So lets say you would like an autograph from your favorite actor/actress/musician/politician/dumb spoiled socialite but don't know where to start. Have no worry! I shall give you the instruction you need to start getting autographs in no time at all!

Here's what you will need:

Large (8.5 / 11) Envelopes
Sharpie
Item You would like to have signed
Stamps
(optional) Cardboard

Step 1: Find Address You'd Like to Send To

After you've figured out what person (or people) you'd like to get an autograph from, search for a fanmail address.

I like to use Fanmail.Biz, they have a very large database, and a forum for posting successes and/or failures.

Look up your celebrity, and see if people have had successes from them before, and from what address.

For this example, I chose actor Aaron Eckhart, of 'The Dark Knight' fame.

If your interested, I used this address:

Aaron Eckhart
c/o Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum Matlof Fishman Llp
10100 Santa Monica Boulevard
Suite 1700
Los Angeles, CA 90067

Step 2: Fill Out Envelope to Celeb

I would hope most of you would be able to fill out an envelope properly at this point in your lives, so I won't bother detailing it.

I will say that you should use a minimum of three stamps on this envelope.

Step 3: Fill Out a SASE

A Self Addressed Stamped Envelope (which will henceforth be referred to as a SASE) is an envelope you send with your autograph request that already has your address and proper postage on it. The idea being that the celebrity in question would be more likely to reply if they can just sign your photo and toss it back in the mailbox.

Remember, these guys are doing a favor for you by signing your photos.

Two stamps should be fine.

Step 4: Write a Letter of Request

Write a short letter to your celeb, explaining that you like their work, and asking for an autograph.

Step 5: Package and Mail

Place your SASE, Letter of Request, and item to be signed in envelope addressed to celeb.

Stick in mailbox or drop off at post office.

Step 6: Wait.

And wait and wait and wait and wait and wait. it could take weeks, it will likely take months, it might even take years.

I'd suggest finding a productive way of occupying your time. Learning a new language perhaps.

Step 7: Get Your Photo Back!!!

After waiting a little bit, with some luck, you will get your photo back signed! In my case, Aaron signed my photo and sent one of his own!

Best of luck my friends, Feel free to post your thoughts and comments!

-Josh