How to Get Autographs

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Getting an autograph in person from your favorite celebrity might seem like a far-fetched reality, especially if you don’t frequent Hollywood or other cities crawling with famous people. However, it is possible surprisingly more possible than you think. Especially, if you keep your eye open for opportunities. There are a few tried and true methods of how to get the autograph of any celebrity you aspire to meet, whether it is an actor or an athlete.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Getting an Autograph in Person

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  1. Autograph signings often require you pay a fee to attend. On a positive note, paying a fee guarantees you a high quality autograph for the celebrity you’re trying to get an autograph from. [1]
    • Keep tabs on autograph signings happening near you by signing up for the DeLuxe membership offered at SigningsHotline.com.
    • Be prepared to wait in a long line for a lengthy amount of time. Bring your smartphone to help you pass the time.
  2. It’s the less expensive alternative to autograph signings. Just purchase a book to earn your spot in line and get an autograph. [2]
    • It’s a more controlled environment and allows you to connect with famous authors (actors, online influencers, politicians, television personalities) about something personal that touches on the subject matter of their book project.
    • You will usually have a much more authentic and engaged encounter than you would if the famous person in question was promoting a film.
    • Get more from your autograph encounter at the signing by asking the famous person for advice based on the subject matter of the book they wrote.
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  3. Famous people sometimes go on press circuits, especially at popular public universities. Check your area for upcoming conferences and learn about their keynote speakers. [3]
    • Stand at the entrance or exit of the venue and ask for the speaker’s autograph in passing.
    • Ask questions and appear genuinely interested during discussions to stand out in the crowd of people while the famous person is making their speech. You will be a familiar face to them if you choose to approach them after the speech.
  4. Concerts tend to be the best opportunities to get autographs from musicians. Sometimes artists offer paid opportunities to receive an autograph. Other times, you just have to catch them at the right moment.
    • Consider purchasing a VIP package to get some one on one time with musicians backstage, oftentimes with the accompaniment of an autograph signing.
    • Stand outside the concert venue near the artist’s tour bus and wait an hour or two to greet the celebrity as they walk to their bus after the show. They are typically kind enough to sign things for fans as they make their way to their bus to head to the next location.
  5. Stake out the ballpark or stadium during the season before and after games to see what athletes you might encounter. During the off-season, look into special sporting events like baseball card shows to meet players and get cards signed in person.
    • Try your luck at catching a baseball during a game. You might be able to get that ball signed after the game by a player.
    • Keep your eyes peeled for retired players who might be in the crowd with you during games and try going up to them to ask for an autograph. They are often very humbled by requests so don’t be shy.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Writing an Autograph Request Letter

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  1. When writing letters to celebrities, you have to make sure that your letter stands out and shows them that it is worth replying to. Skip the formality of typing your letters and sit down to handwrite one instead. [4]
  2. Flesh your letter out by sharing ways you appreciate the celebrity and how their career influences you personally. Choose two or three different moments in their career that you admire and make sure you’re genuine in your praise and enthusiasm. [5]
    • Format your letter, starting it off with: Dear [Person’s Full Name]. Structure your letter into three paragraphs. [6]
    • In the first paragraph, you will compliment their talent and achievements. Celebrities can tell when you’re being insincere so make sure it’s a celebrity whose career you follow and admire so that you have a lot to talk about.
    • In the second paragraph, you will list your favorite work of theirs or something that really strikes you about their career. Showing them how much you know about their films and that you’ve followed the characters they’ve played will speak volumes of how much of a fan you are.
    • In the third, you will request to be sent an autograph or to have an item autographed. Tell them how appreciative you would be if they were to give you your autograph and make sure you thank them. Give them best wishes and close with your signature.
  3. Place your signed letter into a 9x12 envelope so that the celebrity can send an 8x10 signed photo if they choose to do so. Also include a self-addressed 9x12 envelope in the packaging with your letter.
    • Take things a step further by making things even more convenient for the celeb in question. Include the photo or item you want them to sign in the package.
    • If you are looking to collect autographs, include another item (a photo, a paper, a book, a card) in your package for the celebrity to sign. This will make authenticating the signature easier because you will have a reference to compare the signature to. [7]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Sending an Autograph Request Letter to the Right Place

