Did you know that a signed photograph of the Beatles worth $8,600 in 1997 is now worth over $25,000?
Source: Success, Summer 2006
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Common Autograph Terms
ADS - Autograph Document, Signed: A document written in the hand of the signer. (Plural ADsS)
ALS - Autograph Letter, Signed: A letter written in the hand of the person who signed it. (Plural ALsS)
ANS - Autograph Note, Signed: A note written in the hand of the person who signed it. (Plural ANsS)
AQS - Autograph Quotation, Signed: An autographed quotation written entirely in the hand of the signer. (Plural AQsS)
Autopen - A device that uses a pen to duplicate a person's signature.
Carte-de-visite - A portrait photograph, usually full-length, mounted on a small card.
DS - Document, Signed: A document that is printed and originally signed (Plural DsS).
FDC - First Day Cover: An envelope with a postmark issued on the date and in the city a stamp is issued. Sometimes collected autographed.
IPS - Inscribed Photograph, Signed: A photo bearing an inscription or personalization by the signer. (Plural IPsS)
LS - Letter, Signed: A letter written by someone other than the signer. (Plural LsS)
SB - Signed Book
SP - Signed Photo (Sometimes shown as PS)
SASE - Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope
Secretarial - Signed by a secretary or staff member.
TD - Typed Document
TDS - Typed Document, Signed: A typed signed document (Plural TDsS)
You are welcome to share this article as long as you do not edit the text or change the links. (Contact Any Celebrity affiliates may insert their affiliate ID to earn referral commissions). If you post it on a Web site, a link back to http://www.contactanycelebrity.com/ is required.
ALS - Autograph Letter, Signed: A letter written in the hand of the person who signed it. (Plural ALsS)
ANS - Autograph Note, Signed: A note written in the hand of the person who signed it. (Plural ANsS)
AQS - Autograph Quotation, Signed: An autographed quotation written entirely in the hand of the signer. (Plural AQsS)
Autopen - A device that uses a pen to duplicate a person's signature.
Carte-de-visite - A portrait photograph, usually full-length, mounted on a small card.
DS - Document, Signed: A document that is printed and originally signed (Plural DsS).
FDC - First Day Cover: An envelope with a postmark issued on the date and in the city a stamp is issued. Sometimes collected autographed.
IPS - Inscribed Photograph, Signed: A photo bearing an inscription or personalization by the signer. (Plural IPsS)
LS - Letter, Signed: A letter written by someone other than the signer. (Plural LsS)
SB - Signed Book
SP - Signed Photo (Sometimes shown as PS)
SASE - Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope
Secretarial - Signed by a secretary or staff member.
TD - Typed Document
TDS - Typed Document, Signed: A typed signed document (Plural TDsS)
You are welcome to share this article as long as you do not edit the text or change the links. (Contact Any Celebrity affiliates may insert their affiliate ID to earn referral commissions). If you post it on a Web site, a link back to http://www.contactanycelebrity.com/ is required.
As Seen on "Martha"
Sitting at the kitchen table, I watched the tiny screen as Matt Laurer reported that a silver SUV containing Martha Stewart had slipped past photographers and into the Alderson Federal Prison Camp, where she would begin serving a five-month sentence.
Since my idea of a gourmet lunch is a grilled cheese with the crust cut off and my idea of decorating is putting twinkle lights in an artificial banana tree, the news that America’s lifestyle diva was entering federal prison, although interesting, seemed certain to have no impact on my life. How wrong I was.
About a year earlier, after 25 years in the Las Vegas entertainment industry, I had begun to write stories for my niece, stories that she seemed to enjoy very much. One story became two and two became ten and before I knew it, I had a co-writer, Dondino Melchiorre, and an illustrator, Juan Varela, and a small publishing company, Story Store Collection Publishing.
Juan doesn’t exactly speak the king’s English, but his Spanish is superb (unfortunately, my high school Spanish had disappeared into a black hole along with pi and the date of Magna Carta), and we often found ourselves dancing a tango of jumbled languages and cultures.
From that often frustrating beginning came the idea that would transform our books from just another collection for children—we’d make them bilingual. Story Store Collection Publishing could not only give young readers a head start in acquiring reading skills; we would contribute to their acquisition of a second language as well.
During our first year, we experienced all the pain, joy, and frustration that every self-publishing entrepreneur goes through. Dondino and I wrote; Juan illustrated; and we made calls and wrote to printers, marketing "experts," toy manufacturers, investors, family, and friends. But if there is one thing I learned from the experience, it’s that the manner in which events unfold can be mostly a matter of serendipity.
My next-door neighbor Jim Sinclair, a Des Moines lawyer, had shown up at my door one evening with a story about cookies that his eight-year-old son, Nick, had written for class. Would you and Dondino like to hear it? he asked. We’d love to!
At first we listened out of neighborliness, but soon we were listening out of sheer pleasure. "The Cookie Story" told about a little boy and his dog, Lola, who adore cookies so much they begin to see them everywhere. For this cookie-loving pair, television was worst—there were the Nestlé Toll House commercials, Cookie Monster, and even "the queen" of cookie making, Martha Stewart.
Until then, we had published only our own work. The idea of publishing Nick’s seemed ludicrous, but the more times I read his story, the more convinced I became that it deserved a wider audience than his teacher, his father, and the next-door neighbors. It should be published, and we were just the publisher for it.
Three months later I sat at my desk looking at the first prototype of the lavishly illustrated, now bilingual book entitled "The Cookie Story" by Nicholas Alexander Sinclair, with a little help from his friends. Our wonderful book seemed to provide an angle—eight-year-old author with cookie lust—that would attract attention. But whose? Two words seemed to jump into my head: Martha Stewart. And I knew just where I could reach her.
I pulled out a yellow legal pad and began to write. Surprisingly, the words poured out as a I told Martha about Nick and his story and about what he thought of her incarceration, what he thought about her life, and how she was still the Queen of Cookies.
Later that day, I dropped a copy of "The Cookie Story" in the mail, along with my letter, and by evening I had all but forgotten about it. Martha Stewart probably got a thousand letters a day, more than she could read in a lifetime, and in truth, I couldn’t believe I had even written to her. What had I been thinking?
