The work of promoting inclusion, appropriate representation and improvement of conditions goes further than talking on one small space, for this reason I will be launching some new services centred around those objectives.
While Worderland as well as my newsletter, Curiouser by the Minute is just a small piece of what I do, I believe some parts of it, and my previous work with Bubblegum, are reflective of my work and what I can do.
The services I will be offering include:
- Sensitivity reading and consultations
- Writing commissions
SENSITIVITY READING
A sensitivity reader (n) is an individual who is hired to read and assess a manuscript with a particular issue of representation in mind.
My job as your sensitivity reader will be to read and examine your manuscript for bias and credibility
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Race, Nationality, Ethnicity and Regions: Black, Nigerian, Yoruba, West African.
Language(s):Yoruba, Nigerian Pidgin English.
Religion: Muslim.
- Sexuality and related identities: Aromanticism (specific personal identity: Grey and demiromantic) Asexuality (specific personal identity: demisexual), Queer African.
- Disabilities and neurodiversity: ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Chronic pain, Depression, Fibromyalgia, Orthostatic Intolerance, Speech disorder – Stuttering
Socio-political issues and aspects: Colourism, Racism, Tribalism, Nigerian cultures, history and sociopolitical issues
Trauma related areas: Emotional trauma
- Other areas: Medical and mental health facts, Cybersecurity.
Note: With the exception of medical, psychological and cybersecurity facts which are based on professional knowledge, the rest of my sensitivity reading is based on personal experience. I can only provide one perspective of each area, as no identity is a monolith. With the exception of those whose experience perfectly align with mine, my experience is a single perspective out of many.
SERVICES AND PRICES
Sensitivity Reading
- For one (1) area of expertise: $0.007 per word
- For two (2) areas of expertise: $0.008 per word (includes merged areas Queer African and Black Muslim)
- For three (3) or more areas of expertise: $0.009 per word
- Manuscripts with less than 10k word will cost a fixed fee as that of 10k words ($70)
- The rate for film scripts begin at $100, due to the nature of service.
- A deadline of <2 weeks on manuscripts over 10k will attract a rush/express fee
Feedback: Your feedback will include a 2 pages long or longer editorial letter (or depending on the results of the read) following a full and careful read of your manuscript.
Note: My sensitivity read does not endorse your work and should not be used as a shield against criticism.
After the read, I reserve the right to ask you for a testimonial (it’s something short) to be included on this page; and if you get published I request that you ask me before including my name in your acknowledgments.
Consultations
Consultations differ from sensitivity reads because they do not require me to read your manuscript.
Consultations are for questions about any of the representations stated above that are included in your work.
The fee for this service is $60 for 3 questions, then $15 for every question above that.
Extra
Due to some personal circumstances which require a considerable amount of funds, a discount of 30% will be deducted from the final fee for all sensitivity reads with the exception of manuscripts under 10k words. However, the fee for consultations will also now be $50 rather than 30% off. This offer is valid until further notice.
WRITING COMMISSIONS
As I stated before, I now also work as a freelance writer and if you wish to commission me to write a piece for you on topics related to identity, media, books and politics, simply email me with a format I’ll be giving below.
Pricing
- 500 – 700 words: $150
- >700 – 800: $200
- >800: $0.25 per word
HOW TO HIRE ME
Sensitivity reading
Genres and age categories I read for
Genres
Contemporary
Comics and Graphic novels
Fantasy
Historical Fiction (particularly historical romance)
Horror
Romance
Science Fiction
Age Categories
Middle Grade
Young Adult
Adult
Email format
Email address for all services and business enquiries: eminwords@gmail.com
Sensitivity Reading
• Subject: SERVICE REQUEST [Project Title + Author/Playwright Name]
• Include the following information:
• Area(s) of expertise needed
• Synopsis
• Age category (adult, young adult, middle grade)
• Genre
• Publisher (if applicable)
• Trigger warnings
• Release date (if applicable)
• Desired deadline (subject to my schedule/availability)
• Specify full manuscript/film script or consultation
Writing Commissions
• Subject: WRITING COMMISSION REQUEST + Company
• Information on topic requested• Expected word count range
• Desired deadline (subject to my schedule/availability)
• Site or publication on which the article will be published
OTHER GUIDELINES
- I reserve the right to decline requests and projects.
