("VfD" as used on this page is an abbreviation for "Votes for Deletion".)
To list a single article for deletion for the first time, follow this three-step process:
I: Put the deletion tag on the article.
Insert the {{vfd-new}} tag at the top of the page.
Please do not mark the edit as minor.
Use the edit summary to indicate the nomination; this can be as simple as "VFD".
You can check the "Watch this page" box to follow the page in your watchlist. This allows you to notice if the VfD tag is removed by a vandal.
Save the page.
II: Create the article's deletion discussion page.
Click the link saying "this article's entry" to open the deletion-debate page.
Copy the following: {{subst:vfd-new2|pg=PAGENAME|text=REASONING — ~~~~}}. Replace PAGENAME with the name of the page you're nominating, and REASONING with an explanation of why you think the page should be deleted. Note that the signature/timestamp characters (~~~~) are placed inside the braces {{ }}, not outside as with standard posts.
Explanations are important when nominating a page for deletion. While it may be obvious to you why a page should be deleted, not everyone will understand and you should provide a clear but concise explanation. Please remember to sign your comment by putting ~~~~ at the end.
Consider checking "Watch this page" to follow the progress of the debate.
Save the page.
III: Notify users who monitor VfD discussion.
Copy the tag below, and then click THIS LINK to open the deletion log page. At the bottom of the log page, insert:
{{subst:vfd-new3|pg=PAGENAME}}
replacing PAGENAME appropriately.
Please include the name of the nominated page in the edit summary.
Save the page. Your insertion will be automatically expanded to the same form as the preceding lines in the file: {{Wikiquote:Votes for deletion/PAGENAME}}.
Consider also adding {{subst:VFDNote|PAGENAME}} ~~~~ to the talk page of the article's principal contributor(s).