Almost two weeks after that, in a state of shock, I read Martha Stewart’s heartfelt response. She and her "prison colleagues" loved Nick’s book, she said, and as soon as she returned to television, she wanted to have Nick bring his book and appear on her show. Although I was thrilled, I also knew that her room in a federal prison and our appearance on the show were probably light-years apart. Still, there was reason to hope.
I soon learned that Martha Stewart is a woman of her word. Shortly after her release and return home, I received a phone call from her personal assistant, who passed me on to one of the producers of "Martha."
And as they say, the rest is history. On November 3, 2005, Nick, his father, his stepmom, Dondino, and I flew to New York to watch Nick make his debut on national television. What an incredible interview! Everyone at Martha’s show loved him. With sales up and Nick planning his second book ("The Flying Cookie"), our company’s future is beginning to look brighter.
We at Story Store Collection Publishing live by words written by Mahatma Gandhi: "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."
Donna Gummelt, writer at Story Store Collection Publishing, worked on this article with Randy H. Wall, the company’s English editor and an assistant professor of English at South Plains College in Lubbock, TX. For more information, visit http://www.StoryStoreCollectionPublishing.com.
Since my idea of a gourmet lunch is a grilled cheese with the crust cut off and my idea of decorating is putting twinkle lights in an artificial banana tree, the news that America’s lifestyle diva was entering federal prison, although interesting, seemed certain to have no impact on my life. How wrong I was.
About a year earlier, after 25 years in the Las Vegas entertainment industry, I had begun to write stories for my niece, stories that she seemed to enjoy very much. One story became two and two became ten and before I knew it, I had a co-writer, Dondino Melchiorre, and an illustrator, Juan Varela, and a small publishing company, Story Store Collection Publishing.
Juan doesn’t exactly speak the king’s English, but his Spanish is superb (unfortunately, my high school Spanish had disappeared into a black hole along with pi and the date of Magna Carta), and we often found ourselves dancing a tango of jumbled languages and cultures.
From that often frustrating beginning came the idea that would transform our books from just another collection for children—we’d make them bilingual. Story Store Collection Publishing could not only give young readers a head start in acquiring reading skills; we would contribute to their acquisition of a second language as well.
During our first year, we experienced all the pain, joy, and frustration that every self-publishing entrepreneur goes through. Dondino and I wrote; Juan illustrated; and we made calls and wrote to printers, marketing "experts," toy manufacturers, investors, family, and friends. But if there is one thing I learned from the experience, it’s that the manner in which events unfold can be mostly a matter of serendipity.
My next-door neighbor Jim Sinclair, a Des Moines lawyer, had shown up at my door one evening with a story about cookies that his eight-year-old son, Nick, had written for class. Would you and Dondino like to hear it? he asked. We’d love to!
At first we listened out of neighborliness, but soon we were listening out of sheer pleasure. "The Cookie Story" told about a little boy and his dog, Lola, who adore cookies so much they begin to see them everywhere. For this cookie-loving pair, television was worst—there were the Nestlé Toll House commercials, Cookie Monster, and even "the queen" of cookie making, Martha Stewart.
Until then, we had published only our own work. The idea of publishing Nick’s seemed ludicrous, but the more times I read his story, the more convinced I became that it deserved a wider audience than his teacher, his father, and the next-door neighbors. It should be published, and we were just the publisher for it.
Three months later I sat at my desk looking at the first prototype of the lavishly illustrated, now bilingual book entitled "The Cookie Story" by Nicholas Alexander Sinclair, with a little help from his friends. Our wonderful book seemed to provide an angle—eight-year-old author with cookie lust—that would attract attention. But whose? Two words seemed to jump into my head: Martha Stewart. And I knew just where I could reach her.
I pulled out a yellow legal pad and began to write. Surprisingly, the words poured out as a I told Martha about Nick and his story and about what he thought of her incarceration, what he thought about her life, and how she was still the Queen of Cookies.
Later that day, I dropped a copy of "The Cookie Story" in the mail, along with my letter, and by evening I had all but forgotten about it. Martha Stewart probably got a thousand letters a day, more than she could read in a lifetime, and in truth, I couldn’t believe I had even written to her. What had I been thinking?
Almost two weeks after that, in a state of shock, I read Martha Stewart’s heartfelt response. She and her "prison colleagues" loved Nick’s book, she said, and as soon as she returned to television, she wanted to have Nick bring his book and appear on her show. Although I was thrilled, I also knew that her room in a federal prison and our appearance on the show were probably light-years apart. Still, there was reason to hope.
I soon learned that Martha Stewart is a woman of her word. Shortly after her release and return home, I received a phone call from her personal assistant, who passed me on to one of the producers of "Martha."
And as they say, the rest is history. On November 3, 2005, Nick, his father, his stepmom, Dondino, and I flew to New York to watch Nick make his debut on national television. What an incredible interview! Everyone at Martha’s show loved him. With sales up and Nick planning his second book ("The Flying Cookie"), our company’s future is beginning to look brighter.
We at Story Store Collection Publishing live by words written by Mahatma Gandhi: "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."
Donna Gummelt, writer at Story Store Collection Publishing, worked on this article with Randy H. Wall, the company’s English editor and an assistant professor of English at South Plains College in Lubbock, TX. For more information, visit http://www.StoryStoreCollectionPublishing.com.
Nonprofit Autograph Auction Success Stories
There are many ways to raise money for your cause, one of which is a celebrity autograph auction. These autograph auctions are usually made up of items signed by celebrities that are then auctioned off, either in person or on an online service such as eBay.
The Right Words. Explain your cause and ask for what you want…nicely. Letter writing is an art form. Simply scribbling three lines in pencil on notebook paper won’t do the trick. The more professional the appearance the better; typed on letterhead is best.
The Rotary Club of Ennis, Texas, used Contact Any Celebrity to get items from celebrities for an auction to raise money for various children’s charities. Their typed letter stated exactly what they were doing and why. The letter also listed their contact information clearly. Some representatives may need to verify that you are truly a nonprofit organization. It then stated exactly what they wanted: “We most humbly request your assistance in our efforts by requesting a personal item from you for the auction; if it’s signed, that will help even more.”
Autographed items came in from Troy Aikman, John Travolta, Rusty Wallace, the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, Richard Petty, Laura Davis, Dustin Hoffman, Gerald Ford, Jennifer Lopez, Dolly Parton, Charlie Daniels, Arnold Palmer, Susan Sarandon, Dakota Fanning and an autographed cap sent by Lee Trevino.
