A few tips to those new to multifandom Ao3 exchanges:
- Usually you are required to request at least 3 fandoms and offer at least 4 fandoms. But sometimes this varies. The rules for the exchange will explicitly state what the requirements are.
- You can only request fandoms, characters, or pairings, if they are in the tag set. The tag set is set up during the "nomination process". Details about when this starts and ends will be in the exchange's rules/FAQ.
- Some exchanges, like Chocolate Box and Trick or Treat, require a 300 word minimum. But many exchanges require a 1000 word minimum. Make sure to check what the requirements are before you sign up.
- Optional details are very important in exchanges like this. You don't need to write a letter; you can leave your details in the "optional details" box on the signup form. But giving some information is very useful to the person writing for you, because there is a good chance that your writer will be a complete stranger, and they won't know what kind of stories you like. You don't need to write a lot; it can be as simple as "I like A & B friendship, magic, and happy endings" or "I really enjoy ghosts, canon-typical horror, survival scenarios, and space AUs".
- If you don't like something, mention it in your optional details. It's best to be brief and to the point. "Do not want: Ghosts, unhappy endings, A/B romance, and AUs/Crossovers".
- It is also useful to mention the ratings you are comfortable with, because most Ao3 exchanges do not match based on rating. Again, be brief. "18+ is okay" or "no higher than PG-13 please".
- On Ao3, the mod contact email is located at the top of the header, if you need to ask them a question. There is no way to directly contact mods on Ao3 because Ao3 does not have a PM system.
I think that's all for now... or at least those are the main things that come to mind.