Conscious language is a growing area of interest for editors, and it applies to fiction as well as nonfiction. Language in fiction (in both narration and dialogue) that is sexist, racist, ageist, ableist, homophobic, or transphobic, although it may seek to reflect real life and further the story, can be harmful to readers. At the copyediting stage, these issues may or may not have been discussed or reviewed, and the copyeditor may need to attend to them. This session will discuss how and when a copyeditor should call out and suggest revisions for potentially harmful language. Topics include descriptions of characters, spotting bias in action and dialogue, technical representation of dialogue and non-English language, authentic representation of culture and religion, how to query and discuss conscious language issues in fiction with both indie authors and publishers, and useful resources for keeping up with current discussions of conscious language.
Amy J. Schneider (www.featherschneider.com) has owned Featherschneider Editorial Services since 1995. Her projects have included scholarly and trade nonfiction books as well as more than 500 novels and anthologies for traditional publishers, including series works and best sellers in multiple genres. Since 2012 Amy has written articles and presented sessions on the craft, technology, and business of freelancing for several regional and national editorial associations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. She is the author of The Chicago Guide to Copyediting Fiction (University of Chicago Press, 2023). When Amy is not working in the soft glow of her four-monitor desktop, she enjoys running, singing, and teaching her springer spaniels to do silly tricks (not all at the same time).