Neatness and politeness Counts

[Karl1]

Remember Neatness and Politeness counts if you are writing to somebody don't use their first name call them by their second name and use Mr/Mrs/Miss/Dr./Ms e.g. when I wrote to JK Rowling I said Dear Ms. Rowling not Dear JK Rowling and make SURE you use your neatest handwriting because if you are like me and your writing can be messy at times try your very hardest to use your neatest handwriting.

These are guaranteed to get you a reply quicker

Thanks for reading

Karl1

[BossC]

Those are good tips to remember. But also remember there are no guarentees in this hobby. Sometimes the person might respond, other times they might be busy and it can always get lost in the mail so you don't get your request back.

BossC

[Karl1]

Some celebs are like that because David Walliams signed photos personally when he only wrote books and was in small movies but hes probably getting a lot more mail now because he's a judge on Britains got Talent and it's more likely to be a PP

[SilentEcho219]

When I write to young celebrities (around my own age), I tend to address them by their first name in the letter. Any other way seems way too formal for me. I don't necessary think this means I'm not polite though.

[Karl1]

Thats fine I was talking about people older than 30 or adults really

[Jimsta]

What about this?

Dear Sir. Ian McKellen
Hello, I am Grady Hooker from Hamilton, New Zealand. I am 17, I do Martial Arts and am currently a Black belt, I also enjoy collecting fantasy memorabilia.
I am a fan of you from Lord Of The Rings and soon The Hobbit. I am writing to ask for your autograph, I am hoping you can sign the included 6x4 photo's and possibly send another autographed photo/card you have.
Thank you very much!
Cheers,
Grady.

[Karl1]

That seems perfect Good luck and I hope he replies

[SilentEcho219]

What about this?

Dear Sir. Ian McKellen
Hello, I am Grady Hooker from Hamilton, New Zealand. I am 17, I do Martial Arts and am currently a Black belt, I also enjoy collecting fantasy memorabilia.
I am a fan of you from Lord Of The Rings and soon The Hobbit. I am writing to ask for your autograph, I am hoping you can sign the included 6x4 photo's and possibly send another autographed photo/card you have.
Thank you very much!
Cheers,
Grady.

Jimsta, and anyone else, here are some tips I have that I use when I write my letters:

• I always start off by thanking the person for reading my letter. Just a short sentence. Then I introduce myself.
• It is easy to say what movies or shows you enjoy, but if you explain briefly WHY you liked a certain performance, it is more interesting. Like "I like how you played <this character> because <why>"
• When I get into the part asking for an autograph, I always ask to have the autographed personalized or inscribed. I feel that, even if they don't actually do this, at least it shows I am just a collector and not trying to get an autograph just to sell it. I also write my name and address on the back of any photos I send (serves a double purpose showing that I want it only for myself, and in case it gets lost from my letter it still has my address on it).
• After I ask for the autograph, I usually add a sentence like "If you are too busy, I understand, but I am still very glad that you took the time to read my letter so I could show my appreciation for your work!"
• If I am sending my own photos, I never ask for more than what I am sending. Usually I will also send a blank index card with photos as well, which leaves room for an inscription, and can always be framed with a photo later on.
• My letters are usually a half page long. When I write to someone via their manager or agent, I always hand write the letters -- it is much more personal and shows you are not just using the same letter over and over to give to people. If I am writing Via Venue, I will sometimes type the letters, because people are usually in more of a rush and it is quicker to read a typed letter than a handwritten one.

[Jimsta]

What about this?

Dear Sir. Ian McKellen
Hello, I am Grady Hooker from Hamilton, New Zealand. I am 17, I do Martial Arts and am currently a Black belt, I also enjoy collecting fantasy memorabilia.
I am a fan of you from Lord Of The Rings and soon The Hobbit. I am writing to ask for your autograph, I am hoping you can sign the included 6x4 photo's and possibly send another autographed photo/card you have.
Thank you very much!
Cheers,
Grady.

Jimsta, and anyone else, here are some tips I have that I use when I write my letters:

• I always start off by thanking the person for reading my letter. Just a short sentence. Then I introduce myself.
• It is easy to say what movies or shows you enjoy, but if you explain briefly WHY you liked a certain performance, it is more interesting. Like "I like how you played <this character> because <why>"
• When I get into the part asking for an autograph, I always ask to have the autographed personalized or inscribed. I feel that, even if they don't actually do this, at least it shows I am just a collector and not trying to get an autograph just to sell it. I also write my name and address on the back of any photos I send (serves a double purpose showing that I want it only for myself, and in case it gets lost from my letter it still has my address on it).
• After I ask for the autograph, I usually add a sentence like "If you are too busy, I understand, but I am still very glad that you took the time to read my letter so I could show my appreciation for your work!"
• If I am sending my own photos, I never ask for more than what I am sending. Usually I will also send a blank index card with photos as well, which leaves room for an inscription, and can always be framed with a photo later on.
• My letters are usually a half page long. When I write to someone via their manager or agent, I always hand write the letters -- it is much more personal and shows you are not just using the same letter over and over to give to people. If I am writing Via Venue, I will sometimes type the letters, because people are usually in more of a rush and it is quicker to read a typed letter than a handwritten one.

Thanks for the tips. I have used some of them to modify my letter. I am not sending ti till next weekend because I have to get my photos printed and some envelopes.

[Karl1]

I always find as well you get a reply quicker if you use a handwritten letter and a handwritten envelope

Karl1