Persistence. You may have to ask more than once. Sending a first letter to explain what you’re doing and why is good. Sending a second letter as an update is a good idea too. One Contact Any Celebrity user’s first letter, while only two paragraphs long, really explained her cause and what she was looking for. It also set a deadline for items to be received. After a few weeks she sent out another letter explaining that the deadline had been extended, and outlined the support she had already received. This ended up getting her even more items.
Patience. Celebrities don’t always respond in your expected timeframe. Getting started well in advance of your event is a good idea. Some of Contact Any Celebrity’s users have received responses as far out as one year after their initial letter. Amy Pratt from Plymouth, Indiana, wrote to more than 50 celebrities asking for autographs for a personal collection. “The photos came rolling in after a few weeks,” Pratt said. “The last one we got took over a year, but it’s a surprise each time [a new autograph] pops up.”
She received autographs and personal notes from Ben Stiller, John Travolta, Joe Theisman, Brooke Shields, Michael Jordan, Gale Sayers and Nolan Ryan to name a few.
Another amazing success came from Carolyn Penharlow from Vienna, Virginia for an auction for her son’s school. “I sent out almost 300 letters following the instructions on the website. I was astonished at the response. It was fun to go to the school mailbox every day. Everyone would ask what I got that day! We raised over $15,000 altogether and were thrilled.”
Penharlow’s organization received signed books from Henry Winkler, CDs from George Winston plus many photos from stars like Liz Taylor, Cindy Crawford and Dustin Hoffman.
There are many more success stories where these came from, and we hope Contact Any Celebrity can help with your fundraising efforts.
You are welcome to share this article as long as you do not edit the text or change the links. (Contact Any Celebrity affiliates may insert their affiliate ID to earn referral commissions). If you post it on a Web site, a link back to http://www.contactanycelebrity.com/ is required.
The Right Words. Explain your cause and ask for what you want…nicely. Letter writing is an art form. Simply scribbling three lines in pencil on notebook paper won’t do the trick. The more professional the appearance the better; typed on letterhead is best.
The Rotary Club of Ennis, Texas, used Contact Any Celebrity to get items from celebrities for an auction to raise money for various children’s charities. Their typed letter stated exactly what they were doing and why. The letter also listed their contact information clearly. Some representatives may need to verify that you are truly a nonprofit organization. It then stated exactly what they wanted: “We most humbly request your assistance in our efforts by requesting a personal item from you for the auction; if it’s signed, that will help even more.”
Autographed items came in from Troy Aikman, John Travolta, Rusty Wallace, the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, Richard Petty, Laura Davis, Dustin Hoffman, Gerald Ford, Jennifer Lopez, Dolly Parton, Charlie Daniels, Arnold Palmer, Susan Sarandon, Dakota Fanning and an autographed cap sent by Lee Trevino.
Persistence. You may have to ask more than once. Sending a first letter to explain what you’re doing and why is good. Sending a second letter as an update is a good idea too. One Contact Any Celebrity user’s first letter, while only two paragraphs long, really explained her cause and what she was looking for. It also set a deadline for items to be received. After a few weeks she sent out another letter explaining that the deadline had been extended, and outlined the support she had already received. This ended up getting her even more items.
Patience. Celebrities don’t always respond in your expected timeframe. Getting started well in advance of your event is a good idea. Some of Contact Any Celebrity’s users have received responses as far out as one year after their initial letter. Amy Pratt from Plymouth, Indiana, wrote to more than 50 celebrities asking for autographs for a personal collection. “The photos came rolling in after a few weeks,” Pratt said. “The last one we got took over a year, but it’s a surprise each time [a new autograph] pops up.”
She received autographs and personal notes from Ben Stiller, John Travolta, Joe Theisman, Brooke Shields, Michael Jordan, Gale Sayers and Nolan Ryan to name a few.
Another amazing success came from Carolyn Penharlow from Vienna, Virginia for an auction for her son’s school. “I sent out almost 300 letters following the instructions on the website. I was astonished at the response. It was fun to go to the school mailbox every day. Everyone would ask what I got that day! We raised over $15,000 altogether and were thrilled.”
Penharlow’s organization received signed books from Henry Winkler, CDs from George Winston plus many photos from stars like Liz Taylor, Cindy Crawford and Dustin Hoffman.
There are many more success stories where these came from, and we hope Contact Any Celebrity can help with your fundraising efforts.
You are welcome to share this article as long as you do not edit the text or change the links. (Contact Any Celebrity affiliates may insert their affiliate ID to earn referral commissions). If you post it on a Web site, a link back to http://www.contactanycelebrity.com/ is required.
How to Get Celebrity Endorsements & Testimonials for Your Books
Getting a celebrity, notable VIP, or leader in your field to give your book a short testimonial or endorsement (sometimes called a “blurb”) is a great way to boost sales and garner extra publicity. Remember that this is a trade-off. You get a testimonial for your book, and the endorser gets additional exposure and/or credibility. Below is the five-step process I teach authors and writers:
1) Choose potential endorsers based on your book’s subject.
If your book is about animals, for example, target celebrities and/or notable VIPs who have a vested personal interest in animals. If it’s about a disease, target people who have suffered personally from it or who contribute to the disease’s cause. If it’s about kayaking, target people who like to kayak.
2) Ask potential endorsers to write your book’s introduction or foreword.
This technique can work really well as long as you remember the following: flattery is key. Don’t ask for an endorsement at this stage. Instead, flatter the person by saying that because of his or her expertise on your book’s subject, you’d like to ask him or her to write the introduction or foreword. You may want to point out that this is a great opportunity for the endorser to get some additional exposure. When the book is published, you can mention “Introduction by (Expert’s Name)” or “Foreword by (Expert’s Name)” on the cover.
3) Gather a list of names and contact information.
The reference area of your local public library is a good start, but you can find more accurate information online. Search Google for “celebrity contacts” or “celebrity addresses” for a list of resources. If the celebrity has an official Web site, you can usually find his or her contact information there as well. Don’t forget personal and professional connections. Take some time to sit down and brainstorm all the people you know who could put in a good word for you or at least pass along your book and request.
4) Make it as easy as possible to get a response.
