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What do YOU write in your request letters?
Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2011 9:35 pm
by rachael
Just curious about what y'all write in your request letters when you send them out. Do you send out generic typed letters to everyone? Do you personalise them? Do you tell them about yourself? Do you just mention you are a fan of their work? Do you specifically request an autograph? Do you include a photo for them to sign? How long do you make your letter?
I know there are endless ways of writing, and we're all different, but I'm just curious as to how you approach it?
Re: What do YOU write in your request letters?
Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2011 1:50 am
by harrypotterfan.
i tell them a little bit about myself. then i tell some of my hobbies like reading working out and things like. i also tell them i think that they are a good singer or actor. then i ask them nicely if they could singed my photos that i'm going to send them then i say if not that is ok thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to read my letter then i put a smile face at the end. like this:)
Re: What do YOU write in your request letters?
Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2011 2:49 am
by dueby_boys
In the Words of My Homeboy Ryan J:
"..Well this really isn't a good idea, because then the celebrities will just start getting these repeat letters from everyone. The point with fanmail is letters from fans are supposed to be unique and different, which is what makes them interesting to read. And to be honest, writing a good letter never gaurantees you a reply. Sending Photos and SASE is the key to getting replies. your letter should be nice too. and handwritten..."

Re: What do YOU write in your request letters?
Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2011 4:03 am
by Jojo Champion
Handwritten is the key to success - it let's them know you've took the time to write. Always be polite and ask for a returned autograph in their own time. They maybe booked on a tour, recording, filming, writing etc... So that let's them know you're prepared to wait.
Re: What do YOU write in your request letters?
Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2011 1:01 pm
by RYAN J.
dueby_boys wrote:In the Words of My Homeboy Ryan J:
"..Well this really isn't a good idea, because then the celebrities will just start getting these repeat letters from everyone. The point with fanmail is letters from fans are supposed to be unique and different, which is what makes them interesting to read. And to be honest, writing a good letter never gaurantees you a reply. Sending Photos and SASE is the key to getting replies. your letter should be nice too. and handwritten..."

LOL! My thoughts Exactly!
RYAN J.

Re: What do YOU write in your request letters?
Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2011 2:43 pm
by Madame_Malfoy
RYAN J. wrote:dueby_boys wrote:In the Words of My Homeboy Ryan J:
"..Well this really isn't a good idea, because then the celebrities will just start getting these repeat letters from everyone. The point with fanmail is letters from fans are supposed to be unique and different, which is what makes them interesting to read. And to be honest, writing a good letter never gaurantees you a reply. Sending Photos and SASE is the key to getting replies. your letter should be nice too. and handwritten..."

LOL! My thoughts Exactly!
RYAN J.

I don't think Rachael was asking what she should write in her letters.. But rather just wondering what unique and different ways we all take in our approach to writing letters..
I try to just write from the heart. I tell them a little about myself but mainly focus on why I love their work, some of my favourite movies/characters/songs/episodes/quotes and how their work has inspired me.. etc. My letters are always handwritten, on decorative paper and are usually about a page in length.. Only very occasionally do I write more.. Oh and I've started decorating my envelopes a bit too..

Personally, I ask for them to sign and inscribe my photo as I love it when my successes are personalised..

And I always include my own photo..
Olivia
Re: What do YOU write in your request letters?
Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2011 3:24 pm
by rachael
Thanks, Olivia - you're right. I don't need help writing my own letters, I was just curious as to how other people approached it. It seems we're much the same - decorative paper, handwritten, etc.

Thanks for replying.
Re: What do YOU write in your request letters?
Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2011 3:36 pm
by Lucky Lorri
I use plain paper (well. it's blue in colour but nothing special). I always hand-write my letters and generally start off with a little bit about myself (where i'm from and the likes), then go onto why I like that person as an Actor/Singer or whatever. I round up with asking them (nicely) to sign my enclosed photograph and thank them for taking the time to read.
Recently I have started to decorate my envelopes a little, just a little doodle or a sticker.
I could probably talk forever in my letters but I keep it to just one page in length (size A5).
My letter writing skills are not that great, but I think if it comes from the heart then that's all that matters.
Re: What do YOU write in your request letters?
Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2011 3:45 pm
by rachael
Most of mine are one page too (I use Japanese paper actually, much like the design on your icon. lol), but I have to confess I did send six sides to someone recently. Will be interesting to see if I get a reply. I'm not going to even say who it was.

Re: What do YOU write in your request letters?
Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2011 4:08 pm
by ScottishDan
I start by telling the person a bit about myself then I go on to say how big a fan I am of theirs - tv shows/films/music of theirs, similarities or experiences I share with the person e.g. a concert I went to or a sport we both enjoy etc.. Then I finish off with 4/5 lines requesting an autograph. I always write a minimum of an a4 page and I always send atleast 1 photo. I always include a SASE for British addresses and a SAE with $2 for American addresses.