Beginners mistakes?

[capmonte]

I think 5-6 sentences might be a bit on the short side. Just my own personal opinion; my letters tend to be about a page long.

[dunnellz]

Here is a copy-and-paste from something I wrote on another site to help a new collector:

"My letters usually can be broken into three parts:

1. Introduction
This contains details of what I am a fan of; that is, why I am deciding to write to this celeb. I always try to make this as unique as possible, while still staying honest. If I was especially a fan of something that is a little obscure in that person's history (like a less-known movie, tv show, guest spot, etc), I make it a point to mention that.

2. Description
I usually use a cheesy transition about how I know so much about the celeb I'm writing to, that they should know a little about me. Then I proceed to write generic facts about me. Of course I list my name, age, occupation/school, location, family, hobbies, etc.

3. Request
My transition here is always that one of my hobbies include collecting autographs. I am always blunt and to the point and ask for a signed autograph. I honestly believe my success rate is so high, and the return is usually so great (multiple items signed, some provide their own, etc), because of three things:

a) I always acknowledge that the celeb probably gets flooded with requests, and if they don't have time to fulfill I completely understand, and I will remain a fan regardless.

b) I mention that a fear of signing autographs through the mail has to be that the fan will simply sell them on eBay. I always promise that I wouldn't do that, and that while I can offer no way to guarantee it, I ask that my items be personalized to at least my first, and sometimes my first and last, name. I explain that not only will this make it a that much more personal for me, but someone else would be less likely to buy it if it's made out to me.

c) And then lastly, I always ask for something to be signed to my fiancee's name or to my and her's name. I explain in the body that she's a fan too, and when I make the request and explain that I want something for her name too, I think that generally makes the person more likely to sign things for me when they know it's not just for me."



As far as writing/typing is concerned, I generally type my LORs. I usually include a sentence in my letter, though, that says something along the line of "Please do not hold the fact that I typed this letter as opposed to handwriting it against me as a sign of lack of sincerity. I just recognize how sloppy my handwriting gets at times and I know you read a thousand letters like this, so I wanted you to be able to read mine clearly and easily."

And regarding wait time, that is usually dependent on the celebrities you've written to. Before I send out to a particular celebrity, I always do research regarding which address to send to, but I also try to get a gauge of how long it usually takes for a person to receive a success from that particular celebrity. So my basic advice here is just to research; research what address to mail to. Research how many items the person signs (some are notorious for only signing one item and keeping others/returning others so know this in advance before you waste time/money on other items). Research how long a response might take - for instance, retired Hall of Fame baseball player Bobby Doerr should reply to you within two weeks. If you haven't heard anything back in two months, consider resending. However, if you wrote to a lot of big name celebrities, the wait time can be months, or even years.

Welcome to the hobby. I hope this helps, and happy collecting!

[dunnellz]

Oh, and specifically on some of the ones you wrote to:

I've seen Jeri Ryan take 4+ months (I have one pending out for three and a half months to her) and Lucy Lawless can takes years (plural) if at all.

[Jay Beezy]

The format I wrote in was:

Address by first name.

First paragraph - My request detailing what I want signed and how I want it signed plus my inexperience at sending fanmail and photos to be signed.

Second paragraph - My admiration for her and her work plus how I felt when I met her.

Third paragraph - Small joke about my obsessiveness and possible mental problems.

Finally, a P.S. describing something about the photo.

Is that an okay format?

[dunnellz]

It's all OK.

There is no "right" way. A letter should be personal. The only way it is personal is if you write it the way you want to and you feel best conveys your message.

Write what works for you. I was just saying what I do as an example. Feel free to ignore it completely, copy it entirely, or pick and choose words of advice people give you to word your perfect letter yourself.

[Jay Beezy]

It's all OK.

There is no "right" way. A letter should be personal. The only way it is personal is if you write it the way you want to and you feel best conveys your message.

Write what works for you. I was just saying what I do as an example. Feel free to ignore it completely, copy it entirely, or pick and choose words of advice people give you to word your perfect letter yourself.

Aside from some typical compliments, I don't think I could have gotten more personal. Then again, dependent on when she receives it if she receives it, I probably should have added some additional words.

[dunnellz]

We live and learn in this hobby. No worries.

[Jay Beezy]

I wrote to someone whose show ended last season. I wrote a comment about being in withdrawal because if it didn't end it would have started about now, which is when I sent the letter and photo. But she may not get it until way later.

[famecollecter]

you know what i do? I use a fancy colored envelope to sorta have my letter stand out. I also always ask for two pictures. One for me and one for my son. Works 90% of the time. I never send a pic or sase. Heck, they're the ones w the money, not me! Lol

[Jay Beezy]

you know what i do? I use a fancy colored envelope to sorta have my letter stand out. I also always ask for two pictures. One for me and one for my son. Works 90% of the time. I never send a pic or sase. Heck, they're the ones w the money, not me! Lol

Celebs, or whoever sends it back out, don't necessarily want to stand in line at the post office to get the correct postage. It's easier for them for us to give them a stamped envelope so once they sign the item and put it in the envelope, they can just drop it off at the post office.