"PARTNERS IN STRENGTHENING THE STORY."
Bio
I’m an avid reader, and the best books I’ve read hold up a mirror to my face. That’s how I know the concept and execution are on point.
An authenticity reader analyzes your manuscript to ensure marginalized identities and communities are portrayed as fully, accurately, and respectfully as possible. Unlike beta readers, who review manuscripts from the standpoint of an average reader, authenticity readers provide a specialized service.
As an authenticity reader, I will read your manuscript in its entirety, making notes along the way. Following my review, I will provide a 1-3 page report detailing my notes and recommendations. This may include tiered levels of feedback, ranging from specific word choices to character arcs or major plot points that reinforce harmful stereotypes. Some issues are more easily addressed than others. The extent of recommended revisions will vary based on the content of each manuscript. Additionally, I will note any other issues outside my areas of expertise and may recommend that you engage another authenticity reader(s) for more detailed feedback.
You can find more about the role of authenticity readers and the scope of our work here, here, and here.
Education
Master of Science in Social Work
Columbia University, 2005-2007
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
The Johns Hopkins University, 2000-2005
Relevant Coursework
Human Behavior & the Social Environment
Sociology of Human Development
Contemporary Social Issues
People Affected by Traumatic Events
Human Sexuality
Issues of Diversity
Formal Experience
Co-Editor
Disability Arts..., 2022-present
Teaching Assistant
Roots. Wounds. Words., 2019
Informal Experience
Black American with roots in Southern US
Evolving gender & sexual identity
Navigating complex medical needs
Chronic self-advocacy within systems
Establishing body sovereignty
Recovery from spiritual colonization
Expertise
- Black American experiences
- Queer culture/experiences (Non-binary, Pansexual, etc)
- Mental illness (including experiences with psychosis and trauma)
- Issues in mental healthcare (abuse, access, etc)
- Autism + neurodivergence
- Disability, health/illness and neurological differences
- Grief, particularly disenfranchised grief
- Fat characters, particularly mid-fat
- Religious trauma
- Rape & Sexual Assault
- Homicide Survivorship
Preferences
Science Fiction | Fantasy Dystopian | Thriller & Suspense
Horror | LGBTQIA+ | Young Adult
Pricing
Each project will be given a personalized quote before any work starts. There are several factors that influence this quote including manuscript length and turnaround time. Rush turnaround (less than two weeks) is available for an additional fee. To start this conversation, please email me at domcbradley@gmail.com.