Your request should include the draft of your book, a self-addressed, pre-paid FedEx or Priority Mail envelope, an easy-to-fill out testimonial form, and a personalized letter from you. If you’re nervous about sending a draft of the book, you can also include a Confidentiality Letter. You may even want to mention that the better the testimonial, the more likely it will appear in your book (and possibly on the cover), resulting in additional exposure for the endorser.
5) Point out the benefits of giving an endorsement.
Potential endorsers usually won’t mind (and will probably appreciate) the extra free publicity, additional exposure, and added credibility their blurb will provide when it’s featured in (and maybe on the cover of) your book. Let the endorser know you’ll mention his or her name, company name, and city under the testimonial as an added benefit of giving you an endorsement.
BONUS STEP: Follow Up!
If you still haven’t heard anything, send a follow-up letter or email to the celebrities you asked for an endorsement from after a few weeks have gone. Know that getting a good endorsement or testimonial can take time. Celebrities and VIPs are busy, and their mail is often screened by an assistant or representative which can delay your request getting to them.
Always remember the “Three Ps” for getting celebrity testimonial and endorsements for your books: Be Polite, Be Persistent, and Be Patient!
You are welcome to share this article as long as you do not edit the text or change the links. (Contact Any Celebrity affiliates may insert their affiliate ID to earn referral commissions). If you post it on a Web site, a link back to http://www.ContactAnyCelebrity.com is required.
1) Choose potential endorsers based on your book’s subject.
If your book is about animals, for example, target celebrities and/or notable VIPs who have a vested personal interest in animals. If it’s about a disease, target people who have suffered personally from it or who contribute to the disease’s cause. If it’s about kayaking, target people who like to kayak.
2) Ask potential endorsers to write your book’s introduction or foreword.
This technique can work really well as long as you remember the following: flattery is key. Don’t ask for an endorsement at this stage. Instead, flatter the person by saying that because of his or her expertise on your book’s subject, you’d like to ask him or her to write the introduction or foreword. You may want to point out that this is a great opportunity for the endorser to get some additional exposure. When the book is published, you can mention “Introduction by (Expert’s Name)” or “Foreword by (Expert’s Name)” on the cover.
3) Gather a list of names and contact information.
The reference area of your local public library is a good start, but you can find more accurate information online. Search Google for “celebrity contacts” or “celebrity addresses” for a list of resources. If the celebrity has an official Web site, you can usually find his or her contact information there as well. Don’t forget personal and professional connections. Take some time to sit down and brainstorm all the people you know who could put in a good word for you or at least pass along your book and request.
4) Make it as easy as possible to get a response.
Your request should include the draft of your book, a self-addressed, pre-paid FedEx or Priority Mail envelope, an easy-to-fill out testimonial form, and a personalized letter from you. If you’re nervous about sending a draft of the book, you can also include a Confidentiality Letter. You may even want to mention that the better the testimonial, the more likely it will appear in your book (and possibly on the cover), resulting in additional exposure for the endorser.
5) Point out the benefits of giving an endorsement.
Potential endorsers usually won’t mind (and will probably appreciate) the extra free publicity, additional exposure, and added credibility their blurb will provide when it’s featured in (and maybe on the cover of) your book. Let the endorser know you’ll mention his or her name, company name, and city under the testimonial as an added benefit of giving you an endorsement.
BONUS STEP: Follow Up!
If you still haven’t heard anything, send a follow-up letter or email to the celebrities you asked for an endorsement from after a few weeks have gone. Know that getting a good endorsement or testimonial can take time. Celebrities and VIPs are busy, and their mail is often screened by an assistant or representative which can delay your request getting to them.
Always remember the “Three Ps” for getting celebrity testimonial and endorsements for your books: Be Polite, Be Persistent, and Be Patient!
You are welcome to share this article as long as you do not edit the text or change the links. (Contact Any Celebrity affiliates may insert their affiliate ID to earn referral commissions). If you post it on a Web site, a link back to http://www.ContactAnyCelebrity.com is required.
How to Get Celebrity Endorsements & Testimonials for Your Books
Getting a celebrity, notable VIP, or leader in your field to give your book a short testimonial or endorsement (sometimes called a “blurb”) is a great way to boost sales and garner extra publicity. Remember that this is a trade-off. You get a testimonial for your book, and the endorser gets additional exposure and/or credibility. Below is the five-step process I teach authors and writers:
1) Choose potential endorsers based on your book’s subject.
If your book is about animals, for example, target celebrities and/or notable VIPs who have a vested personal interest in animals. If it’s about a disease, target people who have suffered personally from it or who contribute to the disease’s cause. If it’s about kayaking, target people who like to kayak.
2) Ask potential endorsers to write your book’s introduction or foreword.
This technique can work really well as long as you remember the following: flattery is key. Don’t ask for an endorsement at this stage. Instead, flatter the person by saying that because of his or her expertise on your book’s subject, you’d like to ask him or her to write the introduction or foreword. You may want to point out that this is a great opportunity for the endorser to get some additional exposure. When the book is published, you can mention “Introduction by (Expert’s Name)” or “Foreword by (Expert’s Name)” on the cover.
3) Gather a list of names and contact information.
The reference area of your local public library is a good start, but you can find more accurate information online. Search Google for “celebrity contacts” or “celebrity addresses” for a list of resources. If the celebrity has an official Web site, you can usually find his or her contact information there as well. Don’t forget personal and professional connections. Take some time to sit down and brainstorm all the people you know who could put in a good word for you or at least pass along your book and request.
4) Make it as easy as possible to get a response.
Your request should include the draft of your book, a self-addressed, pre-paid FedEx or Priority Mail envelope, an easy-to-fill out testimonial form, and a personalized letter from you. If you’re nervous about sending a draft of the book, you can also include a Confidentiality Letter. You may even want to mention that the better the testimonial, the more likely it will appear in your book (and possibly on the cover), resulting in additional exposure for the endorser.
5) Point out the benefits of giving an endorsement.
Potential endorsers usually won’t mind (and will probably appreciate) the extra free publicity, additional exposure, and added credibility their blurb will provide when it’s featured in (and maybe on the cover of) your book. Let the endorser know you’ll mention his or her name, company name, and city under the testimonial as an added benefit of giving you an endorsement.
BONUS STEP: Follow Up!
