FAQ
Frequent Terms When Collecting Autographs
SP - Signed Photo
IP - Signed In Person
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photo
PP - Pre-Printed Photo
SC - Signed Card
ICS - Inscribed Card Signed
PTL - Personal Typed Letter
FCI - Fanclub Information
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
TTM - Through The Mail
SFM - Studio Fan Mail
AP - Autopen
Sec - Secretarial
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If you are contemplating sending for Autographs TTM it’s most important that you make a list of all the celebrities names that you are sending for, trust me you soon forget. Something like the following, I use Microsoft Excel |
| To whom?? | Date Sent |
Date Received |
What did you receive? |
Address used |
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Also it is a good idea to mark the envelope with some sort of code, for example you may send out 10 requests and get 10 replies and not know who has signed what. I tend to put a number inside the envelope as I don't want to put one on the front as this would indicate to the recipient they are one of many. |
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What do I say? |
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| When writing it’s important to keep the letter short, you don’t want to make it too long. Usually half page is good. Also make sure to name some of their work (I.e. If writing to Will Smith you could say I loved you in Bad Boys 2 when you are Martin was in that superb car chase - they love hearing that from their fans around the world, I know I would :-) | |
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Do I need a SAE? Yes, you will need to include a SAE which means you are more likely to receive something. It’s only fair as if the recipient had to pay for all "fanmail" stamps that would mean a lot of money and in most cases they are providing a photograph for free. I tend to use DL for all UK requests and A4ish envelope if writing to overseas as they tend to send out larger pictures. The very least us collectors can do is provide return postage. |
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How do I enclose a SAE for overseas? When writing overseas you can’t just put stamps on your SAE so you will need to get an IRC. An IRC ("International Reply Coupons") can be brought at most Post Offices and cost 60 pence each. These can be exchanged in most foreign countries for the equivalent value in local stamps. When writing to the States for instance i tend to put two in my letter although some people put three. |
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Finally Remember if you are sending an item for someone to sign don't ever send anything expensive or of a highly sentimental value as the risks are quite high. Now take it to the post office and start waiting, don’t expect a quick reply, sometimes it can take months to receive something. |
