First Reader

Synonyms:	Beta
See also:
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First Reader is an older term for a beta.

In 1992, one fan explains:

In the early days of fan fiction, writers often sent first drafts of their stories out to five or six friends (preferably ones who didn't know one another) asking for critiques. If more than a couple of the First Readers mentioned problems with a particular area, the writer knew it was something that needed fixing. At the very least, the writer got a clearer picture of whether her story would fly before an editor ever saw it. I know of at least one Trek writer (not K/S) who still uses First Readers because I have been privileged to be one. For a First Reader, it is especially enjoyable to see one's comment or suggestion make a difference in the story.

Examples of Use

I have a story (not yet submitted to an editor) in which Spock undergoes a traumatic experience, suffers emotional aftershocks, and is comforted by Kirk. I gave this story to a friend who acts as a "first reader" for me. She said that Spock was too insecure, too emotionally delicate, as measured against the Spock of the series. I was surprised by this connent. I laid the story aside for a couple of months, went back and reread it, and decided that she was right. I'm now faced with a fairly major rewrite that will consist of numerous subtle adjustments of Spock's character. I'm glad that I got the benefit of my friend's criticism before this story saw print, but I would have been glad to get it even afterward in a LOC because it might help me avoid a similar mischaracterization in the future.