How to Handle Sensitive Content During the Editing Process
Editing is more than just correcting grammar and refining sentence structure. It’s an act of trust and care for both the manuscript and its author. But what happens when the story ventures into raw, painful, or controversial territory?
Whether it’s trauma, abuse, mental illness, racism, or grief, sensitive content can feel like a minefield. As editors, we guide them through it with empathy, professionalism, and integrity.
Here’s how we handle sensitive content during the editing process with confidence, compassion, and care.
1. Lead with Empathy and Respect
Approach the manuscript as if we’re entrusted with something sacred, because we are.
Before diving into line edits or structural changes, we take a step back and recognize the courage it takes for a writer to explore sensitive themes. These are often deeply personal stories—fictionalized or not—and they deserve to be treated with dignity.
An editor must ask:
What is the writer trying to say here?
How can I help them say it clearly and responsibly, without compromising their voice?
Our job isn’t to censor—it’s to support.
2. Create an Open Line of Communication
By asking questions instead of jumping to corrections, an editor shows that they’re a collaborator, not a critic.
Suppose the manuscript contains triggering or controversial material. In that case, we reach out to the author early in the process to initiate a dialogue, let them know what we’ve noticed and ask about their intentions.
For example:
“There are some powerful moments in this chapter that deal with sexual trauma. Would you be open to discussing how you’d like readers to experience this part of the story? I want to ensure the tone matches your intent and is handled with the care it deserves.”
This demonstrates that we respect the author’s vision and are committed to helping shape it responsibly.
I have made the mistake of communicating too much regarding how I think an author could improve upon his work, so there’s a fine line there to tread carefully. Some writers cannot handle constructive criticism, so be mindful of communicating in a way that doesn’t sound critical.
3. Be Aware of Your Own Biases and Triggers
Editing with integrity includes knowing our limits.
We all bring our lived experiences into our work. If a particular topic hits a nerve, it’s okay to acknowledge that, but we mustn’t let it cloud our editorial judgment.
If needed, we can:
Step away for a breather
Ask a trusted editorial peer for input
Refer the author to another editor better suited to the material
Our boundaries matter. Editing with integrity includes knowing our limits.
4. Watch Your Language
Editors have immense power to shape how sensitive topics are portrayed—and how readers interpret them.
Language matters. Period. Be mindful of:
Tone – Avoid accidentally minimizing or romanticizing trauma.
Terminology – Stay up to date on respectful and inclusive language, especially regarding topics such as race, gender, mental health, and disability.
Graphic content – Suggest softening explicit scenes when needed, or recommend content warnings.
A gentle query can go a long way:
“Would you consider softening this description or offering a content warning at the start of the chapter?”
Take care with the author’s language, and if you are in any way unclear about how they wish to portray a sensitive subject, be sure to ask them for clarification.
5. Encourage Sensitivity Readers (When Needed)
It’s not about censorship—it’s about accountability and authenticity.
As editors, we can’t be experts in every lived experience. If the manuscript explores cultures, identities, or experiences outside the author’s own, a sensitivity reader can add tremendous value.
Recommend a qualified reader to ensure the story avoids stereotypes and resonates with the communities it depicts.
6. Be an Advocate for the Reader, Too
Hard truths deserve space, but how we guide readers through them matters.
While the author’s voice and vision come first, never forget the reader’s experience. If something feels emotionally jarring or potentially harmful, speak up.
Ask yourself:
What will the reader take away from this scene?
Is that aligned with the author’s intent?
Editors help writers connect with their audience meaningfully, not shielding readers from reality, but ensuring they can process it with care.
7. Practice Self-Care
Our well-being isn’t separate from our professionalism—it supports it.
Let’s be honest—editing heavy content can be emotionally exhausting. We’re not machines. Make time to:
Move your body
Connect with something joyful
Decompress between sessions
Protecting our emotional energy enables us to show up fully and compassionately in our work.
Final Thoughts: Editing with Heart
When we edit sensitive content, we’re doing more than improving a manuscript—we’re holding space for a human experience.
Handling sensitive material isn’t always easy, but it’s a privilege. It requires curiosity, courage, and care. When done with empathy and intention, editors can help shape stories that not only resonate but also have a transformative impact.
So, we must trust our instincts. Ask thoughtful questions. And know that every compassionate edit makes the literary world a little stronger and more inclusive.
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