Sending letters to your favorite celebrities and requesting autographs is a lot of fun and is quite affordable and rewarding. However, there are a few things to remember when writing so you can get the best response possible and an autograph (if that's what you're after). Here are the best tips and tricks that have been time-tested and proven to work:

First and foremost, make sure you're sending your letter to the correct address
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Always include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE)
Enclose a folded 8x10 manila envelope, pre-addressed back to you with the proper postage. Use your address as the return address.

Make sure you use the correct postage
Make sure your letter makes it and that your response makes it back to you. If you don't have enough stamps all your efforts will be wasted!

Include a photo and/or 3x5 index card for the celebrity to sign
Many celebrities will have stock photos used for autographs, but to help maximize responses, it is a good idea to enclose a photo of your own and/or a 3"x5" index card. (any type of photo will do, even one torn out of a magazine) Remember, you want to increase your odds by making it easy for the celeb to respond and having all options taken care of.

DO NOT send food, money, gifts, or other items to celebrities
Most celebrities do not appreciate receiving a large package in the mail. Risks of mail bombs, anthrax, and other security issues, not to mention the fact most celebrities receive a large amount of mail make sending a package a bad idea. Chances are it won't even make it to them or be opened.

DO NOT send a generic "form" letter
A generic letter requesting an autograph saying "I'm your biggest fan, can I get an autograph" most likely will not get a response. Make your letter real, and personalized for the person. Acknowledge the star’s accomplishments in your letter. Referencing their work, career or impact on you will give you much better odds of getting a reply. Constructive criticism is okay, but be assured that non-constructive criticism will result in your letter ending up in the trash!

Keep it short, neat, polite and to the point
Preferably type your letter, or at least write it neatly. Keep it short, and get to the point quickly. Be polite and courteous. Kindly ask for an autograph, but do not beg or give guilt trips. Keep your letter less than one page long. Check your spelling!

DO NOT ask a star to meet you, call you, marry you, etc.
The fact is a celebrity is a busy person, they don't have times for these sorts of requests. They do appreciate honest fan mail and most will send autographs to fans. If you're asking for something more, you'll likely be ignored.

DO NOT use gimmicks or guilt trips
Saying "my son is your biggest fan and is dying of cancer" is not a good way to get a response. Being honest is!

Remember to include your name and address on the letter
Have your full name and address written clearly on your letter, on the return address on the envelope and on your SASE.

Be Patient
The hardest part about collecting autographs through the mail is the wait. While some celebrities will respond immediately, others can take a year or more. As a general rule, you should allow four to eight weeks to receive a reply. Don't get discouraged, you never know when the day is coming that you come home and have some mail from the stars.

Back to Starpulse.com's Guide To Contacting Celebrities