How to Collect Autographs by Mail

My autograph collecting began as a teenager when I would cut out magazine photos and send them to sports stars asking for their autographs. That developed into a life-long hobby.
Today most of my requests are to favorite authors asking to have a book of theirs signed.
Based on my experiences here are some tips that can help make the hobby most enjoyable.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Word processor or typewriter
• Mailing supplies
• Postage
• Item to be autographed
• Recipients mailing address

1. 
    
   Archie Griffin autograph

   Get an address for the celebrity or person whose autograph you want.
   - Entertainment personalities almost always have a website or a fan club website that can give you the correct mailing address.
   - Authors also often have websites, and may have specific instructions on how to send books for signing.
   - Addresses for sports stars may be obtained from their team office.
   - Political figures may have mail addressed to their office. That information is available on their government website. If the person is a candidate and not currently in office, send the mail to their campaign headquarters.
   - Requests to persons prominent in business, industry, or organizations may be contacted via the company or organization headquarters.

2. 
    
   Gil Hodges autograph

   Write a cover letter.
   - Politely ask the person to sign the item you are sending.
   - Compliment the person on some accomplishment or on a particular aspect of his or her work that you enjoy or appreciate.
   - Note that you are enclosing return mailer and postage. Ask the person to return your signed item in the box or photo mailer you have enclosed.
   - Many sports stars charge for signing. Make an inquiry beforehand, and if a fee is charged include it with your request. Requests submitted without the fee will be returned unsigned. I have never had a request for a signing fee from anyone other than a sports star.
   - It is quite easy to get an autograph of a political figure by writing and commenting on issues or policies important to him or her.

3. 
    
   Politcian autographs

   Assemble the necessary mailing materials.
   - For a book, use a new corrugated box book mailer. For a flat item, such as a photo or magazine cover, use a rigid photo mailer. If it is necessary to keep a book from sliding around in the box use bubble wrap or other cushioning. Don't use crumpled newspaper as the ink may smudge on the book.
   - Obtain a bubble mailer or padded envelope large enough for the box or photo mailer to fit into.

4. 
    
   Stephen Ambrose autograph

   Place the book or picture into the box or photo mailer, but DO NOT seal it. This is the package in which the celebrity will mail your item back.
   - Put your return address on the box or photo mailer.
   - Take the box or mailer with the item in it to a post office and have the correct postage put on it to send it from the celebrity back to you. - You may want to have it sent as priority mail and insured.

5. 
    
   Paul Harvey autograph

   Place the unsealed box or photo mailer, with the item in it, inside the bubble mailing envelope. Insert your cover letter in the bubble envelope, but outside of the box or photo mailer. Address the bubble envelope to the celebrity and mail. Consider sending it priority mail and insured.

Tips & Warnings

• Use appropriate packaging.
• Keep your cover letter short, one page at most.
• Don't be alarmed if you don't receive a prompt response. It may be weeks, or even months before the celebrity can get to your request.

[showpup]

on 7/23/2008 I love this! So far, the only autograph I have is from a famous dog handler (and his dog, hehe). I did mine in person when I was showing my dog. He even allowed me to do a mini photo shoot. It was so much fun, I may like to get more autographs. Now my mind is whirling on my favorite people. 5 stars

[daywalker2029]

on 4/19/2008 Great post ! - any tips on getting the address of the person you want to write to ? - thanks

[grouch]

on 1/5/2008 This is a great idea and my kids would love the idea of getting mail. I can see them now out waiting on th porch for the mailman. Thanks for the great tips.