Diversity Reader Services

Helping writers develop dynamic, authentic, & well-rounded characters.

What is a diversity reader?

Diversity readers, also known as sensitivity readers, are readers who identify with a marginalized group and can offer feedback to the writer about inaccuracies and harmful representation of their characters who share that same cultural identification. For more on diversity readers click to read my blog post.

What I read for:

    • Character description
    • Authentic character behaviors & dialogue
    • Interactions between characters
    • Stereotypes/biases

Categories I read for:

    • Physical disability/wheelchair user (Spinal Muscular Atrophy & Scoliosis)
    • Black female (Haitian/Caribbean)
    • Christian/Ex-Christian (non-denomination/evangelical)
    • AtheistΒ 
    • Bisexual
    • ADHD (diagnosed as adult)
    • Mental Health (anxiety & depression)

Interests:

  • Categories: YA, middle grade, & adult
  • Genres: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Paranormal, Horror, Mystery/Suspense, Thriller, Magical Realism, & Fairytale Retellings

Qualifications:

    • 30+ years of experience with a physical disability (Spinal Muscular Atrophy type II)
    • 25+ years experience with using a wheelchair
    • 30+ years of experience as a black woman
    • 12 years of Christian faith
    • BA in psychology & masters in counseling
    • 5 years as a counselor working with adults with substance abuse and mental health illnesses

“Vanessa read my manuscript with care and very graciously alerted me to several ways in which I had unknowingly fallen into stereotypical description and attitudes toward my African-American characters. In addition to this, she recommended additional resources that I used to create more realistic, three-dimensional characters, which I believe is one of the goals of almost every writer. As if that wasn’t enough, she asked several questions which helped me to improve the story in other areas. I will not hesitate to contact Vanessa in the future and recommend her in the highest terms possible.”

Jim Latham

Writer/Author

“Vanessa excels at providing thorough disability read feedback. She asked if I need clarification or have questions, and I had the ability to schedule a follow-up call after receiving her feedback. All of her notes have been extremely helpful and I’m grateful I hired her for her services. I know it will make my manuscript stronger and I can send out my queries to literary agents with confidence.”

Holly Davis

Writer/Author

“Vanessa Marie (Vanessa Marie Books) recently provided a diversity/disability read for me and also offered some developmental suggestions for my latest book. Her comments and suggestions have been extremely helpful. I highly recommend her, without reservation. After receiving her comments, we chatted about her suggestions and my book’s revision progress for an hour. It was obvious to me that she knew my book thoroughly. She is highly professional and passionate about books. She also knows a great deal about issues related to diversity and disability.”

Mary Ann Sullivan

Writer/Author

Longer Stories
  • Number of words x $.015 per word
  • For instance, if your novel is 115K your price would be 115,000 x 0.015= $1,725
  • Contact for turn around time
Individual Scenes & Short Stories
  • Individual scenes: $60 (2-3 days)
  • Short stories under 25k: starting at $125 (2 week)
Consultations

Get help and feedback on your characters before you get too far into the story and require major rewrites. You can schedule a consultation while you’re still early in the drafting stage. Consultations are $65 per hour.

*Note: 50% deposit is due BEFORE any work begins and is non-refundable.Β 

My Process

Book a free 20 min call with me to get all your questions answered, talk about your project’s needs, and see if we’d be a good fit to work together.

If we decide we’re a good fit, I will email you a contract to sign for services provided and an invoice for the 50% deposit. Please note: the contract must be signed and deposit paid BEFORE any work can begin on your project.Β 

Once the contract is signed and the deposit is paid you’ll receive the login info and instructions for the client portal. This is where you’ll be able to submit your project for review.

I will read your work and provide notes within your manuscript and an editorial assessment letter. Once done, I will send it back to you with the final invoice for the remaining 50% of the project.

Though I try to provide detailed notes in my feedback, I realize some things might need further clarification or are better understood when you talk through them. You have the option of booking a follow-up call (up to 1 hour) to chat about any notes/feedback I gave.Β 

Ready to book your free consult? Make an appointment below!

Not the right fit for your character? Maybe one of the lovely readers on my directory is. Click the link to be taken to my Diversity Reader Directory!Β 

About Vanessa

Picture of author

I'm addicted to books, Chipotle, milkshakes, and Marvel movies. #TeamCap

Let's stay in touch!

I'm always eager to chat with other readers & writers, so let's keep in touch. Send me a message at the email below or follow me on social media.

hello@vanessamariebooks.com