@Alberta18 If you mean you don't want guests to book without you being able to communicate with them first, take a look at their profile and any reviews they might have, you just have to turn off the Instant Book option.
Guests will then have to send either Inquiries or Requests.
It's important to be aware of the difference between those.
Inquiry- a way for guests to ask questions if they aren't ready to commit to a booking.
Options are Pre-approve or Decline. However, if you aren't sure whether you want this guest, need more info, or definitely don't want them, the third option is to simply reply to the Inquiry. Don't decline, as this lowers your stats. Just let them know why you can't accept, or dialogue more with them if you need to. You must do one of the 3 options within 24 hours.
If you pre-approve an inquiry, the guest has to take another step to actually book. Until then, your calendar remains open, and if a request comes in which you accept before the inquirer books, the accepted request will override it.
Requests- options are Accept or Decline. You must do one or the other within 24 hours, just messaging back doesn't count, although you can certainly communicate with them before the time is up. And if the request is inappropriate for any reason, try to get them to withdraw the request so you won't have to decline.
When you accept a request, Airbnb immediately proceeds to charge them, and your calendar will be blocked until the booking is confirmed.
