Question 1

What file formats does FirstReader accept?

Accepted Answer

.docx, .txt, and .md files. Most writing software can export to .docx, which we recommend for best results. PDF support is coming soon.

Question 2

How long does a full manuscript analysis take?

Accepted Answer

Most manuscripts are analyzed within 24 to 48 hours. We use batch processing to keep costs low. You get an email when your report is ready.

Question 3

Will FirstReader change my manuscript?

Accepted Answer

Never. FirstReader analyzes your writing. It never modifies, rewrites, or generates prose. Every finding is a suggestion with a cited source. Your voice stays yours.

Question 4

How is FirstReader different from Grammarly or ProWritingAid?

Accepted Answer

Those tools check grammar and sentence-level style. FirstReader does developmental editing: story structure, character arcs, pacing, dialogue, POV, and showing vs. telling. Editor-level feedback, not proofreading.

Question 5

How accurate is FirstReader’s analysis?

Accepted Answer

FirstReader is built on established craft principles of developmental editing. Scores are computed by code, not model judgment. Findings are verified against the source text. Highly accurate, but a tool, not an oracle. Think of it as a knowledgeable alpha reader, not the final word.

Question 6

Does FirstReader use AI?

Accepted Answer

Yes. FirstReader uses AI as a reading engine to detect craft patterns in your manuscript. The principles come from established editorial frameworks. The scoring is computed by code. The citation verification is deterministic. The AI reads. The framework decides.

Question 7

Can I use FirstReader before sending my manuscript to a human editor?

Accepted Answer

That is one of the best ways to use it. A cleaner manuscript means fewer revision rounds with your editor, saving you time and money.

Question 8

Is my manuscript private?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your manuscript is stored securely. When you delete it, we permanently erase everything. Your writing is never used to train AI models.

The Longest Road

Prose Quality

Show vs. Tell

Dialogue

Point of View

Scene Structure

Pacing

AI Writing Perception

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