The Tips section said something about searching for "unposted" books?  What is that?  If it's unposted, how am I supposed to search for it???

Is there some way I can waitlist a book that is not yet in print?  For example, we collect the *paperback* versions of Harry Potter.  We bought and already gave away the hardback, now are just waiting for the paperback to come out to add to our permanent collection...

Is there some way I can search a member's box starting with a book BEFORE ordering?  For example, I was looking for a certain book and I found several copies available.  I would much rather request one from someone who might also have another book I want, saving that member some postage and hassle (and would love it if others would do me the same favor!).  But the only way I know how to do that is request the book, THEN I get a message wanting to "order more" and if there isn't more I have to continue or cancel the request.  I don't want my account to show a bazillion cancellations because that certainly doesn't look good...

Is there a way to add a photo of the cover to books that do have ISBNs but don't have cover photos?

I'm sure I'll have more questions shortly.  :)  I joined a week ago and am already addicted and waiting impatiently for my 15 or so credits to show up from books I've sent out. 

Here's another question already--knew I forgot something!!  I received this message as part of someone's requestor conditions yesterday:  "If you're not sure about something, please just ask me first."  But I never get a PM box until AFTER I accept the order completely (saying I will mail in two days or at a specific "later" date).  So how do they expect anyone to "ask first"???

You can search for books that are unposted, all books or WL books by putting in the name of the book. Then you can click Add to Wish List if no one has the book listed.

You can waitlist a book not in print yet by going to one of the book sites like Amazon or B&N etc and search the author, or the author's website and search by new books coming up.  You should be able to get the ISBN# that way. Then go to PBS Search and put in the ISNB# and click "Add to Wish List".

" Is there some way I can search a member's box starting with a book BEFORE ordering?  For example, I was looking for a certain book and I found several copies available.  I would much rather request one from someone who might also have another book I want, saving that member some postage and hassle (and would love it if others would do me the same favor!).  But the only way I know how to do that is request the book, THEN I get a message wanting to "order more" and if there isn't more I have to continue or cancel the request.  I don't want my account to show a bazillion cancellations because that certainly doesn't look good..."  This can't be done unless you happen to find someone who has a couple of books you want by searching any members bookshelf. When you get the "order more" message, you have the option of doing that if  you wish, however, do not cancel because you can't find a second book you want.  When you reorder, it will go back to the same member because of the FIFO. AND, you do not want so many cancellations on your record.

You can add a photo to the cover of the books that do not have any by searching sites like Amazon, Abebooks, B&N, etc for that book and look for a cover. The best way to search if you have the ISBN# is to put that number in Google and check out all the sites Google comes up with.  When you find a cover, save it to disk, then make sure it's in JPG format and less than 5meg in size. Crop the picture so no white border shows. Then go to the book on your shelf; click it and go to bottom of the page to "Upload Cover". Click that and browse to find the pic you saved and click to upload.  You will then have to wait until the cover is approved by the Approval Team.  If you have further questions on this, PM ROYALTECH (SHERRY N).

As for your last question, you have to accept the book FIRST, and then you can PM the member about her conditions if she asks you to. If you are not sure about the conditions, just cancel the request saying you do not meet conditions.

I hope I answered your questions  Good luck

The Tips section said something about searching for "unposted" books?  What is that?  Unposted books are books that are not yet available to order through the PBS system.

If it's unposted, how am I supposed to search for it??? Title, ISBN, Author or keyword will work for searching unposted books provided they are in the database. 

Is there some way I can waitlist a book that is not yet in print? Yes, click advaced search, put in the Harry Potter title or ISBN of the paperback version you are looking for, and select UNPOSTED BOOKS from the drop down menu. When you find the version you want, click the WL next to it. 

Is there some way I can search a member's box starting with a book BEFORE ordering? No not really.  In order to see what someone had on there shelf you have to order one first and then click Order more from member.  If you really want to get several books from one person you can try posting a thread on the Book bazaar, "I'm looking for X,Y and Z from the same member anyone have these?" usually works. 

Is there a way to add a photo of the cover to books that do have ISBNs but don't have cover photos? Yes.  You can submit photos by clicking UPLOAD BOOK COVER from the bottom of any page on the site. It's way down at the bottom in Blue. 

But I never get a PM box until AFTER I accept the order completely (saying I will mail in two days or at a specific "later" date).  So how do they expect anyone to "ask first"??? This is a pretty big Pet Peeve of the members here.  You are not supposed to ask some one to PM you in you requestor conditions because as you have found out, there is no way to do that until you accept the order.  Bottom line though, conditions should be clear enough that you shouldn't have to ask, so if it isn't clear, decline. Then you have a chance to write a little message and you can say very politely, "I'm sorry, but I don't have the option to contact you unless I accept, and I am unsure whether my book meets your conditions."

When you order the first book, then click Order More From Member, you haven't completed the ordering process. You still have the option to cancel without it showing on your account. I do that when I am looking for several books. I will click Order, then Order More and check the shelves of the different members. You can add or delete books or just not complete your order and it won't show at all.

You can also use the BOB interface to search for members of that feature who have multiple books you are interested in.

Another great way to upload book covers is to click on the book title, then click on the blue generic cover.  The ISBN will be provided for you and you can browse to find the cover pic you've saved (JPEG format & thoroughly cropped, like Junie said.)

And I spent a lot of time searching for cover images on google, trying to make my bookshelf look good, and finally, when I got down to the ones I couldn't find at all, I broke down and taught myself to use my scanner.  It was easy.  I really recommend scanning for the cover images you have in hand.  It's fast and supremely satisfying.

There's lots of great info  here on editing cover images and book data.  I really recommend the link.