I posted a paperback copy of a book, using the paperback ISBN (since I didn't even know the hardcover ISBN), but when someone ordered it, I noticed that the description says it is a hardback book.  I don't want the receiving member to be disappointed when she receives a paperback copy - is there any way I can contact her to let her know I only have the paperback book?  Is there a way for her to cancel her request if she doesn't want the paperback copy?  I sent a buddy list request to her, but I'm not sure what the buddy list does - does it allow me to contact her?

Terry S

(Apacapacas)

if you have an open transaction on your 'books to mail' page, there should be a PM button so you can send them a note.

when you post the book, there's a spot to make sure the basic four things match: ISBN, title, author, binding/book type (hardback vs paperback).  if all four items don't match what you have, then you shouldn't post with that ISBN.

i suspect the right thing to do is send the user a PM to let them know you have the paperback, and not the hardback, and then cancel the order.  optional: let them know you'll be reposting it, in case they want to order the PB version.  then you can repost the book.  if when you put in your ISBN it doesn't match those four things, it needs to be posted without an ISBN.  if you go to the help center and search for "posting without ISBN" you'll see the relevant help topic.

Once you have accepted the order, there will be a PM button where you can contact her.  Tell her that if she doesn't want it, you will cancel the transaction so that she doesn't lose her place in line.

And let me say, good eye!  It's important to always check the binding on a book.  It's good you caught it, otherwise, when she received the book, she could mark it Received with a Problem, since wrong binding = wrong book here. And you'd be expected to refund her credit.

If she wants it, go ahead and send it.  If she doesn't, when you cancel the transaction, the book will be removed from your bookshelf.  You'll then need to go back up and post it as if it did not have an ISBN.  I know that sounds strange, since the ISBN is right there staring you in the face, but unfortunately, some publishers will publish a hardcover with an ISBN, and then reuse that same ISBN for another edition, often paperback.  (Sometimes they'll even reuse the ISBN for a completely different title.) On PBS, each ISBN can only be associated with one binding (and one title) so whichever book is posted here first becomes the official binding/title for that ISBN.  Other bindings or titles published with the same ISBN have to be posted as if they did not have an ISBN.

It's all explained here When I enter the ISBN on my paperback, the listing shows a hardcover!

ETA: Ellen, looks like we were typing at the same time :-)

Also make sure your copy is not an ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy).  Those ISBN's are usually what is used for the hardback that will be issued shortly.  ARC's are not tradeable here but can be given away free with an order

If it's a WL book and they don't want the pb version, then YOU need to cancel the request or they'll lose their place in the WL line. 

Then repost the book as if it has no ISBN. It's very easy. 

Leslie--good point about the ARC.  Here's the link on that:

What is an ARC?

This happens sometimes with book club books. I used to get books from Quality Paperback book club. They sometimes have paperback versions before the bookstores. And more than once they have come up as hardbacks when I have entered their ISBNs.