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Where's the best place to obtain
celebrity addresses?
There are numerous websites on the Internet (just like this one) which list successful
addresses. However, it's always worth remembering that celebrities change management
companies pretty regularly, and addresses that have worked for someone else, may no longer
be current. In the address section of this website, I make sure the date sent and
the date received are shown. This is pretty important, as you could easily end up
using a ten year old address list which would have a huge amount of errors.
What do you write in your letters?
This is a pretty personal thing and depends a lot on the individual.
Certainly, for the best success rates, it is important to show that you do know a
little about the celebrity in question. Don't end up writing pages and pages, as the
celebrity (or their secretary etc.) simply won't have the time to read it all.
Conversely, "I thought your latest film was brilliant" is a little too
short and too vague. Always make sure your spelling is correct and your grammar is
good. And most important of all, be polite. Don't be afraid of admitting
exactly why you're writing and what you're after.
Do you print or handwrite your
letters?
I must admit, I print virtually all my letters. Some collectors claim much
improved results when they handwrite the letters and that probably is the case.
Doing so does show effort on your part and can make your letter stand out from the
crowd. I know one collector that always uses coloured paper and pens (black paper
and gold/silver pens would you believe!) and she swears that she gets much better response
rates. Make certain if you handwrite, that your writing is clear and legible.
If not, stick with printing!
Do you include a SAE?
Always, always, always!! Never ever send off a request without one.
Remember that the celebrity (in most cases) will be providing their own photograph
for free. The very least us collectors can do, is provide return postage.
Failure to do so could easily make celebrities refuse to answer written requests.
How do I write to celebrities abroad?
The problem is providing return postage and you've got two main options.
(1) Include "International Reply Coupons" with your letter.
These are sold at all Post Offices and cost 60 pence each. They can be
exchanged in most foreign countries for the equivalent value in local stamps. When
writing to the States for instance, it is usual to include three IRC's with your letter.
(2) Include sufficient stamps from the country in question. Many
collectors around the world exchange stamps, or even use them as "currency" when
purchasing autographs. Again, using the States as an example, find a US collector
looking to write to UK celebrities. Agree an amount in both British and US stamps
and exchange.