representation.

14. What do you mean by “Performance Media Specialization”?

I help writers craft moments that feel lived-in and emotionally real. I offer specialized expertise in TV scripts, film screenplays, and theatrical plays, drawing from my extensive background as an actor, director, improviser, and theater/film educator. Having been on countless stages, in writers’ rooms, and late-night editing sessions, I’ve been part of everything from satirical sketch comedies to period dramas. I have a special enjoyment of helping artists achieve their vision and bring it to life. This includes understanding how dialogue, staging, and visual representation (i.e. including story boarding) translate on screen and stage, and how authenticity in character development impacts audience connection.

15. What do you mean by “Teaching-Based Methodology”?

My process builds your capacity for inclusive storytelling long after our work together ends. After nearly 20 years as both a K-12 teacher and teaching artist in residence, I excel at asking the right questions to help you think through challenges rather than simply providing answers. My role is not to edit your work, but to serve as a guide on the side – asking important questions and clarifying why I’m asking them so you can make informed choices. This Socratic approach helps you grow as a writer while developing your own authentic voice and intentional creative decisions.