Started an ARC but couldn’t finish? Sometimes a book just doesn’t work. Here’s how to handle a DNF ARC with respect and keep a good relationship with the author.
You picked up a promising ARC. You wanted to love it. You really tried to get through it. But for whatever reason—whether it was the pacing, the writing style, the tropes, or just a clash in vibes—it didn’t work for you. And now you’re staring at the unread portion of the book feeling guilty.
Here’s your permission slip: DNFing an ARC is okay.
It’s how you handle it that matters most.
Be Honest With Yourself (and the Author)
Not every book will resonate with every reader. That’s the nature of subjective storytelling. When an ARC doesn’t land for you, it’s completely fine to stop reading—as long as you communicate with kindness and clarity.
If you feel comfortable doing so, let the author or coordinator know that you won’t be finishing the book. A short, polite message is all it takes:
“Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC. I’ve realized this book isn’t the right fit for me, and I didn’t feel I could give it a fair or complete review. I still appreciate the chance to be on the team.”
This kind of transparency is appreciated more than silence.
Should You Still Leave a Review?
This is a personal decision—and often a grey area. If you read a large enough portion of the book (generally 30% or more), and you feel you can provide balanced, constructive feedback, it’s okay to leave a review.
Here’s how to do that thoughtfully:
Acknowledge any strengths you noticed (world-building, premise, character ideas)
Gently explain why it didn’t connect for you
Offer neutral phrasing that doesn’t feel like a takedown
For example:
“The premise was intriguing, but I struggled to connect with the pacing. Readers who enjoy slow-burn tension and rich lore may still enjoy this.”
If you’re not comfortable posting publicly, private feedback is often even more helpful—especially when shared with kindness.
Offer Feedback Privately (Optional)
Some authors genuinely want to know what didn’t work, especially if they’re self-publishing and fine-tuning future projects. That said, this is optional and should only be done if you can share feedback constructively—not as a vent.
If you do reach out, keep it helpful:
Mention specific aspects that didn’t work for you
Avoid framing your feedback as a personal judgment
Focus on what might help them find better-fit ARC readers in the future
“I struggled to connect with the main character’s voice, which made it tough to stay engaged. This could just be personal preference, but I figured I’d let you know in case it helps with future targeting.”
What NOT to Do
Don’t ghost. Letting the author know you won’t be reviewing (or not finishing) keeps the line of communication open.
Don’t force yourself to power through if the book really isn’t working for you. It won’t be enjoyable for you or helpful to the author.
Don’t post harsh, emotionally charged reviews. Being honest doesn’t require being brutal.
You’re Still a Valued ARC Reader
DNFing a book doesn’t make you a bad ARC reader. In fact, your honesty helps everyone—authors learn how to better target their readership, and you stay true to your own reading experience. If you approach it with respect, you’ll likely be welcomed back for future campaigns.
FAQ
Is DNFing an ARC going to get me blacklisted?
Not if you handle it professionally. Most authors prefer an honest “this wasn’t for me” over a forced, lukewarm review.
Do I have to explain why I DNFed?
Not at all. If you’d rather just let them know you didn’t finish, that’s enough. Detailed feedback is optional.
What if I just didn’t like it?
That’s valid. Reading is subjective. Just keep your tone respectful if you choose to share your thoughts.
Be sure to come back next week for the next episode of ARC Dive.
Have a burning question about ARCs—whether you’re a reader or an author? Drop it in the comments, and it might become a future ARC Dive post.
