The withdrawal of Jamie Oliver's children's book from stores across Australia and the UK for perpetuating harmful stereotypes has cast a light on the publishing industry's reliance on "sensitivity readers".
The 400-page fantasy novel — Billy and the Epic Escape — was criticised for causing damaging and disrespectful offence to Indigenous Australians.
Oliver and his publisher Penguin Random House confirmed there was no consultation with any Indigenous organisation, community or individual before the book was published.
But, if the book went through the sensitivity reader process to begin with, this may never have happened.
A sensitivity check should've taken place
In a statement released on the weekend, Penguin Random House UK acknowledged editorial insight did not occur.
"Penguin Random Home UK publishes this work and takes responsibility for the consultation, or what we would call an authenticity read of the work," the publisher said.
"It is clear that our publishing standards fell short on this occasion."
Angie Faye Martin, a Kooma/Kamilaroi novelist and sensitivity editor, said it was difficult to imagine a book being published without consultation.
Angie Faye Martin conducts sensitivity edits for authors from a diverse range of backgrounds. (Supplied)
"While it's unfortunate this incident occurred, it's not entirely surprising," Ms Martin told the ABC.
"This oversight highlights just how much work remains in shifting non-Indigenous perceptions — whether through anti-racism initiatives, reconciliation efforts or truth-telling.
"There's an opportunity here for all of us to learn about the importance of cultural representation in story-telling and how we can all do better."
What is a sensitivity reader?
A sensitivity reader identifies potential areas of concern regarding content that could be considered offensive, inaccurate or stereotyping.
They would usually outline those problems to a publisher or author before a story goes to print.
"Another key focus is on the portrayal of agency, ensuring Indigenous characters are depicted as independent and resilient, rather than falling into the outdated trope of needing rescue," Ms Martin said.
There is no universal industry standard for consultation before a book's publication.
However, it is best practice for publishing houses to include consultation when the manuscript consists of First Nations characters to protect the Indigenous community from exposure to damaging material.
Ms Martin says an author should also consider their own knowledge and relationships with First Nations people.
"The key to doing it respectfully is for the author to honestly reflect on why they are writing Indigenous characters into their stories, and whether it's their story to tell."
One of the most recent instances where a book has been edited for sensitivity reasons is when Puffin reworked some language in Roald Dahl's books last year.
This included the removal of the words "fat", "ugly" and "black".
Erasure and trivialisation of First Nations peoples
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation (NATSIEC) and Indigenous literary figures said the children's book contained language errors and oversimplified the identity of First Nations character Ruby.
"This superficial treatment of Ruby's character dehumanises her and, by extension, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples," said Sharon Davis, NATSIEC chief executive officer.
Billy and the Epic Escape is set in England, but takes a brief sojourn to Alice Springs where the novel's villain abducts a young First Nations girl living in foster care in an Indigenous community.
Among the criticisms is that Ruby was given the ability to read people's minds and communicate with animals and plants, because that's the "Indigenous way".
Jamie Oliver was "devastated" and apologised "wholeheartedly" for the offence caused. (Instagram: @jamieoliver)
Ms Davis said that reduced "complex and diverse belief systems" to "magic".
"By portraying these traditions as mere fantasy, the story implies that they are not real or worthy of respect, contributing to an infantilising narrative that further undermines the authenticity and seriousness of our stories and voices."
The character is also at the centre of an abduction plot, something Yoorrook Justice Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter called "a particularly insensitive choice" given the "painful historical context" of the Stolen Generations.
That chapter in question is titled To Steal a Child.
In a statement, the NATSIEC said it was pleased to see that Penguin Random House UK removed Billy and the Epic Escape from circulation in Australia and the UK.
They also recognised the apologies made by Oliver and the publisher.
NATSIEC did, however, suggest the publisher commit to a comprehensive review process along with ensuring staff, as well as Oliver, undertake reflective learning to better improve their racial literacy.