Editing with sensitivity.

Where words do the work of equity, diversity and inclusion.

What is edi‑tor.com?

You’re hearing a lot about the ways in which words can hurt, and you know too that words can help us build a better world.

I’m a non-fiction editor and an equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) professional.

Editing with sensitivity is what happens when these two skill sets meet and merge.

A white woman with blue eyes and hair dyed grey looks gently at you from behind oversized cat's eye glasses. A blurred background suggests densely stacked bookshelves.

When you’re worried about the weight of your words, I can help you steer through discomfort—boldly and bravely.

When you want to widen your audiences and keep your readers by your side, I can help you use more inclusive language.

When you’re eager to understand where and how words can do EDI work, I can help you—by editing, auditing or consulting on your content.

What is inclusive language?

Inclusive language is a learning mindset.

It means thinking not only about how best to get our message across but also about how those words will land. About the effect our words can have on other people.

Inclusive language isn’t easy.

It’s not a list of words that are right or wrong, good or bad—although there is some of that and how to say we’re sorry is a powerful lesson.

Inclusive language is a way of undoing harmful habits.

It’s about opening up space for all those who’ve been pushed to the margins—widening our audiences and enriching our organisational, educational and other outcomes.

Inclusive language is worth the work.

'As we bear witness to … and begin to heal habits of harm, we will initially be more sensitive and less confident. We are learning how … to talk to others without turning away. We will feel appropriately unskilled, as though we are learning a new language …’

— Ruth King, Mindful of Race: Transforming Racism from the Inside Out (Sounds True, 2018), emphasis added

‘[Vanessa] didn’t criticise; she simply pointed out …where … something could be worded differently, and provided well-informed and constructive suggestions … [The process] was insightful, supportive and valuable.’

— Rob Drummond, sociolinguist and author, You’re All Talk: why we are what we speak (Scribe, 2023)

Let’s figure out how I can help you where your words can do EDI work.

If you’re already thinking I might be able to meet your needs, drop me a line with a few details and I’ll get back to you.