samples

Sample letter:

If you collect autographs by mail, you will need to write a polite, sincere letter to request autographs. Here is an example:

5233 Main St

Phoenix AZ 11111

March 6, 1997

Dear Mr Smith,

I am a movie fan who enjoys your films. I am writing this letter
in the hope that you would be kind enough to send me your
autograph. A card and return envelope with postage have been
provided for your convenience.

I realize that you must receive many similar requests, but I hope
that you will find the time to answer mine.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely yours,

Joseph Brown

This is an example of a letter that might get the job done. It is the most basic of autograph requests. Your chances of obtaining an autograph will be enhanced, though, if you add more personal information. Explain why you want the autograph. Do research on the celebrity and show your knowledge. Above all else, be sincere and interesting.

Important: do not copy this example word-for-word! Can you imagine what the response would be if a celebrity got a dozen letters that were exactly the same?

Tip: To improve your chances of getting an autograph by mail, follow these instructions

Send a photograph, book, or other item for the celebrity to sign

Enclose a self-addressed, stamped return envelope (also known as a “SASE”) big enough to hold your item.

Write your letter, don’t type it (unless your handwriting is illegible!)

Send a well-written letter that explains why you want the recipient’s autograph

Don’t make up elaborate stories about why you want an autograph. Celebrities are experts at detecting insincerity.

Get to the point in your letter

Use correct grammar and spelling

Use good stationery (with a watermark and 25% cotton fiber content)

Spend a lot of time working on your letter. The more time you spend, the better the response—always!

Be polite

Address the celebrity with his proper title

Write to a celebrity when he is least busy. For example, write to a president when he is out of office, not while he is president, or write to an actor in-between films, not when he just had a popular film released.

Don’t make excessive demands on the celebrity. For example, don’t send a book without an SASE, and don’t send a large canvas to an artist asking for a painting. In general, don’t be too picky about what you want.

Do research on your celebrity and let your research be reflected in your letter