Hi and a question about using PERSONAL

[kathrynloch]

Hello everyone,

I'm new here and am also new to autograph collecting. My collection is very small. But there is one I'm dying to get.

He's an actor that really hasn't done much in the past 10 years. In fact, I think he's basically retired from the industry. He used to attend conventions and autograph signings all the time. I had always hoped to attend one and get an autograph but it just didn't work out that way. Now, I understand he's not doing conventions any longer. So there goes my chance. The only hope I have is to get a letter to him through his agent.

Now, I realize most times, writing to the actor care of the agent usually gets your letter read by a poorly paid, overworked intern, and if you're lucky, a photo with a stamp version of the autograph, not the real thing.

Many, many years ago, I was home sick from work and was channel surfing daytime TV. I happened on an Oprah segment where she had an autograph collector on. He mentioned this same scenario, of the intern and the autograph stamp, and that's what made me pause. He stated if you write your actor, artist, or writer care of the agency who represents them and put PERSONAL on the front of the envelope, it will go straight to that actor, artist, or writer without being opened by the intern.

Now, I'm not talking a handwritten PERSONAL with hearts and flowers or whatnot. But a professional looking business envelope. This also means including a bit more of a letter than the standard "Hi, my name is _ and I'm (age) and live in _ Please send me an autograph" type letter. If you're going to get in front of said famous person, make your letter worthwhile but don't be over-bearing, with too much detail, or obnoxious. (OMG I just LOVE U!!!! type stuff.)

I've had success with this in the past and even received personal letters in response to mine along with real autographs in return but I haven't tried it in a long time. I was just wondering if it's now a known fact that doesn't work any longer or if it's still one of those secrets. I've done some searching on the internet but haven't found anything useful, so I'd thought I'd pester you folks and see what everyone thought.

So, what do y'all think? Ever tried it? Success or no?

Cheers,
Kat

[dobie516]

Welcome to Fanmail Kat. It's always great to see new members. Who exactly were you trying to get? Someone on here can probably help you with an address.

[BossC]

If it was on Oprah, probably a lot of people started doing it, so the agent/intern probably dosn't pay attention to that anymore. If it is someone you REALLY want, keep searching and trying. It took me 12 years and over a dozen attempts to get Kellie Martin's autograph. Good luck.

BossC

[johnnylightning]

I don't think putting personal on the envelope would change if the agent opens it & reads it or not, they either do or they don't depending on the agent and it would be their way of doing things. And actually most people don't send stamped pictures,you either get your pics back signed or you get nothing at all generally.

[kathrynloch]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

Welcome to Fanmail Kat. It's always great to see new members. Who exactly were you trying to get? Someone on here can probably help you with an address.

Thank you! I'm almost embarrassed to say - y'all will probably ask WHO? then laugh hysterically. lol! But before signing up here, I did extensive research and am pretty confident in the address but we'll see.

If it was on Oprah, probably a lot of people started doing it, so the agent/intern probably dosn't pay attention to that anymore. If it is someone you REALLY want, keep searching and trying. It took me 12 years and over a dozen attempts to get Kellie Martin's autograph. Good luck.

BossC

Good point and very excellent advice. I'll keep trying! Thank you!

I don't think putting personal on the envelope would change if the agent opens it & reads it or not, they either do or they don't depending on the agent and it would be their way of doing things. And actually most people don't send stamped pictures,you either get your pics back signed or you get nothing at all generally.

Another good point - thank you. I guess the stamp has gone by the wayside.

Thanks so much for the feedback! I really appreciate it!

Cheers,
Kat

[osiris]

Also, if the person in question really has "retired" and are more or less "not famous" anymore, you're more likely to get a real response than an autopen/stamp. You may still get a preprint but I'd say probably an authentic.

I dont think writing "Personal" on it will ever increase your chances. Either mail is opened by them, or it's not. The probability is that they will open everything (to check it's all suitable etc) and then pass it on.

[Icena]

Don't be embarassed! The actors in my signature are my heroes, and yet no-one knows them. Also, as was already said, if they're not famous any more then they'll appreciate your letter more ^_^

[dragon_star]

Also, if the person in question really has "retired" and are more or less "not famous" anymore, you're more likely to get a real response than an autopen/stamp. You may still get a preprint but I'd say probably an authentic.

Yeah that's true. I sent a email to an old comedian who's not very famous any more requesting an autograph for my mums birthday and he sent her a birthday card and a signed picture.

[dragon_star]

Don't be embarassed! The actors in my signature are my heroes, and yet no-one knows them. Also, as was already said, if they're not famous any more then they'll appreciate your letter more ^_^

I know who they are. My mum has the whole sherlock holmes dvd collection of them. don't know the actors names though

[kathrynloch]

Thanks everyone.

Okay - the actor is Judson Scott of the very shortlived Phoenix TV series and Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan fame. He's basically dropped off the face of the earth for the past couple of years.

I'll give it a shot and see what happens. Ya don't know if ya don't try!

Now - no laughing hysterically.

Cheers,
Kat