If you still haven’t heard anything, send a follow-up letter or email to the celebrities you asked for an endorsement from after a few weeks have gone. Know that getting a good endorsement or testimonial can take time. Celebrities and VIPs are busy, and their mail is often screened by an assistant or representative which can delay your request getting to them.
Always remember the “Three Ps” for getting celebrity testimonial and endorsements for your books: Be Polite, Be Persistent, and Be Patient!
1) Choose potential endorsers based on your book’s subject.
If your book is about animals, for example, target celebrities and/or notable VIPs who have a vested personal interest in animals. If it’s about a disease, target people who have suffered personally from it or who contribute to the disease’s cause. If it’s about kayaking, target people who like to kayak.
2) Ask potential endorsers to write your book’s introduction or foreword.
This technique can work really well as long as you remember the following: flattery is key. Don’t ask for an endorsement at this stage. Instead, flatter the person by saying that because of his or her expertise on your book’s subject, you’d like to ask him or her to write the introduction or foreword. You may want to point out that this is a great opportunity for the endorser to get some additional exposure. When the book is published, you can mention “Introduction by (Expert’s Name)” or “Foreword by (Expert’s Name)” on the cover.
3) Gather a list of names and contact information.
The reference area of your local public library is a good start, but you can find more accurate information online. Search Google for “celebrity contacts” or “celebrity addresses” for a list of resources. If the celebrity has an official Web site, you can usually find his or her contact information there as well. Don’t forget personal and professional connections. Take some time to sit down and brainstorm all the people you know who could put in a good word for you or at least pass along your book and request.
4) Make it as easy as possible to get a response.
Your request should include the draft of your book, a self-addressed, pre-paid FedEx or Priority Mail envelope, an easy-to-fill out testimonial form, and a personalized letter from you. If you’re nervous about sending a draft of the book, you can also include a Confidentiality Letter. You may even want to mention that the better the testimonial, the more likely it will appear in your book (and possibly on the cover), resulting in additional exposure for the endorser.
5) Point out the benefits of giving an endorsement.
Potential endorsers usually won’t mind (and will probably appreciate) the extra free publicity, additional exposure, and added credibility their blurb will provide when it’s featured in (and maybe on the cover of) your book. Let the endorser know you’ll mention his or her name, company name, and city under the testimonial as an added benefit of giving you an endorsement.
BONUS STEP: Follow Up!
If you still haven’t heard anything, send a follow-up letter or email to the celebrities you asked for an endorsement from after a few weeks have gone. Know that getting a good endorsement or testimonial can take time. Celebrities and VIPs are busy, and their mail is often screened by an assistant or representative which can delay your request getting to them.
Always remember the “Three Ps” for getting celebrity testimonial and endorsements for your books: Be Polite, Be Persistent, and Be Patient!
Monday, May 22, 2006
How to Write To A Celebrity...And Get A Great Response!
Here are several time-tested tips to help you write to celebrities and get a great response:
Always send a self-addressed stamped envelope. The abbreviation for this is “SASE.” Enclose a folded 9x12 envelope, pre-addressed back to you with the proper postage (usually 2-3 stamps). Use your address as the return address. Enclose this along with your letter and photograph (more on this later) in a 9x12 envelope. Make sure you weigh the total package at the post office to ensure correct postage.
Enclose a photo of your own. Celebrities will often enclose a photo of themselves, but to help maximize responses, it is a good idea to enclose a photo of your own. This can be any type of photo, even one torn out of a magazine will do. Visit http://www.AmazingCelebrityPhotos.com for a great source of unsigned color 8x10 celebrity photos that you can send to be autographed.
DO NOT send food, money or gifts to celebrities. Celebrities do not appreciate receiving a large package in the mail from someone they don’t know.
Enclose a few 3x5 index cards as additional items to get autographed. Only enclose a maximum of three—more is asking a little too much. Celebrities will usually return these, and they’re a great addition to your collection. They are also great to trade with friends and other autograph collectors.
Always include a letter acknowledging the star’s accomplishments. Constructive criticism is okay, but be assured that non-constructive criticism will result in your letter ending up in the trash!
If you are writing to a celebrity in another country, include three to four International Reply Coupons (IRCs) in the envelope as return postage. You can get these at your local post office.
Research the celebrity’s biography and works. Include personal information about how much you like the star and that will make him or her all the more willing to reply.
Preferably type your letter, or at least write it neatly. Keep it short, and get to the point quickly. Kindly ask for an autograph, but don’t beg.
Double-space, and remember to include your name and address on the letter. Check your spelling!
Be patient. The hardest part about collecting autographs through the mail is the wait. Some celebrities will respond immediately, but some can take up to a year! As a general rule, you should allow four to six weeks to receive a reply. But the main rule here is to be patient!
You are welcome to share this article as long as you do not edit the text or change the links. (Contact Any Celebrity affiliates may insert their affiliate ID to earn referral commissions). If you post it on a Web site, a link back to http://www.ContactAnyCelebrity.com is required.
Always send a self-addressed stamped envelope. The abbreviation for this is “SASE.” Enclose a folded 9x12 envelope, pre-addressed back to you with the proper postage (usually 2-3 stamps). Use your address as the return address. Enclose this along with your letter and photograph (more on this later) in a 9x12 envelope. Make sure you weigh the total package at the post office to ensure correct postage.
Enclose a photo of your own. Celebrities will often enclose a photo of themselves, but to help maximize responses, it is a good idea to enclose a photo of your own. This can be any type of photo, even one torn out of a magazine will do. Visit http://www.AmazingCelebrityPhotos.com for a great source of unsigned color 8x10 celebrity photos that you can send to be autographed.
DO NOT send food, money or gifts to celebrities. Celebrities do not appreciate receiving a large package in the mail from someone they don’t know.
Enclose a few 3x5 index cards as additional items to get autographed. Only enclose a maximum of three—more is asking a little too much. Celebrities will usually return these, and they’re a great addition to your collection. They are also great to trade with friends and other autograph collectors.
Always include a letter acknowledging the star’s accomplishments. Constructive criticism is okay, but be assured that non-constructive criticism will result in your letter ending up in the trash!
If you are writing to a celebrity in another country, include three to four International Reply Coupons (IRCs) in the envelope as return postage. You can get these at your local post office.
