Here are some of our favorite time-tested tips for how to write to a celebrity – and get a great response!
* Always include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
When writing to celebrities, be sure to always enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE). To do this, simply fold an 8×10 manila envelope, pre-addressed back to you with the proper postage (usually 2-3 stamps). Use your address as the return address.
Enclose everything along with your letter and photos (more on photos below) in a larger 9×12 manila envelope. Make sure you weigh the total package to ensure correct postage! Services like Stamps.com make printing the proper amount of postage easy so you don’t even have to go to the post office!
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* Include a photo of the celebrity you’re writing to.
Celebrities will often send you back an autographed photo of themselves, but to make it easier for them (and more likely for you), it’s always a good idea to include one of your own. This can be any type of photo.
There are many Web sites where you can buy high-quality celebrity photos online, like Celebrity8x10s, or one printed out on your computer or torn out of a magazine will do.
* Send packages at your own risk.
If you choose to send a package or gift to a celebrity, do so at your own risk. Unless you’re a small business or a legitimate company, celebrities and their representatives do not like receiving packages from people they don’t know, especially since 9/11 and the Anthrax scare.
* Include blank index cards for extra autographs.
A great way to get some extra autographs from the same star for friends or family is to include up to three blank index cards (you can get unlined ones at your local office supply store).
Only enclose a maximum of three – more is asking a little too much of their time, and may make the envelope they’re mailing back to you weigh more, thus requiring more postage.
Celebrities will often sign and return these cards to you along with the photo you sent.
* Acknowledge the star’s accomplishments.
Always include a letter acknowledging the celebrity’s accomplishments. Constructive criticism is okay, but be assured that non-constructive criticism will result in your letter ending up in the trash!
* Do your research.
Be sure to research the celebrity’s biography and works. The Internet makes it easy with IMDB, Google and Wikipedia. Including some person information about the star in your letter will make the person all the more willing to reply.
* Remember the KISS formula.
* When writing your celebrity, remember the KISS formula: ‘Keep It Simple, Sweetie!’
Keep your letter short, and get to the point quickly. If you’re writing to request an autograph, kindly ask but do not beg. Be neat and complete.
Type your letter, or at least write legibly. Double-space, and remember to include your name and address on the letter. Oh, and check your spelling!
* Patience pays.
The hardest part about writing a celebrity and getting a response is waiting for a reply. The key is to be patient. Some celebrities will respond immediately. Others will take four to six weeks. They may be traveling or on location filming a movie. So be patient, and hopefully your celebrity will respond fast!
– Download our book ‘Secrets to Contacting Celebrities & Public Figures’ as a FREE PDF file from inside the Contact Any Celebrity Member Lounge – join now!
