1. Set your sights high! I think that many collectors fall into the trap of collecting modern stars, who are experiencing their "fifteen minutes of fame." I have been collecting long enough to see the trends come and go. When I first began collecting, I remember that for many Cheryl Tiegs was the "impossible autograph." Sadly, many people wrote dozens of letters to her asking for her autograph, or worse spent hundreds of dollars for one, while Neil Armstrong was signing through the mail! I have seen other "fad celebrities" have their day, from John Wayne Bobbit to Menudo.
I believe that it is always important to ask "where will this person be in twenty-five years?"
2. Concentrate on specific fields. Many collectors begin to collect autographs in a helter-skelter pattern. It is best to try to "complete a set." It doesn't have to be a set of presidents or all of the astronauts who flew in space for instance, but some degree of order in collecting is preferred over a meaningless collection.
3. Choose quality instead of quantity. It is best to choose items for purchase in the best condition possible, and with best content. Don't buy two flawed items; choose the one perfect one instead!
4. Use your imagination. All too often, bland requests are sent to celebrities, often with bland responses. Take the time to research your subject and write an interesting letter. The responses will be much more interesting!
5. Look for photographs (or other items) of historical significance. I believe that extra time and effort should be spent in submitting photographs of special significance to a celebrity. These are usually rarer and make better displays. For instance, a photograph of Gerald Ford's giving the State of the Union message or taking the Oath of Office is better than a portrait photograph. The first two examples depict him in historical context.
6.Don't sell! There is an old adage "a collector buys but never sells." Resist the temptation to sell your items. If you are truly a collector, you will always regret it. I know of a collector who obtained a photograph from Franklin Roosevelt personally which was signed by his entire cabinet. Years later, when finances became tough, the collector sold this item. He told me that this was his greatest regret in life. Personally, I've only sold a handful of items from my collection, but I deeply regret every sale.
7. Be a gentleman This is a concept I believe is losing ground these days, unfortunately. This hobby is for fun. Respect the rights of others, including the celebrities who provide you will collecting amusement. They are human beings and deserve respect and dignity. They do not owe us autographs, and even a refusal should be treated with good grace. Observing this simple fact will provide greater enjoyment with the hobby.
8. Be in good taste. This is closely related with the above. Don't submit tasteless items to celebrities for signatures. Don't sell items immediately after receiving them. I am repulsed every time I open a dealer's catalog and see items for sale that are dated only one month previously. Respect the rights of other collectors and understand that helping to improve the image of autograph collectors will help all of us.