Question about SASE (Self Addressed, Stamped Envelope)

[Cartoon]

Hi all!

When sending a SASE for a bookplate, should the size of the SASE be bigger than a standard sized envelope? I'm asking because I don't know how big the bookplates are that authors send back. I have seen photos where some people have sent an 8x10 brown folder as their SASE. Which size would be best? I just want to make sure that the bookplate would fit in the envelope that they send back. Any advice would be great! Thanks!

Cartoon

P.S. Is it rude to request two autographed bookplates?

[ScottishDan]

A C5 (9x6.4 in) envelope should be fine but you might want to play it safe and go for a bigger one .

If you wanted 2 bookplates, you'd be better of saying that one is for a friend/family and the other is for yourself.

[Cartoon]

I already have a signed book. I got it signed in-person. The two bookplates are for two of my friends who are big fans of his.

Cartoon

[Madame_Malfoy]

Hi Cartoon,

Thanks for your post, ScottishDan already replied but I'll just add my two cents.

Bookplates are not usually very big. In my experience, I have received several bookplates signed by authors and they have all been smaller than 6 x 4 photographs. As the bookplate needs to be able to fit inside the book of course! :razz: It is of course up to you, some authors may include other things when replying to your letter (like bookmarks, signed photos or letters).

To be honest, I wouldn't send an 8 x 10 large envelope, I doubt you'd need it. You could, as ScottishDan, suggested send the next size down, a C5 envelope (about the size of a folded in half A4 page), that would be fine and if the author you're writing to added anything extra, I'm sure that would be enough postage and room for them to do so.

Also, it's not at all rude to request two, especially if they are for friends of yours. In fact, I would mention in your letter that you had met him and that he had kindly signed your book and you're writing because you're hoping to get his autograph for your friends.

Hope this helps,

Olivia

[charliestcloud]

I've received bookplates just by sending those small white regular size envelopes. Good luck! Who are you sending to??

[Cartoon]

I went ahead and used plain, regular sized white envelopes. I already have the printed address labels stuck on the letters, along with stamps. (Is it too late to switch to the 6x9 envelopes?) I also decided to type out my letter on the computer with a fancy letterhead. I just signed my name at the bottom.

I even thought about printing out my own bookplates to send along with the LOR and SASE... Should I, or just wait to see if they send their own?

By the way, I am requesting autographed bookplates from President George W. Bush.

Cartoon

[Cartoon]

One thing that I forgot to mention is that I wrote to President Bush back in the beginning of December of last year, but when I mailed the letter, I did not include a SASE. Therefore, I never got anything back. A word to the wise... "Always include a SASE!"... LOL!

Cartoon