The spiked podcast ‘The censors are insatiable’ | Adam Szetela on how ‘sensitivity readers’ captured publishing
9 snips
Oct 8, 2025 Adam Szetela, author of *That Book is Dangerous!*, dives into the murky waters of modern publishing, where censorship reigns supreme. He reveals the rise of 'sensitivity readers,' individuals who ensure that literature remains politically correct, often leading to bland, predictable storytelling. Adam discusses how controversies in young adult fiction are seeping into adult literature and the chilling effects of cancel culture. He argues that these practices not only enforce rigid identities but also stifle creativity, leaving little hope for systemic change in the industry.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
YA Novel Cancelled Over Appropriation
- Adam Szetela recounts the cancellation of the YA novel Blood Air amid accusations of cultural appropriation and racism.
- The book was pulled, sent to sensitivity readers, then published later after controversy and edits.
Rowling Faced Public Book Burnings
- Adam describes how J.K. Rowling's books have been targeted and even literally burned on social media campaigns.
- He links these actions to backlash over her views on trans issues and calls for her publisher to drop her.
What Sensitivity Readers Do
- A sensitivity reader is typically someone who shares a marginalized identity with a fictional character to vet representation.
- There is no standard training, so credentials often amount only to lived identity rather than professional expertise.
