So you want to start your own collection?  First you need to decide what you will be collecting. (posters, 8x10s, index cards, etc.)  After you have decided you need to buy supplies.  For this page we will focus on 8x10 photos.

Supplies:

I have a scale I use for selling antiques on eBay so I just buy postage stamps so I can get everything done before going to the post office.  This also allows me to get some of the stamps back for my stamp collection.  You may decide to just have the postman weigh and apply postage at the post office. 

Next I usually look up addresses for those I'm writing.  There is obviously no point in buying photos or writing your letter if you don't have an address to send it to.  The best resource, in my opinion, is stararchive.com.  At the time of this writing it costs $34.95 for a years subscription.  Its well worth it if you are going to do more then one request.  Another resource that's free is a newsgroup.  The newsgroup that I use is alt.collecting.autographs and it can be a big help.

While you can certainly write to a celebrity and just request a signed photo, I have found that I have much better success when I include an item for them to sign.  My first choice are 8x10 photos, the best resource is moviemarket.com.  If they don't have any photos you can also look at allposters.com or do a search on Google and print a photo.  Magazines and TV guides are another great item to get signed if you can't find a photo. 

Now that you have got your supplies, items and addresses your next move is to write your letter.  The most important thing here is to be brief.  Celebrities are extremely busy people and have little time to sign.  You want to compliment them, tell them your favorite example of their work, and briefly explain why.  Then ask them to sign and personalize your item.

Once you have written your letter you can pack your envelope and prepare it for mailing.  For each request you send you should have two envelopes, one for sending and one for returning.  This "returning" envelope is called a SASE or Self Addressed Stamped Envelope.  It should be addressed to you and have postage so the celebrity doesn't have to pay for postage.  This is where the address labels come into play.  I print my own labels with my address but handwrite the celebrity address.  It is also VERY important to write "FRAGILE - DO NOT BEND" on both envelopes.

Ok, lets pack your request and get it mailed.  Your "sending" envelope should always have your return address so if the address is wrong your stuff will be returned.  It should have the celebrity address, correct postage, and "FRAGILE - DO NOT BEND" written on the front and back.  Your second envelope should have the same except it should be addressed to you.  This is the envelope that will be returned to you.  Now insert the stiffener along with your item(s) and letter.  You may also decide to include a pen for their convenience.  If you do this make sure you secure it so it isn't loose.  If it is loose it can cause damage to your item(s).  The last thing to do is make sure you have proper postage on both envelopes and then insert your SASE and seal the outer envelope.  Your request can now be sent, and good luck!

Well I've tried to be as helpful as possible and I hope I haven't forgotten anything.  If you think I have missed something or think something should be explained better or in a different way please let me know.  I can be reached by clicking "contact me" in the upper right corner.