Unfortunately, I really need to put an RC on my account. I don't mind if books come from someone who smokes but I really can't take it when I receive books that smell like old ashtrays. Can someone help me word this delicately as I don't want to offend anyone (I am a former smoker myself!)

Mine says "I prefer books from non-smoking homes."

Someone may turn me down because I have an RC but I'd rather have a book from a non smoking enviroment than the smoke smell.  I'm a former smoker too.

Look at it this way if they're offended that you prefer books that don't smell like an ashtray tough!  Pass it on to someone else not me.

Perhaps you could say you prefer not to get books from heavy smokers?

But your definition of a "heavy' smoker and someone elses definitiion might be different. That would be too confusing. I would simply put "books not currently in a smoking environment".  So someone who is a light smoker still won't send the book but then there's no confusion as to what's heavy smoking or not. 

With the "heavy" smoker one you leave yourself open to people who smoke say a pack a day and consider that light sending you a book. A smoker is not going to be able to tell if the book smells strongly of smoke or not because they are surrounding by the smell all the time.  Just like I don't notice the dog smell in my house unless I"ve been out the whole day and then I notice it when I first come in the house.

How about:  "Unfortunately, I cannot accept books from homes in which smoking is permitted"?

That way the smoking is related to the home (where the books are) rather than the person.

ETA - RCs with the word "prefer" in them confuse me.  I never know if it means they WILL NOT accept, or if they would just rather not.  Of course, I could overthink for the US overthinking Olympic team.

rotfl!

RCs with the word "prefer" in them confuse me.  I never know if it means they WILL NOT accept, or if they would just rather not.

Me, too! Thanks for the chuckle. I am so easily confused these days.

ETA: The reason I clicked on this topic to begin with...

If your RC's state "No books that are currently in a smoking household" or something similar, I can easily determine if I can and should send you my copy of a book.

And bless your heart, I want to warn you that  someone, sometime will be offended no matter how you phrase it.