Here are a few tips on collecting autographs through the mail

• Always send a SASE (self addressed stamped envelope). If you are not sending your own item to be signed - use a 9 X 12 envelope, stamp it (approx. 55 cents for an 8X10 photo) & put your address on it. Be sure to use your address for the return address also. Mark 'PHOTO - DO NOT BEND' in red ink on both sides of the envelope. Fold it into 3rds and it will fit in a standard NO.10 envelope with your letter. 55 cents postage should be enough to send it all. If you are sending your own 8X10 to be signed just put it, your letter, and a SASE (9X12) in another 9X12 envelope. Postage should still be approx. 55 cents.
• When sending a autograph request to another country, be sure to include an International Reply Coupon (IRC). IRCs provide foreign addressees with a prepaid means of responding to inquiries, solicitations, or other types of communications that are initiated by U.S. senders. IRCs are exchangeable for postage stamps at post offices in all foreign countries that are members of the Universal Postal Union (UPU). Each IRC is equivalent in value to the destination country's minimum postage rate for an unregistered airmail letter. The purchase price is $1.75 per coupon.
• For the harder to get autographs, send your own photo to be signed. For example, Jack Lemmon doesn't send his own autographed photos, but if you send your own to be signed you have a pretty good chance.
• Keep track of what you send. Write down the name of the person, the address you used, what you sent, when you sent it, when you received it, and what you received.
• I prefer to send a handwritten letter, no longer than one page. Be sincere and thank the person for taking time to read your letter. Click here to see a sample letter.