I'm starting a Do vs. Don't series. I know I've giving you a list of tips on what to do and what to avoid before in Ch. 12 and Ch. 13 and I originally planned to upload any new tips in them and write a "updated on *date*" message to tell you about the new content. Well, I have so many new tips that I had to make new chapters. There probably will be some things that I've mentioned before but I'm going to elaborate on them and put fresh ones.

So what is Do vs. Don't?

I'll give you an example of what to do and right after that (and keeping to the same topic) - what not to. Sometimes one chapter will concentrate on one topic, others – on several topics; it depends on how much I have to say on the matter.

Warning: some of the etiquette tips might turn out ranty.

In this first part of the Do vs. don't series, I'll discuss requests.

Requests: asking. It's an unwritten rule that it's best to make such requests through a PM.

DO: If you want to ask someone for read, read for read, review or review for review AWLAYS make sure they accept such request. Look at their profile for information on that. If there's nothing about NOT accepting requests, ask them. Also, look at their profiles before you PM them your requests; just because last year (or even last month) they were open to let's say review for review, it doesn't mean they still are.

DON'T #1: NEVER send a PM that is just a link. An exception could be made when you've previously talked with that person about it. For example:

*random date of conversation*

You: Hi! :)

Other person: Hi :)

You: I just wanted to tell you I really enjoy your books.

Other person: Thank you so much! Do you also write?

You: Yes, but I don't have anything uploaded yet. Could you look at my story and give me some pointers on it when I post it?

Other person: Sure :)

*two weeks after the first conversation you send a link*

Even then something like "here's the link; I hope you'll enjoy reading my book and thank you for taking the time to do so" is better than just a link.

Seriously, when I get a message that is only a link, especially from a person I've never talked to, I think "What the Hell am I supposed to do with this? Are they asking me to read it or to critique it?"

It's plain rude and confusing. The first interaction that I EVER have with this person is a link or simple "read this *link to their story*", which sounds like an order. There's not even a "could you please spare some time" or anything like that. Then I think "You don't even bother speaking to me (or you give me orders), so why should I do you – a complete stranger, any favors?"

LEARN TO SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU!

Do I sound bitchy/ranty about this one? That's because I don't like turning down people but when I've stated (usually in FIVE places) that I don't accept requests at the moment and told you why (for example, studying for exams), I just have to say no. And I hate that! I hate that I can't help you but I have a life and responsibilities outside of wattpad; I can't sit all day, reviewing stories, often without even getting a thank you in return and neglecting myself, my education or my friends in the process. And I've placed "NOT ACCEPTING REQUEST AT THE MOMENT" on my profile which means that a) you didn't even bother reading it, or b) you've read it and decided it and my problems or engagements by association were not as important as you getting reads.

Or maybe you know that I don't like to turn people down and are using my guilt against me? In that case, you are an awful human being.

Okay, end of rant.

DON'T #2: You send a PM request and it goes like this:

You: Hey, I'm just starting out. Could you read my story and comment on it please? *link*

Other person: How about we do a review for review?

You: I don't do that/I can't be bothered reading other people's stories/I don't read other people's stories.

So let me get this straight: you want other people to make time to not only read but comment/review your book but you are not prepared to do the same for them?

No.

DON'T #3: Write like this: "i hv a new buk, rid it plz?" or "i has a new book, reed it pleaze"

First, I need a dictionary for that; second, if your message is text talk and full of spelling mistakes, then I'd expect your book to be the same way. Why is that bad?

You are making a bad first impression. Sometimes people only agree to check your story AFTER they've had a sample of your writing. And what is the first sample they get? Your summary?

No, honey, it's your message; then they go to the summary.

I'm not saying that you should NEVER text talk in messages, but you only make a first impression once per person.

Tip #1: Good places to put "NOT ACCEPTING REQUEST AT THE MOMENT (or ever)":

1. In your wattpad bio. It will stand out if you add space between it and the rest of your About Me and if you put it in capital letters. As for where in your About Me – on top is the best because people sometimes only read the first few rows but I guess you could also put it at the bottom; just not in the middle of the bio, it won't stand out as much.

2. Send it as a message to your followers.

3. Tweet it.

4. Write it on facebook.

Those are the places I usually use but if you have a blog about wattpad and writing, then you can add it there as well.

Tip #2: A review for review request is more likely to get a positive reply than a "could you read my story please?"

Why?

Because you are offering something in return. And don't be greedy or selfish: if you are doing a review, do it right; it doesn't have to be pages long but don't just leave "Not bad. Has some mistakes but it's okay".

What's not bad? The cover? The characters? The plot?

What are the mistakes? Spelling? Grammar? Plotholes?

If you give detailed reviews, people who are interested in improving might recommend you to their like-minded friends and that way you'll more reads and feedback on your own stories.

Personal note: I'm still working on Frost on the Green (two or three chapters left) and I also started uploading a new story – Hunt Me Down (links to both stories in the comments). Since I am working on two stories at the same time, updates on The Help Book might take a couple of days more than usual.

Have a great time wattpading and if anything in this chapter is unclear, comment and I'll try to help you out! :)