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  1. An online alternative to magazine searches is the use of IMDB and their subscription service IMDBpro which lists the agents of many actors, providing you with information to help you direct your letters to the right agent. [8]
  2. Although sending autograph requests to agents and firms come at a 50-60% response rate, sending your letter to those places prove no good if the celebrity is no longer with the agent or agency. There are a handful of other websites that help you keep your celebrity addresses current. [9]
    • As previously mentioned, The Internet Movie Database is a great credible resource for information on people working in television and film. Find your celebrity by searching their name in the search engine provided.
    • Other sites like FanMail.biz and Celebrity Fans are other free online resources that offer some success with locating celebrity address information. On FanMail.biz, read the forums to check out the success and failure rates other fans have had with writing to celebrities for autographs.
  3. Athletes can be reached by contacting them directly through the team they play for. Send the letter at the player’s attention, c/o the team they play for underneath, and include the name of the stadium, and the address on the recipient portion of the envelope. [10]
    • Look at the official websites for the leagues to get a rundown of the teams and the official venues they call home. For example, for a roundup of baseball teams in the league, find it here: http://mlb.mlb.com/team/
    • Spring training facilities, TV studios, and minor league affiliates might be an effective way to get a reply to sent autograph requests as well.
  4. Celebrities are very busy people with hectic and demanding schedules. Have patience for the length of time it takes to hear back from an autograph request you’ve sent. Sometimes it takes weeks, sometimes it takes months. It can even take up to a year to hear back from a celebrity, so be patient.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What's the right time to ask for autographs?
    Christine Reed
    Acting Coach and Talent Agent
    Christine Reed is an Acting Coach and Talent Agent based in Centennial, Colorado. Christine is the owner of PEAK Acting Studios and has been teaching acting since 2010. PEAK Acting Studios offers acting for film and television classes for both kids and adults. Christine has previously taught casting director workshops, worked as a SAG licensed talent agent in LA and was head of the talent division for Peak Talent Agency. In addition, she has experience in casting, production and independent film, commercial, and music video directing. Christine also authored the book "Mom I Want to be on TV" A Parent’s Guide to the Entertainment Industry.
    Christine Reed
    Acting Coach and Talent Agent
    Expert Answer
    It would really depend on the situation. Some celebrities are open and welcoming, while others prefer to keep to themselves and are really private, so it’s important to assess the vibe. Feel out the scene first and don’t rush in. For example, if they’re in the middle of a meal or having a private moment, it’s best to hold it off. But if they’re just sitting or seem to be wrapping up, this might be a good time to approach. Also pay attention to their body language; if they look receptive, go ahead politely. Always keep their comfort in mind, though, and be ready to step back if they seem uneasy. Respect their privacy, and if you do approach, a kind mention that you’re a fan goes a long way.
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  • Question
    What does it mean if I got my personalized photo returned with no autograph?
    Community Answer
    It means the person in question didn't have time to sign an autograph, or it wasn't clear enough that you wanted the picture autographed.
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  • Question
    I'm going to a play. How do I get a cast member's autograph?
    Elena Himmerich
    Community Answer
    After a play, the cast members sometimes stand outside the theater so they can talk to everyone. Bring paper and a pen and politely ask one of them for an autograph.
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      Tips

      • Don't sell your autograph on the internet. It will be worth a lot more with time and the more fame the celebrity acquires.
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      • Don't act like you are just writing to them for their autograph. Act interested in them.
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      • If you end up buying an autograph on the internet be careful. Don't be sucked in by eBay and their autographs. Some are real but 95% of the time they are fake.
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      Warnings

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      Things You'll Need

      • Self addressed stamped envelope (sometimes they will reply without one, but make sure to include one just in case)
      • A picture of them
      • A pen
      • Their address
      • An envelope

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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about the acting industry, check out our in-depth interview with Christine Reed .

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.autographu.com/9-best-places-to-get-a-celebrity-autograph-part-1-of-3/
      2. ↑ http://www.autographu.com/9-best-places-to-get-a-celebrity-autograph-part-1-of-3/
      3. ↑ http://www.autographu.com/9-best-places-to-get-a-celebrity-autograph-part-1-of-3/
      4. ↑ https://h2g2.com/edited_entry/A1137142
      5. ↑ https://h2g2.com/edited_entry/A1137142
      6. ↑ http://ehampton.tripod.com/index1.htm
      7. ↑ http://ehampton.tripod.com/index1.htm
      8. ↑ https://h2g2.com/edited_entry/A1137142
      9. ↑ http://www.frontiernet.net/~rcowart/fanmail.html
      1. ↑ http://www.cardboardconnection.com/almost-free-autographs-mail

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To get autographs in person, try attending autograph signings and book signings that allow you access to celebrities. You can also go to speaking engagements in your area where well-known people are keynote speakers and ask for autographs there. Live concerts are great opportunities to get autographs from famous musicians and you may even be able to purchase VIP tickets or backstage passes that include meet-and-greet receptions. For tips on sending autograph requests when you can't get them in person, read on!

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