how to let an actor know you're not an autograph seller?

[Alanna]

hey,
just wondering... what are some good tips or things to put in your letter that lets an actor/actress know you're not just looking for an email to sell? I know if I were someone who got fan mail, it would be a huge turn-off to receive mail from people who would just turn right back around and sell the autograph. what are some polite things that say you're not going to do that?

I've heard of asking for them to personalize the photo, but how would you say that without being rude? any other suggestions? thanks!

[clash6361]

Um make it very personal and talk about yourself a lot. Most sellers just say a short "Hey you're amazing, could I please have your autograph" so avoid making it anything as short as that. To be honest I would recommend sending through the mail than emailing because I like to handwrite my letters and decorate them and it's obvious almost all celebs prefer that. They are also more likely to read your letter because sometimes a manager or agent just reads the email and asks the celeb to sign the photo and personalize it to your name.

Above all don't lie, be yourself and don't say "please can I have your autograph I'm not an autograph seller!" because that looks very suspicious

[ff_angel]

I've heard of asking for them to personalize the photo, but how would you say that without being rude? any other suggestions? thanks!

I use a post it note and ask them politely to personalises it to me, and put it on the back of the photograph. Don't stick it on the front or it could ruin the photo when it comes to taking it off!!
I sometimes write in the letter that I will treasure and keep their autograph always.

[Denisrichard]

I usually say in my letter "Would you please sign the photo To Denis?"

[Alanna]

these are some really great suggestions, thank you all so much! I do like the idea of putting a sticky note on the back. I'll have to give that one a go.

[quails23]

I make sure to hand-write every letter. And I use stickers on them to seal. Right now I'm into little flowers and fish. Haha. Weird, I know, but it's a little personal touch and I have fun with it. Also I don't send nice big photos, since I can't afford it right now...sometimes I toss in something like a CD booklet page or little ad from a DVD set and explain what the show/movie/whatever means to mean. Yeah.

Um..technically no successes with LORs yet, but I haven't been waiting that long. We'll see!

[kaitmaree]

Handwrite the letter, be sincere, express what their work means to you. And as for asking for personalisation, I ask in the letter, and then also put a sticky note on the back of the photo that says "If possible, could you please personalise to ____?" in case it gets overlooked. Generally by asking for personalisation you make it clear you're not a dealer, so that should help. Good luck!