Val McDermid's Experience with Sensitivity Readers in Revising Earlier Works

Scottish crime writer Val McDermid has disclosed that she was assigned a sensitivity reader to revise her earlier novels, specifically to eliminate language that could be deemed offensive. McDermid, who has sold over 19 million books globally, is recognized for her authentic dialogue, particularly in her Lindsay Gordon series, which features a lesbian protagonist and reflects the societal attitudes of the 1980s and 1990s. Speaking at the Out in the Hills festival, an LGBTQ+ event in Pitlochry, she expressed her concerns regarding the implications of altering her past works to align with contemporary sensibilities.

Val McDermid was assigned ‘sensitivity reader’ to cut offensive language from old books

McDermid articulated that while she agreed to some changes, she found it disingenuous to modify her books to fit modern standards. “I argued the case that these books were of their time and that it’s dishonest to try to make them read differently,” she stated. Although she successfully contested many suggested changes, she noted that some adjustments related to race were unavoidable.

Val McDermid was assigned ‘sensitivity reader’ to cut offensive language from old books

McDermid emphasized the significance of preserving historical texts to understand societal progress. She remarked, “We need to have those earlier historic texts to understand how far we’ve come and how different it is now.” This perspective highlights her belief that literature should reflect the context in which it was created, rather than be retrofitted to meet current expectations.

Val McDermid was assigned ‘sensitivity reader’ to cut offensive language from old books

Despite her stance, McDermid's earlier works, including her 1995 novel *The Mermaids Singing*, have faced retrospective criticism for their portrayals of violence and controversial characters, such as a transgender serial killer. This criticism raises questions about the responsibilities of authors in addressing sensitive topics and the potential impact of their narratives on contemporary readers.

Val McDermid was assigned ‘sensitivity reader’ to cut offensive language from old books

In her discussions, McDermid conveyed a mix of amusement and reflection regarding the sensitivity reader's role, stating, “I was more amused than offended.” She acknowledged that while some elements of her earlier writing would not be acceptable today, she sees little value in rewriting history.

Val McDermid was assigned ‘sensitivity reader’ to cut offensive language from old books

As a national year of reading ambassador, McDermid continues to engage with the literary community, promoting reading initiatives. Her experiences with sensitivity readers may influence future discussions on the balance between historical authenticity and modern sensibilities in literature.

Val McDermid was assigned ‘sensitivity reader’ to cut offensive language from old books

• “She said: “I had to have a sensitivity reader to read my Lindsay Gordon novels to tell me the things that I couldn’t say now.” — Val McDermid, Author

Val McDermid was assigned ‘sensitivity reader’ to cut offensive language from old books

• “I argued the case that these books were of their time and that it’s dishonest to try to make them read differently.” — Val McDermid, Author

Val McDermid was assigned ‘sensitivity reader’ to cut offensive language from old books

• “A lot has changed in 40 years.” — Val McDermid, Author

Val McDermid was assigned ‘sensitivity reader’ to cut offensive language from old books

• “We need to have those earlier historic texts to understand how far we’ve come and how different it is now.” — Val McDermid, Author

Val McDermid was assigned ‘sensitivity reader’ to cut offensive language from old books