I had my first RWAP today.  I'm a little nervous about what kind of response I'll get from the sender.  I used some of the wording suggestions from the help docs and resquested a response by a specific date.  I hope it goes well .

Jennifer, sorry to hear that you got your first RWAP. It happens to everyone here at one time or other. If you used the wording suggestions from the help docs and were polite, you shouldn't have problems. Giving them a specific response date is good. Most people are compliant and polite, but always be prepared for those who aren't. Don't take it personal, as they are the ones that sent an unpostable book.

I did the same as you once on one of my first RWAPs and the sender wrote me back and said she didn't want to deal with it at that time and I gave her a headache! The book looked as though it had fallen into a puddle and laid out to dry for goodness sakes and has been the worst RWAPPED book I have ever received since. She did end up refunding my credit but didn't want to. Needless to say I had to throw the book away.

I RWAP'd a book, gave the sender the benefit of a doubt and marked it damaged by USPS.  Wrote sender a note b/c it was a thick paperback loose in a manilla envelope, and suggested she might try folding the envelope down firm to the book and securing with packing tape per PBS wrapping suggestions.  I didn't ask for my credit back, but the very next morning there it was with a nice note apologizing for the book condition.

Some are difficult Jennifer, some are not...good luck with yours!

I marked it damaged by sender as it had liquid/water damage.  The envelope was intact and undamaged so that's why I believe it was there before mailing.  I posted photos to photobucket in anticipation of the sender asking.  I'm going to try and think happy thoughts that it'll go well.

ETA: so far the communication is going really well.

Youare so smart to take some pictures to show as proof that the packaging was fine and the book was damages. A picture does say a thousand works in these situations. Good luck and I hope that she sends your credit soon.