Story perspectives

Val McDermid Advocates for Authenticity in Revising Classic Novels

1/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Val McDermid, a Scottish crime writer, used a sensitivity reader to revise her works for modern sensibilities.
Speaking at Out in the Hills festival, she said changing her 1980s and 1990s novels with era-language felt dishonest.
McDermid emphasized preserving historical texts to understand progress, noting some changes are necessary and many aspects should remain.
Recently she met the Queen at a National Library of Scotland reading initiative launch in Edinburgh.

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Story summary

Val McDermid, a Scottish crime writer, used a sensitivity reader to revise her works for modern sensibilities.
Speaking at Out in the Hills festival, she said changing her 1980s and 1990s novels with era-language felt dishonest.
McDermid emphasized preserving historical texts to understand progress, noting some changes are necessary and many aspects should remain.
Recently she met the Queen at a National Library of Scotland reading initiative launch in Edinburgh.