Research the celebrity’s biography and works. Include personal information about how much you like the star and that will make him or her all the more willing to reply.
Preferably type your letter, or at least write it neatly. Keep it short, and get to the point quickly. Kindly ask for an autograph, but don’t beg.
Double-space, and remember to include your name and address on the letter. Check your spelling!
Be patient. The hardest part about collecting autographs through the mail is the wait. Some celebrities will respond immediately, but some can take up to a year! As a general rule, you should allow four to six weeks to receive a reply. But the main rule here is to be patient!
You are welcome to share this article as long as you do not edit the text or change the links. (Contact Any Celebrity affiliates may insert their affiliate ID to earn referral commissions). If you post it on a Web site, a link back to http://www.ContactAnyCelebrity.com is required.
How I Got Responses from Celebrities for My Son's Graduation
Contact Any Celebrity member Janet Foster from Clinton, Michigan, sent us this email about how she got response from celebrities:
For my son’s graduation I wanted personalized photos from his favorite comedians—knowing that would totally surprise him the first time he paged through his graduation scrapbook. I wrote a letter to each comedian, explaining that my son was graduating from the United States Naval Academy, the challenges he faced, his upcoming deployment, and why I felt he would need a section in his book which I labeled “When the going stays tough, the tough keep a sense of humor.”Janet had the right idea. She wrote a letter expressing exactly what it was she wanted; she outlined why her son was so impressed by the celebrities and received several fantastic responses.
In the letter, I added at least another paragraph about how these individuals’ humor had influenced my son through the years and why their photo would be especially meaningful. I also enclosed a check to cover expenses.
I received not only personalized photos, but one comedian sent three video tapes and his latest CD. Another sent a book of Monty Python humor with a special inscription to my son in the front.
Most of them returned the checks. The one who cashed the check probably went through more than that amount in gifts and mailing. My son was thrilled and was still talking about it days later. I know these photos and gifts made his graduation book something extra-special.
Thanks, Contact Any Celebrity, for not only making agent addresses available, but for tracking down one of the comedians not on your original lists.
- Janet, Cinton, Michigan
Sunday, May 21, 2006
The Most Fan-Friendly Celebrities
A few months ago we asked Contact Any Celebrity subscribers to let u know their thoughts on the "Most Fan Friendly" celebrity. The responses poured in--here are some of the best ones:
You are welcome to share this article as long as you do not edit the text or change the links. (Contact Any Celebrity affiliates may insert their affiliate ID to earn referral commissions). If you post this on a Web site, a link back to http://www.ContactAnyCelebrity.com is required.
"In November 2002 we met and spent the day with Colin Farrell, his sister, agent Josh Lieberman and his Mom aboard the Russalina catamaran. At the time we thought my significant other had bleeding ulcers. Later we found he had stomach cancer and has since passed away. A few months before that, I contacted your site and was able to get in touch (via mail) with both Josh and Colin to tell them that, in fact, Jack would not be with us for too much longer, and sent them a roll of film from our day with them.
They picked out 3 of the best photos, had them blown up to 5x7, and autographed them with significant personal messages. I was thrilled but did not tell Jack what I had done, so when they sent them overnight priority via Federal Express, it was extremely heartwarming. Sometimes we forget that movie stars and agents and people with money are REAL people as well. I would like to thank them both again for caring enough to make a dying man and his companion extremely happy. Thank you both again and best wishes for 2005!"
- Lana Walla, San Rafael, California
"My vote goes to Tom Selleck. I have two "reports" on him. My sister-in-law lived in Honolulu while Tom was filming "Magnum, P.I." She is an amateur photographer, and ran into him in the park whlie taking photographs. She asked him if he would post for a picture; he did, and was very nice to her and talked a few minutes. She made copies for all the girls in the family!
The second story is: I was a travel agent for many years, and booked a nice senior citizen couple on their dream trip to Hawaii (also during "Magnum P.I."). When they boarded their flight in Honolulu to return to the USA, they passed Tom with his wife Jilly, and their daughter Hannah in the first class cabin.
After take-off, my client wrote a note to Tom asking for his autograph for her granddaughter. She gave it to a flight attendant and asked her to give it to him. The slip of paper was not returned during the flight, and she thought he had blown her off. When she and her husband deplaned, he was not on board. When she entered the airport, Tom, Jilly and Hannah were waiting for her.
He wrote out his autograph and a note for her granddaughter, posed for a photo, and chatted a few minutes, then wished them a nice trip home! What a guy! Needless to say, that made their trip!"
- Sarah Lopez, Jacksonville, Florida
"I first met Caroline Rhea in 2002; she treated me like a long-lost friend. She was doing a show at the time and introduced me to the audience as her little Scottish friend. I met her again when I went to see her do a comedy on stage and she recognized me and started introducing me to some of her other fans. She is such a sweet and warm loving person and I feel privileged to know her."
- Ruth Gray, United Kingdom
"I received several letters from Liza Minelli while she was staying at the Caron Foundation. I didn't think that they could have contact with the outside too much, and for her to write to me while she was there it was just marvelous. I cried! I almost always get a response. I have met her in person and she is just so sweet and humble and giving. She's the "cream of the crop, at the top of the heap" as her song says."
- Ava Garland, United Kingdom
"I have met singer Mariah Carey on two occasions and she is definitely the sweetest, most genuinely open celebrity in the media. She asked me about school, signed several things for me, and was just very nice. When I told my friends of my friend meeting with her, they didn't believe me. The second time I met Mariah she took a picture she had already signed a few minutes earlier out of my hand and wrote on the back, "Yes--she saw me!! Pow!" so I could prove it.
This is only one example of how wonderful Mariah is...she writes and calls her fans at home, throws them parties, and is always gracious. Ask anyone who's (really) met her and you will find warm memories all around."
- Maggie Walsh
"In November I got the chance to meet Angelina Jolie at the Hollywood premiere of "Alexander." She was on her way out of the theatre and I was able to meet her. I yelled her name and asked her if I could get an autograph, and in her rush to get into her limo she said, "Hold on, I'll be right there!" She turned and came directly to me. I told her that I was a Teacher's Assistant at an elementary school and she congratulated me. She said she thought it was great what I was doing for a living, and signed my picture and shook my hand and left. It was the best experience of my life.
