Val McDermid's Early Works Subject to Sensitivity Reviews
The prolific crime novelist Val McDermid, who has sold more than 19 million books worldwide, requires little introduction to most Scottish readers. Her reputation for gritty, uncompromising, and dark narratives has firmly established her as a leading figure in the 'tartan noir' sub-genre. However, a recent revelation has brought an unexpected contributor to light—one who operates behind the scenes.
The Role of Sensitivity Readers in Modern Publishing
McDermid disclosed that a sensitivity reader was employed by her publisher to review her early Lindsay Gordon novels, written as far back as the 1980s. These professionals are tasked with identifying content that may not resonate well with audiences in 2026, focusing on language or themes deemed challenging, triggering, or reflective of outdated 'isms'. This practice has become increasingly common in recent years, with publishers aiming to align older works with contemporary moral standards.
During a talk at the Out in the Hills festival in Pitlochry, McDermid shared her mixed feelings about the process. "I had to have a sensitivity reader to read my Lindsay Gordon novels to tell me the things that I couldn't say now," she explained, adding that she was "more amused than offended" by the feedback. However, she did push back on some suggestions, arguing that the books were products of their time and should remain authentic to their original context.
Broader Implications for Literary Heritage
This editing trend extends beyond McDermid's work. Notably, Puffin Books, with approval from the Roald Dahl Story Company, made significant revisions to Dahl's children's books, removing references to weight, height, and other sensitive topics. While Dahl's audience is younger, McDermid's readers typically seek out the raw explorations of Scotland's underbelly, including psychopaths and coarse vernacular. Yet, her early novels have still undergone some edits for republication.
The debate raises critical questions about historical integrity. If works from the 1980s and 1990s are altered, where does this leave classics from centuries past? Authors like Charles Dickens and Jane Austen wrote in eras with vastly different social norms, yet their texts remain largely untouched. This contrast highlights a selective approach to editing, where more recent works face scrutiny while older ones are preserved as historical artefacts.
Preserving Authenticity in Literature
Many argue that editing past works dilutes their value as snapshots of societal attitudes. Books from earlier decades offer insights into the evolution of morality and language. By altering them, we risk losing the opportunity to learn from history and understand our own cultural journey. McDermid's case underscores this tension between modern sensibilities and artistic authenticity.
As one observer noted, "We understand history by reference to the original text. We misunderstand it by tinkering with the text retrospectively." For collectors and serious readers, original editions may hold greater worth than revised versions, emphasizing the importance of preserving literary works in their true form.
