Q&A for How to Write a Fan Letter

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How long does it take to get a response, and what do I do if I never get one?
    Community Answer
    It can take a few months for celebrities to reply, as they get lots of mail and have a busy schedule. Don't be too discouraged if you don't get a response back -- it likely has nothing to do with you or your letter. Celebrities are only human, and it's hard for them to find the time to answer every fan letter.
  • Question
    Can I draw them a picture?
    Community Answer
    Sure, that would definitely stand out from the rest of the fan mail!
  • Question
    Can I say that I hope I can meet you one day?
    Community Answer
    Yes, that is a common thing fans write in letters.
  • Question
    Should I ask questions about them?
    Community Answer
    Sure, maybe you'll even get a reply! Try asking questions about their work, and skip the personal questions.
  • Question
    If I write a letter to a celebrity, will he or she write back to me?
    Community Answer
    This will depend on the celebrity and how busy they are. Not all celebrities will have the time to write back to you, especially if they are very famous. Some celebrities who are famous online (ie: YouTube, Tumblr, etc) may have more time to spare, and may be more likely to write back to you.
  • Question
    After writing the letter, is it okay to add designs to the envelope or the letter itself?
    ARMYFSZaman
    Community Answer
    Of course. The more attractive the letter, the more likely the person will pick it up and read it. Decorate it with things they like (if you know), but try not to mess it up!
  • Question
    What are some examples of things to send to a celebrity to be signed?
    Community Answer
    If it's a singer, you could enclose an index card, small poster, CD case, the tiny book that is inside the CD case... anything really. If it's a actor/actress, you could enclose a small poster, note card or nice piece of paper (not just simple loose leaf paper, but something that is cute, colorful, etc.). If you are writing to an author, you can basically send the same thing, or maybe a copy of their book.
  • Question
    Will saying that you love their work seem creepy in anyway?
    Community Answer
    No, not at all. Saying that you love someone's work isn't creepy. It's not like you're saying that you love them, which would be creepy. It's a bit like saying how you love someone's artwork, or love the dish that they've just made. Make it clear that you're focused on their art/craft/technique -- you could pick a particular scene, movie, creation, sculpture, book, chapter, etc. and say that that was the moment you realized they were brilliant!
  • Question
    Where do I put my address and the receiver's address?
    Community Answer
    Your address should go in the upper left corner of the envelope. The receiver's address would go in the center of the envelope. Remember to put the stamp(s) in the upper right corner as well, and to write everything using pen. Don't use marker or pencil, a those can smear or bleed.
  • Question
    How do I send a fan letter overseas?
    Community Answer
    The same way you would send a package overseas -- by air or sea. The post office will take care of it for you. It will take longer but it will probably get there.
  • Question
    Should I include an extra stamp for the person to use if they write back to me?
    Community Answer
    You should actually include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. This will save the celebrity time if he or she decides to respond.
  • Question
    Would celebrities prefer a letter typed or written?
    Samantha L. Campbell
    Community Answer
    A typed letter is easier to read for most people! If you can, type and print your letter, and then sign your name at the bottom with a pen.
  • Question
    Should I hand write the letter or type it out?
    Community Answer
    If you have good handwriting you can write it, you might want to have someone else look it over to make sure its readable. You could also have someone else type it up for you if you're not able to.
  • Question
    Can I include contact information, like my Facebook, Instagram etc.?
    Community Answer
    You can if you want to, but try not to sound pushy and don't be upset if they don't contact you back.
  • Question
    Can I send the photo of the letter on Twitter and ask them to meet?
    Community Answer
    You could try, but it is unlikely you will get a response. Imagine how many messages that person gets every day.
  • Question
    Instead of putting my address on the envelope or the letter, can I put an email address instead?
    Community Answer
    You can put it in the letter, but do not put it on the front of the envelope.
  • Question
    Can I ask them for their email and promise them I will give it to no one else? Would they give it to me?
    Emily Wake
    Community Answer
    Probably not. Celebrities don't like to give out their personal email addresses. Some celebrities have websites where you can find an email address that they use for fan mail.
  • Question
    Should I write something personal on the envelope?
    Community Answer
    No. That might make the recipient think it's from friends or family. Just put your address, the person's address and the stamp.
  • Question
    What if I am actually in love with them?
    Community Answer
    It's normal for someone to feel like they "love" their celebrity crush, but keep in mind that you've never met this person and (even if it feels like you do) you don't really know them. Furthermore, they certainly don't know you, so they might feel uncomfortable with you telling them you love them. Then again, they've probably heard it all before, so you can tell them you love them if you really want to.
  • Question
    What if I don't want to write a formal letter?
    Livi M
    Community Answer
    It is better to write a formal letter. But, if you feel confident to send an informal letter, just do it.
  • Question
    Can you decorate your hand written letter with stickers and glitter?
    Community Answer
    Totally! Try not to make it so loose glitter falls out of the letter/envelope when opened, as this can be annoying to to clean up, but other than that, you should decorate as you see fit.
  • Question
    How do I get an autograph?
    Community Answer
    You can ask them for one in your letter! Your chances will be better if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and something for them to sign, like a photo.
  • Question
    How many stamps does a letter need?
    Community Answer
    If you are sending it to the same country you live in then normally one is fine. If you are sending it abroad, check with the post office.
  • Question
    Is it too much to refer to the celebrity you're writing to as a hero?
    Samantha L. Campbell
    Community Answer
    Definitely not! If they've been influential in your life, don't be afraid to tell them. Let them know how they've affected you and what makes you look up to them. Many celebrities like to hear that their work is making a difference in the lives of other people.
  • Question
    Can I ask to meet them in the letter?
    Community Answer
    You can ask, but celebrities are busy. It is highly unlikely that they will respond at all. If they do, the answer will most likely be no.
  • Question
    Is it okay to use humor in a fan letter?
    Community Answer
    Of course. As long as you don't say anything that could possibly be deemed offensive, it's fine. Everyone likes humor!
  • Question
    If I have to send an envelope with my letter to get something back, does that mean it needs to be smaller than my addressed envelope?
    Ruth Horne
    Community Answer
    Not necessarily. If you are wanting a response back, you can actually fold up the SASE inside the other envelope. If you want a picture, then you would do the same thing with an 8 x 10 envelope.
  • Question
    What kind of paper would I use when writing to a celebrity?
    Community Answer
    It doesn't matter but you should probably use lined paper if you are hand writing it and blank paper if you are typing it.
  • Question
    Can I include things about my life, or should I keep it about them?
    Community Answer
    You can include things about about your life as long as they're appropriate.
  • Question
    What are some questions you could ask them?
    Community Answer
    Ask them things about their work. Questions like, "What was your inspiration for your song ______?" or "How old were you when you got into sports?"
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article