I am a big fan of Miss Jolie. She was the main reason I joined Contact Any Celebrity. I wasn't really able to tell her everything I wanted to tell her because I was pretty star-struck but it was a great experience. I hope to one day have the pleasure of meeting her again and telling her everything I wanted to say that day. She was very nice and for that reasons she'll continue to be my favorite celebrity."
- Sandra Moldonado
"After Roy, of Sigfried and Roy, was injured, I sent prayer cards and crystals. I later received a letter from Lynette Chappel from Siegfried and Roy's entertainment corporation. She sent a letter on his behalf which was wonderful, and she thanked me for my prayers and good wishes. It was especially wonderful because they were so busy with all that was happening--I was so touched. I will cherish this letter always."
- Annette Trabucco, Tonawanda, NY
"I am planning a 90th birthday celebration for my mom who is known as "Yankee Mary"--a die-hard New York Yankees fan. I wrote letters to 20 celebrities and I think that George Steinbrenner deserves my vote. I got a response within days by phone and email. I also received a large box of goodies, baseball attire, an autographed book and picture of him. It was all addressed to Yankee Mary on her 90th birthday.
I was impressed. I also received an autographed picture from Yogi Berra, Bucky Dent, Hank Bauer, Tony Bennett and Jerry Vale. I was skeptical at first as to whether the addresses were valid, but it appears that ContactAnyCelebrity.com is a great website. I did not even send anyone a return self-addressed stamped envelope. I think I just wrote an impressive letter with photos and a unique birthday invitation."
- Carolyn Puglisi, Lyndhurst, NJ
"I saw Scott Wolf at Denis Leary's celebrity hockey game for firefighters in Boston. Because my dad is a Boston firefighter, I was so appreciative that celebrities would take time to recognize everyday people and help raise money for them. I wrote a letter to Scott Wolf thanking him so much for being supportive of people like my dad who risk their lives so often. I didn't want or ask for anything in return, I just wanted him to know how much that really meant to me on a personal level.Do you have a great Star Story? Let us know about it so we can share it here! Email us at helpdesk@contactanycelebrity.com.
About a month later, I got this envelope and inside was a personalized and autographed picture of Scott thanking me for my letter. Some people tried to discourage me and tell me that he has people sign these things for him and that he didn't read it or sign the picture, but I'd really like to think he did and I'm very thankful."
- Girard Gover, Everett, MA
You are welcome to share this article as long as you do not edit the text or change the links. (Contact Any Celebrity affiliates may insert their affiliate ID to earn referral commissions). If you post this on a Web site, a link back to http://www.ContactAnyCelebrity.com is required.
Insider Interview: Heather Thompson
Contact Any Celebrity member Heather Thompson from Tampa, Florida found that writing celebrities for free autographs and memorabilia is a great way to raise money for a nonprofit organization. We spoke with Heather about her cause and its successful campaign.
Tell us about the project you're raising funds for.
I was and am attempting to contact celebrities for donations to the Susan G. Komen Foundation 3-Day Walk in Tampa, which raises money for breast cancer research.
What exactly were you looking for from the celebrities?
I requested autographs, memorabilia, sponsorships and financial donations. Basically, any and everything. Items were the real goal so we could auction them off for money.
How did you request these items?
I originally sent out 100 letters to celebrities and then an additional 200. The first 100 were the best responses from the celebrities. I chose the specific names because the Contact Any Celebrity database allows searches by cause, so I know if a star is interested in supporting my charity from the get-go.
What were the responses like?
Wow, well I sent out about 300, but this is where I want to point out that it takes work. To get a little, I had to do a lot. Out of the 300 letters I wrote I only got about 30 responses, and I only had five letters returned to me.
How did the celebrities and their representatives response?
It was honestly amazing. I was surprised at how personal the responses were. I got phone calls from assistants and personal letters of support from stars.
Who responded?
One of the best I got was from Cyndi Lauper. I got a phone call from her personal assistant and she said that Cyndi wanted to be a little more involved that just sending an autographed headshot. So we sent a 3-Day t-shirt to her and some other items, and she signed and sent them back along with some extra autographed headshots. I received an autographed headshot and personal letter of support from Al Roker. Judith Light sent a script from "Who's the Boss" with her signature on it.
You really got some big names!
I know, but that's not the end. Ryan Seacrest and Dustin Hoffman, to name just a couple, also sent autographed headshots. One of the biggest responses has been from the Tampa Bay Lightning, our NHL Hockey Team and the Stanley Cup Winner. We initially got a signed hockey puck. Then, through a connection, our request was noticed by a player who's mother had recently dealt with breast cancer. We suddenly had promises for team autographed jerseys, hockey sticks and other pieces of memorabilia.
When is your auction?
The auction is actually August 26 at 6 p.m. We are having it at the James Joyce Pub in Ybor City-South Tampa. We also landed sponsorship of the auction from Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer.
Did you find it easier to get support and sponsorship when you had a few celebrity names behind your project?
Absolutely! It helped big time. Without the celebrity names we would have never been able to land a corporate sponsorship at all! And now, we're getting local promotion and beer through Pabst. We also managed to get food. And the pub was donated by a wonderful local business person.
So what did you say in your letters to celebrities that was so effective?
In the first batch of letters I decided I needed to be as clear and to the point as possible. I kept it down to two paragraphs. First I said why I was writing and what the cause is that they would be supporting. I gave all of the who, what, when, where and why. I also set a deadline for contact and for items to be sent in. It makes it seem a little more urgent and important if there's a specific date and specific information than not being specific. Listing contact information was very important for me. In the letter I listed my phone number and my email--any way for them to get in touch with me. Later I learned that was a very smart thing to do. some of the representatives wanted to call and be sure I was legitimate and that I was really working to benefit a charity.
You said you sent out two letters. What was in the second one?
The second batch was the bigger one, and in this one I mentioned that I had already sent one request with no response and that I was extending the deadline. I also listed the support I had already received. It had the desired effect, and I got a second wave of responses and memorabilia.
You mentioned you used Contact Any Celebrity to get your information. What was so helpful about the service?
Well, Contact Any Celebrity was so much more than I expected. It's more than just a listing of who and what. In other words, it's not like just a "star map." I felt that the contact information was valid and up-to-date, and there's so much information in the database. Everyone I looked for was there. There were also so few returned letters from everyday household names. In this country we seem to value celebrity and fame so high. To get things we can place value on and auction off for a great cause is wonderful. It was great to actually get responses from stars. The service is priceless.
