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Is there any way you know of to increase your chances of getting a personalized response? Will sending my own photograph help, even with someone like Johnny Depp, or will it just get sent back? Also, apart from including a SASE and IRC, should I actually request a signed picture in my letter? I read that SFMs are almost always PP, but how else can you contact a celebrity?

And finally, what can I do to make it more likely that I'll get an actual written response?

Thank you for your help!

Ok well first off, SFM stands for Studio Fan Mail and it is a company that ONLY sends out Pre-Printed autos. You will NEVER get an authentic autograph by emailing SFM.
To answer your question, the best thing you can do to ensure a response is to send an SASE and possibly something to be signed such as a picture, but sending something to be signed is not necessary, as celebrities have head shots and such that they send out for publicity.
As far as getting a personalized auto, it never hurts to ask to have it personalized in your letter, that could show the celebrity that you actually want the autograph for yourself and not just to be sold later on. Some celebrities (such as Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom) send out Autopens so you won't get a personalized autograph from them even if you did ask. Autopen in case you don't know is an autograph signed by a machine, therefore the celebrity never actually signs the photo. Maybe you should look and see who sends out authentics, then you can decide who you want to write to and include a request for a personalized autograph in your letter. I really hope that helps! Best of luck!

Hello Prismac!

Is there any way you know of to increase your chances of getting a personalized response?

Some celebrities always sends out preprints or autopens, for example, Johnny Depp and Michelle Pfeiffer. I've never seen a personalised autograph from these two TTM (via venue... yes!). Search the database or "Feedback" forum for responses from you favourite celebrties to see which of them sends out authentics. Shia LaBeouf, for example, sends out authentic autographs but not personalised though.
-I've read that writing your letters instead of typing can increase your chances of getting a personalised autograph... I always write my letter (only one page) because I don't have a printer and well, I want to write!
-I don't know if it really works, but I always ask politely if the celebrity can personalise (or inscribe) a photo to me. Firstly, mabey they'll do it! Secondly, they know I'm not an eBay seller.
-Try to make a very special and unique letter (you can decorate it) so your letter stands out. It can increase your chances by getting a personalised photo!

Will sending my own photograph help, even with someone like Johnny Depp, or will it just get sent back?

Johnny Depp will send back your photo autopenned unfortunately. It really depends on who you're writing to. For example, Robert De Niro sends out preprints but if you send your own photo, his secretary will sign it. Another example, James Blunt only sends out preprints and he will most likely send your photos back unsigned. I suggest that you search the database and forum to see which of your favourite celebrties will probably send you an authentic, although I can't think of anyone specificly right now...

Also, apart from including a SASE and IRC, should I actually request a signed picture in my letter?

Actually yes, because you should always make it clear that you want a signed photo. I know some people who just writes fan mail but doesn't want something back. I usually write in my last paragraph that I'd like a signed photo so it stands out (I only write 3 paragraphs on one page). Here's what you can write:
"Can you please send me an autographed (or "signed") photo and if it's possible, personalise (or "inscribe") it to me? I've included an IRC (or "SASE"). I will apprecaite it very much..."

I read that SFMs are almost always PP, but how else can you contact a celebrity?

Some celebrities have e-mail addresses and others you can contact through their official websites.

And finally, what can I do to make it more likely that I'll get an actual written response?

Try writing a personal, real fan letter. Tell them why you admire them, what made you admire them. Most importantly, write about yourself. They want to hear about you, not themselfs! Write about:
- your age
- your birthday
- your family
- your pets
- your friends
- your occupation
- your hobbies
- you can even tell them about funny or embarrasing moments in your life!
Write a letter from your heart. I got an autograped photo from Josh Duhamel and he wrote on my photo birthday wishes to me! That, I think, is very awesome and it's a personal response. I wrote to him two weeks before my birthday. I know many others who also writes personal notes (or even letters) to fans!

I really hope that this helps you and if you have more questions, please feel free to ask!! {thumb2}

Lastly, from me, GOOD LUCK! I hope you hear from all of your favourite celebrities soon!!

Regards,
Lizanne :razz:

Agreed. ^^
Its like writing a letter to anyone else, but this time a celebrity.