I will respond to service requests within 3-7 days. If you do not receive a response, please consider your request declined.
I require a down payment of 50% of the total price before the service commences. The rest will be paid out upon completion of the project and before accessing your report.
All payments will be issued through Flutterwave or Buy Me A Coffee for individual clients, companies may make payment via bank transfers. Payment is to be made in USD/GBP. Exceptions may be made for clients in Nigeria
A service fee of 3% will be added to the total price to cover the transaction fee of whichever payment platform. Clients based in Nigeria may pay via local bank transfers which doesn’t require this transaction fee. Payment is non refundable, unless I am unable to complete the project by the agreed-upon date.
Discounts are available for students (with proof of studentship), people who are currently unemployed (proof also required) and clients from the Global South
If you have any questions regarding any of my services, feel free to contact me through my email address, the contact form or my Instagram messages.
TESTIMONIALS
“Working with Zainab was an absolute dream. When I reached out to her with a rush authenticity read, she handled the timeline like a pro, and delivered a thoughtful, in-depth report that was informative and honest on the main character she was analyzing. I loved the way Zainab organized the report and I would 100% hire her again for another read! Her feedback was incredible!” – Deeba Zargarpur, Senior Editor at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and Salaam Reads
“Zainab approached my young adult historical fantasy with emotional depth, literary expertise, and intellectual insight.
The manuscript has a complicated structure, and she took great care to understand the themes and character arcs the story was striving for.
She connected narrative, historical, and academic threads to suggest ways of elevating the portrayal of the characters to do them the justice they deserve. She analysed the aspects of representation she felt worked well and explained the areas that didn’t. The feedback report was organised by topic and easy to follow. The entire process has been an enriching and encouraging one. I cannot recommend working with Zainab enough.” – Ayida Shonibar.
“Zainab has been great at helping me make sure my characters are well represented on page. She gives me accurate and helpful criticisms. Explaining what needs to change and why it needs to change, helping me to not repeat mistakes in the future. She has been lovely to work with and recommend her services to both authors and artists.” – Irene Wolf , author of Halloveen
“Em was great to work with. She was friendly and helpful, and she pinpointed several issues that I had totally missed. She’ll do several readings of the book to make sure she catches everything, and gives a lovely, clear report with several action points and ideas about how to best fix the sticky bits so that all folks can read and enjoy your book. My book is historical fantasy, and she was able to clarify some of the history behind her points, which was extremely helpful. 10 out of 10, would recommend again.” – Melinda R. Cordell, author of The Flame of Battle.
“Zainab has been an absolute pleasure to work with. I reached out to her looking for someone
knowledgeable on West African folklore to assist my team and I with a monster entry for a
tabletop role-playing game rulebook. After sending her the materials, within a few days she
delivered a multipage, in-depth report advising us on what worked and what could be improved
upon. Her cultural advice has been instrumental in my team’s project and should my team and I
enter a space of her subject expertise again, I will 100% reach out to her again.” – Ryan
Woolley, Game Development & Production Manager for Tabletop Gaming Center
OTHER INDIVIDUALS AND COMPANIES I’VE WORKED WITH
Below is a list of some of the other individuals I’ve worked with:
- Theodora Ebeling; Actor, Writer and Director of The Idiot Coil
- Holly Edgar; Founder of Write Up
- Carolina Ortiz, Editor at Harper Collins Children’s Books
- Gwendolyn Clare; Author of For The Stolen Fates
- Kat Brzozowski, Editor at Macmillan
- Matthew Ader
em in worderland 