AutoCrit’s upgraded virtual reader tools give you a simple way to guide Alpha and Beta Readers with added context and clear expectations. You can provide important background before they begin reading, send your manuscript back for a second look after revisions, and revisit earlier feedback with a full history of your virtual reads.
These features work together to help you refine your writing with consistent, informed insights from reliable virtual readers.
1. How and When to Use 1st Read
1st Read gives your virtual Alpha or Beta Reader their first encounter with your manuscript. Because Alpha feedback focuses on story structure and Beta feedback focuses on the reading experience, this first read is your baseline assessment. You can provide added context before beginning so the reader understands placement, timeline, and any details that support an accurate first impression.
Here’s how to use it:
Once you have your manuscript uploaded, you can access the Alpha/Beta Reader features by clicking on the Analysis Tab and then Fiction Analyzer.
The Alpha and Beta Virtual Reader features can be found here and here in the Analyzer sidebar.
For this example, we will use the Alpha Reader. We already have a reader selected. If you need to know how to set up a Virtual Reader, please read this support post. You can click on the information icon next to 1st Read to return to this post once you're done.
Once you have your reader selected, start a first read, click the 1st Read button here:
You can add additional context for your virtual reader by clicking the drop-down icon on the edge of the 1st Read button.
Type your context into the additional context input field, then click on the Start Reading button to have the read include the context you've added:
2. How to Use Re-Read.
Re-Read allows your virtual reader to review your manuscript again with memory of their previous feedback. This makes it ideal after you have revised plot points, clarified character motivations, or improved pacing based on your Alpha or Beta report. You can add new context before each Re-Read to help the reader focus on the specific changes you made.
Here’s how to use it:
Click on the Re-Read button to have the Virtual Reader do a second read of your manuscript after your revisions.
You can add additional context for your virtual reader by clicking the drop-down icon on the edge of the Re-Read button.
Type your context into the additional context input field, then click on the Start Reading button to have the read include the context you've added:
3. How to Use the History feature.
The History feature stores up to five rounds of virtual reader feedback so you can track how your Alpha or Beta responses evolve as your manuscript improves. You can lock the versions you want to keep, delete the ones you no longer need, and let newer reads replace older unlocked entries. This gives you a clear timeline of how far your story has come.
Here's how to use it:
Click on the History button to get started. This will open a window showing previous runs of your virtual reader features. After each read, the History feature will create a new feedback instance here. Only 5 instances will be stored.
Click on the magnifier icon to preview the reader history in a pop-up.
Click on the reverse timer icon to restore your reader feedback to that version.
Click on the lock icon to ensure the locked instance of your feedback does not get replaced as you do newer reads.
If you reach 5 feedback instances, the oldest reader feedback will be removed to make place for a newer feedback instance. Locking a feedback instance will prevent it from being replaced.
Click on the delete icon to remove a reader feedback instance.
4. How to Use the Added Context Field
Both 1st Read and Re-Read include an added context window that lets you guide the virtual reader before they generate their next report. This is useful for clarifying timeline placement, reminding the reader about returning characters, noting important worldbuilding details, or directing attention to revisions you want them to examine. Adding a small amount of context helps the Alpha and Beta feedback reflect your intentions more accurately.
Use this space to give your alpha/beta readers helpful context before they begin reading. You might include:
Series placement (if it’s a series)
(Book 2 of 4, prequel novella, companion story, etc.)
Setting details
(Time period or era-specific notes)
Character reminders
(Returning characters, details not included in your story (backstory), established relationships, if your main character has a nickname or a secret identity)
Continuity notes
(This book takes place after X event, or overlaps another timeline, or has multiple timelines)
Trigger or specific content notes
(If you haven’t changed the reader preferences for sexual content/violence/etc, you can reiterate it here - it won’t override the reader preferences, but will add context)
Keep it brief but informative — just enough for your reader to step into the story already oriented and ready to help.
Add context by clicking the drop-down arrow next to the Re-Read or 1st Read buttons.
Type in your additional context, and click Start Reading to have the readers consider your input in their next read.
If you need any help or have additional questions, please reach out to us at [email protected] or send us a message using the chat bubble in the bottom right corner of any AutoCrit page.
