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WRITING GLOSSARY

What is DNF?

DNF means did not finish: stopping a book before the end because it is not working for the reader, regardless of hype or investment already spent.

Definition

DNF means did not finish: stopping a book before the end because it is not working for the reader, regardless of hype or investment already spent.

Example

A reader might DNF at page eighty if the pacing drags and they no longer care what happens to the protagonist.

Related terms

Common mistakes

  • Feeling guilty about every DNF as if finishing bad books were a moral duty.
  • Using DNF too quickly without giving the book a fair chance to hook or improve.
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