Conscious Language Assessment
Conscious language is all about using words with intention. Sometimes, we may unintentionally create harm, perpetuate stereotypes, or feed stigma with the language we use—regardless of our intent.
For example, the word crazy is used in everyday language to describe people, situations, and behaviors. Many readers don’t see an issue with it. However, because of how this word has been used to stigmatize those with mental illness, some readers may have a negative reaction to the word. I’ll bring these types of terms to your attention and offer suggestions for alternatives.
Note: A conscious language assessment is included in my editing and authenticity reading services. You’ll automatically receive this type of feedback without having to pay for an extra service.
What I’ll address
My conscious language assessment looks for potentially harmful language or framing related to the following:
Race, ethnicity, nationality
Sexual orientation and romantic orientation
Age
Religion and spirituality
Socioeconomic status and education
Unintentional assumptions and bias
Representation of identities or groups
What you’ll get
Here’s what you’ll get if you work with me:
Feedback on your manuscript using the Comments feature in Word, with explanations and suggestions for alternative language
Links to articles and resources that explain or reinforce feedback
Please note that this is not an editing service, so direct changes will not be made to the manuscript.
Price and project workflow
Every conscious language assessment requires a different level of evaluation and intervention.
Because each project’s needs are different, you’ll get a customized proposal based on your manuscript, which will include the timeline and cost (in the form of a fixed project fee so that you won’t have any surprises).
To give you a better idea of the process from initial contact to project completion, read about my project workflow.
“I am so delighted to have worked with Crystal. She provided a conscious language assessment of a manuscript for me. Her feedback was very clear, and she offered thoughtful suggestions for revision that will certainly improve this manuscript. It has been lovely to work with her, and I certainly hope that we can work together again on future projects. I highly recommend her services!”
Meagan Levinson, Princeton University Press
“Crystal’s feedback informed me much more about conscious language along with clear explanations, suggestions, and sources for me to learn more. I truly appreciated her thoughtful and detailed consideration of my work.”
Pamela F., fiction author