Started an ARC but couldnโt finish? Sometimes a book just doesnโt work. Hereโs 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 reasonโwhether it was the pacing, the writing style, the tropes, or just a clash in vibesโit didnโt work for you. And now youโre staring at the unread portion of the book feeling guilty.
Hereโs your permission slip: DNFing an ARC is okay.
Itโs how you handle it that matters most.
Be Honest With Yourself (and the Author)
Not every book will resonate with every reader. Thatโs the nature of subjective storytelling. When an ARC doesnโt land for you, itโs completely fine to stop readingโas long as you communicate with kindness and clarity.
If you feel comfortable doing so, let the author or coordinator know that you wonโt be finishing the book. A short, polite message is all it takes:
โThank you for the opportunity to read this ARC. Iโve realized this book isnโt the right fit for me, and I didnโt feel I could give it a fair or complete review. I still appreciate the chance to be on the team.โ
This kind of transparency is appreciated more than silence.
Should You Still Leave a Review?
This is a personal decisionโand 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, itโs okay to leave a review.
Hereโs how to do that thoughtfully:
Acknowledge any strengths you noticed (world-building, premise, character ideas)
Gently explain why it didnโt connect for you
Offer neutral phrasing that doesnโt feel like a takedown
For example:
โThe premise was intriguing, but I struggled to connect with the pacing. Readers who enjoy slow-burn tension and rich lore may still enjoy this.โ
If you’re not comfortable posting publicly, private feedback is often even more helpfulโespecially when shared with kindness.
Offer Feedback Privately (Optional)
Some authors genuinely want to know what didnโt work, especially if theyโre self-publishing and fine-tuning future projects. That said, this is optional and should only be done if you can share feedback constructivelyโnot as a vent.
If you do reach out, keep it helpful:
Mention specific aspects that didnโt 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
โI struggled to connect with the main characterโs voice, which made it tough to stay engaged. This could just be personal preference, but I figured Iโd let you know in case it helps with future targeting.โ
What NOT to Do
Donโt ghost. Letting the author know you wonโt be reviewing (or not finishing) keeps the line of communication open.
Donโt force yourself to power through if the book really isnโt working for you. It wonโt be enjoyable for you or helpful to the author.
Donโt post harsh, emotionally charged reviews. Being honest doesnโt require being brutal.
Youโre Still a Valued ARC Reader
DNFing a book doesn’t make you a bad ARC reader. In fact, your honesty helps everyoneโauthors learn how to better target their readership, and you stay true to your own reading experience. If you approach it with respect, youโll 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 โthis wasnโt for meโ over a forced, lukewarm review.
Do I have to explain why I DNFed?
Not at all. If youโd rather just let them know you didnโt finish, thatโs enough. Detailed feedback is optional.
What if I just didnโt like it?
Thatโs 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 ARCsโwhether youโre a reader or an author? Drop it in the comments, and it might become a future ARC Dive post.
