Hi:

Is it permissable for me to PM someone who accepts my offer to buy a book and ask them if the book smells like smoke?  I haven't received any from here in that condition but I have received quite a few purchaed on Amazon or on E-Bay in that condition.  If the book smells like cigarette smoke, I won't be able to read it.

Welcome to PBS Kate.  You should put a RC in place (requesters condition)

This is from the help docs, just make it short and to the point. 

Welcome to PBS!

Many people use the wording "not currently in a smoking home" as it is not subjective, yet greatly reduces the chances of receiving a smoky book.  i.e. what something smells like is subjective, whether you or someone else in your home smokes is not.