Letter Writing Do's and Don't's

DON'T

• Write a letter on tattered or torn paper
• Try to correct misspelled or sloppily written words.  You are better off taking the extra five minutes to rewrite the letter than appearing lazy and like you don't care to your audience.
• Come off as greedy or demanding.
• Write in illegible handwriting.  Take the time to write a neat, professional looking letter.
• Write in pencil.

Examples of what NOT to do:

Notice the rip-out tear at the top of the page, as well as the type of paper used.  The note comes off very impersonal and does not seem like the writer put in any effort at all.  That, combined with the short message, and pencil writing will almost guarantee no response.

Although the rip in the corner of the page may not seem like a big deal, it can be the difference between a successful letter and a letter which finds the trash bin.  Also notice the scratched out word, as well as the attempted correction on the "h" in "thank you".  If you do make a mistake, do not attempt to fix it or white it out, unless you can do a good enough job to where no one can notice it.  You are much better off taking a couple of minutes to rewrite your letter than sending a letter like this one.

DO

• Use an intact, professional piece of paper.
• Write your letter in blue or black pen ink.
• Use proper grammar, spelling, and sentences and make sure you use legible handwriting.
• Address the athlete as Mr. or Mrs. "Name".
• Attempt to make a personal connection with the athlete.
• BE POLITE.  It may seem like you are "sucking up" to them, but I would much rather err on the side of politeness than come off greedy.
• Sign the letter with a professional looking signature.  Believe it or not, some athletes will turn down letters with sloppy signatures.
• Use appropriate length.  Athletes are busy people, so be sure to get to the point quickly.  About half a page in length should be good.  For retired athletes who have more time to read their letters, you can write a little more.  Usually half a page to a full page is good length.

Example:

Notice the formatting of the letter.  In the first paragraph, I introduce myself and tell my target athlete why I am interested in watching them play, or why I would enjoy having their autograph.  This makes the letter much more personal, as it is obvious that you have taken time to write them an individualized letter, and are not using a generic template letter.  If I do not know much about the athlete, I will do a quick google search to find a memorable game, or season to make mention of.  For instance, when writing to Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat, I mentioned something like, "Even though I am a huge Pistons fan, and was crushed when you knocked us out of the 2006 NBA Playoffs, I was glad to see a great player like you earn a ring".  Sure it's building up their ego and the like, but it is effective.

In the second paragraph I try to make my intentions clear.  I usually mention that I am a huge collector and would love to have a card of theirs in my collection.  This lets the athlete know that I am not trying to hawk them for cards to sell on eBay or craigslist.  As mentioned, it is important to be polite, noting that you understand their busy schedule and understand if they can't respond.  Little comments like this go a long way with athletes and other celebrities; who doesn't like being treated with respect?  If I have duplicates of a card, I will often send two copies of the card, and write something like, "I have sent two cards with this letter and would really appreciate if you could sign and return one.  You are more than welcome to keep the second one if you would like".  This goes along with the "don't be greedy" rule, and can also go a long way.  You can also personalize this part based on the athlete you are writing.  For instance, when I wrote Chris Paul, I made a comment saying that he can keep one of the cards for his newborn son, so that when he grows up he can have a collection of cards of his Dad.  Treating the person you are writing to as a person, and not as a novelty is essential when writing your letters.

Lastly, end your letter with a thank-you.  I will often say something along the lines of "thank you for your time and good luck this season".  If it is an athlete from the city you live in or grew up in, you may want to say something like "thank you for your time and for everything you have done for our city".  Make sure to sign your letter with a nice looking signature, as well as printing your name underneath.

By following these guidelines you should see more success in getting your cards returned in a more timely fashion, as well as a greater success rate.  Good luck!