READ FOR HUMANITY
READ FOR HUMANITY
Making Media More Inclusive Together
ABOUT
Media with a Purpose
I'm dena harry saleh (they/them), and I am a skilled facilitator in conversations dealing with justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. I read creative works such as novels and screenplays for bias. Because of my eleven years teaching school children and people of all ages about how to to see injustice in the world, I am uniquely positioned to read bias for my own marginalized identities (Muslim, Palestinian, queer, nonbinary, neurodivergent), and can read for any of the major twelve socially oppressed identities in the U.S (more about these on the Services page). I am also a writer and know that a nonjudgemental and fun approach to the accurate representation of marginalized peoples is part of what can help change media to be more inclusive and respectful to people who experience oppression. Media can change the world. Let's change it for the better, together.
Services
Sensitivity Reading for Screenplays
Have your screenplay read for bias in any of the twelve major social oppressions in the US. $80 per hour. Full screenplay reads necessary to ensure bias is not present throughout the work. An additional $50 is required for a summary of biases and ideas to combat these; initial fee is for line edits only. All other services beyond these are extra, please contact me for a quote.
Sensitivity Reading for Novels
Have your novel read for bias - any of the twelve major social oppressions in the US. $.02 per word. Full novel reads necessary to ensure bias is nonexistent throughout your work. An additional $50 for a summary; initial fee is for line edits only.
General Readings for bias
Have a mission statement, byline, or short text that needs to be read for bias? Consult me - $50 flat rate plus $50 per additional hour.
TESTIMONIALS
Don’t Take My Word for It
Dena is such a generous and careful reader, really taking the time to ensure that the work doesn't cause harm to multiple different groups while also trying to understand the writer's intention and brainstorming ways to achieve that in a sensitive way that still makes sense to the work. Their understanding of story and structure along with their vast knowledge of oppression and social justice makes them an invaluable resource to writers and human beings in general!
Jenny Taylor-Whitehorn, Screenwriter, Author
Having Dena's eyes on my work has had a major impact on my writing. We all have biases and Dena was able to help me with anything I didn't notice. I can't imagine putting a project into the world without first having them read it.
Eric Ogunkanmi, Screenwriter
Dena's workshops are thoughtful and compassionate, and create a safe space to share your known (and newly learned) biases to help you address them in the creative process. I found myself not only considering potential pitfalls in my work related to marginalized groups, but also noticing how I related to those marginalized groups in the world. Dena's work is powerful.
Maria Gabriela Guevara, Screenwriter
We all want our stories to be more inclusive and to make our characters more authentic. As a white, male, Gen X’er, Dena’s workshop was an opportunity to examine my own privilege in a safe space, and it allowed all of us attending to tackle issues of gender, race, and sexual identity without judgement and in way that was meaningful and inspired actual growth. I have nothing but respect for Dena’s depth of knowledge, compassion and steady but gentle hand. I highly recommend!
Kevin Elkman, Screenwriter