What I usually do on the SASE package is have my name and address as both the from and to fields (even though I've been told by one person the Post Office won't deliver the package that way, but I've used that enough times.) I've since modified it to have my old address (but where I still get mail, as it's the address of family) as the from, my current address as the to. This way, no matter what, it will get to me, whether it gets "returned" to the old address or sent to the current one - and if postage rates go up, although I use a Priority Mail flat-rate box, I will be the one paying the extra postage, not the celebrity.

Hi. Hartster provided some good advice. One thing I do prior to sending out a larger item or book to be signed is to gage the person's signing habits. If they have a good track record of signing, then I send it with no problem. If you are not sure if they sign, then you may first wish to send a smaller item (an index card, or 4x6, or 5x7 photo) to be signed. I've also sent the person a letter in advance asking them if it would be okay to send them the book (making it clear that you will provide all to postage and handling). You also need to take in to consideration how important the item is to you, as there is always the possibility that you might not get it back. Insuring the item would again be dependent on how much the item to be signed is worth to you. As far as packaging, always make sure to provide more than enough postage so that the person does not need to put in any funds of their own. I always provide two ample sized padded envelopes, boxes, etc. so that the item and the return envelope can both fit in. ALWAYS write them a nice letter as it otherwise would be rude to just request for the item to be signed without giving them accolades or letting them know how appreciative you are that they are taking time out of their schedule to accommodate you. The main thing that you have to remember is to make the request as EASY as possible wherein all the person needs to do is just sign the item and send it back. Address one envelope/package from you to them and the return envelope/address from them to you (I usually DO NOT put their name as "from" as I have received envelopes/packages torn with the item missing. Either just use their address, initials, first OR last name, etc. to let YOU know who it is from when received, but try not to tip off the Post Office as again not everyone who delivers mail is honest).

Here's how I send out a book to be autographed, in the US. I use a Medium Rate Flat Rate Priority Mail box, with postage printed out and addressed to me. In that box I put some cushioning material as well as the book and a roll of packaging tape. I lightly tape but do not seal that box.

I write a letter to that person asking for my book to be signed. If I know they support a charity I will enclose a donation with that letter. I next seal that letter in an envelope addressed to the celebrity as well as with my return address and lightly tape it over my return postage (so in case the outer wrapping - next step - is ripped it will be delivered to them or returned to me.)

I next wrap the whole thing with brown kraft paper, although you may be able to get away with the back of wrapping paper. I address it to the celebrity and take it to the post office to be mailed.

The celebrity gets the package, rips open the outer wrapping. S/he sees the envelope with their name on it, opens that and reads the instructions. They sign my book, place it back in the box, use the tape to seal it up, and has the carrier pick it up. Makes it easy for them as well as for other people to get signatures.

One caveat: I never send a book to a celebrity without first asking them first (through a SASE request.)

Don't send anything you aren't willing to lose. The person might not see it. But it depends who it is, some people signs more than others.

I know this may sound redundant but if someone could answer these questions for me?


When sending a book to be autographed, Is it appropriate to send a letter explaining if I would like my autographed customized?
Is it also a nice gesture to include a small cash donation as well in a envelope?

When shipping should I put a second SASE(or box) in with item to be autographed?
Should I insure packages?

Any help would be great as i've collected many items and would love to get them signed, but want to go about this the right way
Thank
Matt