If you're interested in supporting the Tampa Susan G. Komen Foundation 3-Day Walk, you may contact Heather Thompson directly at hhthompson@tampabay.rr.com.
You are welcome to share this article as long as you do not edit the text or change the links. (Contact Any Celebrity affiliates may insert their affiliate ID to earn referral commissions). If you post this on a Web site, a link back to http://www.ContactAnyCelebrity.com is required.
Tell us about the project you're raising funds for.
I was and am attempting to contact celebrities for donations to the Susan G. Komen Foundation 3-Day Walk in Tampa, which raises money for breast cancer research.
What exactly were you looking for from the celebrities?
I requested autographs, memorabilia, sponsorships and financial donations. Basically, any and everything. Items were the real goal so we could auction them off for money.
How did you request these items?
I originally sent out 100 letters to celebrities and then an additional 200. The first 100 were the best responses from the celebrities. I chose the specific names because the Contact Any Celebrity database allows searches by cause, so I know if a star is interested in supporting my charity from the get-go.
What were the responses like?
Wow, well I sent out about 300, but this is where I want to point out that it takes work. To get a little, I had to do a lot. Out of the 300 letters I wrote I only got about 30 responses, and I only had five letters returned to me.
How did the celebrities and their representatives response?
It was honestly amazing. I was surprised at how personal the responses were. I got phone calls from assistants and personal letters of support from stars.
Who responded?
One of the best I got was from Cyndi Lauper. I got a phone call from her personal assistant and she said that Cyndi wanted to be a little more involved that just sending an autographed headshot. So we sent a 3-Day t-shirt to her and some other items, and she signed and sent them back along with some extra autographed headshots. I received an autographed headshot and personal letter of support from Al Roker. Judith Light sent a script from "Who's the Boss" with her signature on it.
You really got some big names!
I know, but that's not the end. Ryan Seacrest and Dustin Hoffman, to name just a couple, also sent autographed headshots. One of the biggest responses has been from the Tampa Bay Lightning, our NHL Hockey Team and the Stanley Cup Winner. We initially got a signed hockey puck. Then, through a connection, our request was noticed by a player who's mother had recently dealt with breast cancer. We suddenly had promises for team autographed jerseys, hockey sticks and other pieces of memorabilia.
When is your auction?
The auction is actually August 26 at 6 p.m. We are having it at the James Joyce Pub in Ybor City-South Tampa. We also landed sponsorship of the auction from Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer.
Did you find it easier to get support and sponsorship when you had a few celebrity names behind your project?
Absolutely! It helped big time. Without the celebrity names we would have never been able to land a corporate sponsorship at all! And now, we're getting local promotion and beer through Pabst. We also managed to get food. And the pub was donated by a wonderful local business person.
So what did you say in your letters to celebrities that was so effective?
In the first batch of letters I decided I needed to be as clear and to the point as possible. I kept it down to two paragraphs. First I said why I was writing and what the cause is that they would be supporting. I gave all of the who, what, when, where and why. I also set a deadline for contact and for items to be sent in. It makes it seem a little more urgent and important if there's a specific date and specific information than not being specific. Listing contact information was very important for me. In the letter I listed my phone number and my email--any way for them to get in touch with me. Later I learned that was a very smart thing to do. some of the representatives wanted to call and be sure I was legitimate and that I was really working to benefit a charity.
You said you sent out two letters. What was in the second one?
The second batch was the bigger one, and in this one I mentioned that I had already sent one request with no response and that I was extending the deadline. I also listed the support I had already received. It had the desired effect, and I got a second wave of responses and memorabilia.
You mentioned you used Contact Any Celebrity to get your information. What was so helpful about the service?
Well, Contact Any Celebrity was so much more than I expected. It's more than just a listing of who and what. In other words, it's not like just a "star map." I felt that the contact information was valid and up-to-date, and there's so much information in the database. Everyone I looked for was there. There were also so few returned letters from everyday household names. In this country we seem to value celebrity and fame so high. To get things we can place value on and auction off for a great cause is wonderful. It was great to actually get responses from stars. The service is priceless.
If you're interested in supporting the Tampa Susan G. Komen Foundation 3-Day Walk, you may contact Heather Thompson directly at hhthompson@tampabay.rr.com.
You are welcome to share this article as long as you do not edit the text or change the links. (Contact Any Celebrity affiliates may insert their affiliate ID to earn referral commissions). If you post this on a Web site, a link back to http://www.ContactAnyCelebrity.com is required.
Teaching Children Handwriting & Letter-Writing Skills
If you are a teacher or parent, how about using Contact Any Celebrity to teach your children handwriting and letter-writing skills? That's what Lisa Nelson, a Contact Any Celebrity member and teacher from Davis, California recently did. In addition, she auctioned off the items her class received at the school's silent auction.
Lisa recently wrote to let us know the success she had with the project. Here are her tips:
Lisa recently wrote to let us know the success she had with the project. Here are her tips:
Hi Contact Any Celebrity,
We were pretty successful with our plan. Our sixth grade class needed practice in writing letters and addressing envelopes. Here are my tips:
Start Early. If you want a response from a celebrity in a couple of weeks, you are out of luck. Some rolled in almost three months after we sent the request. We actually sent pre-addressed stamped return envelopes to all our celebs. We wanted them to see that they were going back to the school.
We had our classroom kids write out a reason or two why they were writing to this particular celeb. We also asked for the celebrity to draw a doodle or a self-portrait, and sent them a couple sheets of paper and a nice Sharpie. If we got back a picture or autograph, or even one of their standard portrait shots, we auctioned if off at our school's silent auction.
Someone must have really loved Hilary Duff, because people bid higher for her than Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan and plenty of others. Dr. Phil even sent us an autographed book as well as a doodle. You just never know what you'll get and who will bid on it.
I have referred your Web site to others who needed celebrity addresses. It was easy to look up, once you understood the database.
Sincerely,
Lisa Nelson
Davis, California
You are welcome to share this article as long as you do not edit the text or change the links. (Contact Any Celebrity affiliates may insert their affiliate ID to earn referral commissions). If you post this on a Web site, a link back to http://www.ContactAnyCelebrity.com is required.
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