Neurodivergent Authenticity Reader
Supporting you to portray authentic neurodivergent characters.
What is the purpose of an authenticity reader?
When writing characters who don’t share your experiences – whether you’re writing an LGBTQ+ character as a straight person, a different nationality, or a character going through traumatic events you haven’t – it can be daunting.
What if you get the details wrong? Will readers see something you haven’t thought about? Did you miss something during your research?
An authenticity reader is a type of beta reader who gives you tailored feedback from the perspective of that experience. Working with an authenticity reader helps you feel more confident in your depiction of characters and events.
If you’re neurotypical or trying to depict a particular neurodivergent experience, authenticity reading can reassure you and point out areas for improvement. Sometimes you might be corrected, but other times you’ll be given ideas for how to strengthen characterisation.
One authenticity reader is better than none.
My experiences as a neurodivergent person
I was diagnosed on the autistic spectrum (initially as Asperger’s Syndrome, when this was still a diagnosis) at 18, and since the age of 26 I’ve been pursuing a diagnosis for ADHD.
My autistic characteristics mostly affect my processing of information and senses. I have ways to cope with overstimulation, understimulation, and anxiety. I have a strong sense of empathy and time management, but struggle with reading body language, tone, and executive functioning.
When I perform an authenticity read for neurodivergent characters, I produce a reading report which notes sensory preferences and avoidances of the characters to ensure they’re consistent. I strive to provide comprehensive feedback while putting myself in the place of the character to understand how they experience a scene.
As a neurodivergent authenticity reader, I think about my own experiences as well as that of others.
Neurodivergent characters come in all colours, textures, and voices.
How I work with you as an authenticity reader
I acknowledge that my experience as a neurodivergent person is just one pixel on the spectrum, and I strive to give you feedback that affirms and supports your depiction of characters.
I work on pre-formatted books via Microsoft Word or Google Docs, leaving comments throughout your manuscript. These comments contain constructive feedback, positive praise, and questions where needed. If possible, I send resources or explain my perspective on how something can be improved.
When I send your story back to you, I provide an authenticity reading report with a summary of my feedback and queries. I will never make direct changes to your manuscript, but I may suggest rewordings as needed.
My authenticity reading services are currently free for stories under 40,000 words while I build up my testimonials. For longer books, I charge £0.002 per word.
Let’s get started
Interested in my authenticity reading services? Great!
Fill out the form below and I’ll be in contact via email soon.