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• Address your request to the attention of the actor, care of the studio that carries the show.  In Tim's case, the studio that owns "Star Trek" is Paramount Studios.
  
  
• The key to writing an actor and getting a response is "convenience".  Make it easy for them to respond to you and they will.
  
  
• The second best tip is to write the actor when the show is new, and in its infancy.  It's then that actors are more excited about their stardom, and more intrigued by their fans.  For the first year, or so, the studio is usually paying for the actors black & white photos (for publicity), and you are more likely to get your autograph.
  
  
• Since actors usually have help with their mail, the chances of your getting a quick response are greater if you just send an 8" x 10" SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope) and request an autographed photo, instead of sending a precious photo, collectible or thingy. "Thingies" have to be forwarded on to the actor, or a meeting has to be scheduled for the signing of them. This takes time, if it ever happens, and results in delay, delay, more delay, and possibly a lost and irretrievable, thingy.
  
   
• If you have submitted an index card, photograph, or "thingy" for the actor to autograph, it helps if you put your name and address on the back.  If it is separated or falls out of the envelope, the actor can still get it back to you.  If you have submitted a collector card, put the number of the collector card on the envelope with your return address.
  
  
• Avoid commenting on the history or the drama of the show in your letter, and get straight to the point.  Any actor who has been on a series already knows the history and the drama of their show, and while it may be very exciting to you, they have heard it all a thousand times by now. Besides, they only have time to skim through the letters, not to actually read each individual one.
  
  
• Limit your letter to one page. State what you want in as few words as possible. If all you want is an autograph, then say so.  A thesis is a bit much for someone who has little or no time to read it. 
  
  
• Print neatly or type. If the actor can't read your letter, then the post office probably can't read the return address on your SASE either. Before you blame the actor for not responding, you should check your handwriting.
  
  
• It is considered acceptable if you briefly comment on yourself, your age, your interests, your career, your beliefs, the landscape of your country, OR whatever else makes you interesting to read about. Actors also like to hear educated, constructive critiques of the show or their performance.
  
   
• Don't expect the actor to pay the return postage. ALWAYS enclose an SASE (Self- Addressed Stamped Envelope) along with your request for an autograph. Stamp it with more than proper postage.  If you hear in the news that postage stamps are going to go up within 6-8 months, add more postage.  Your mail may be returned to you after the increase in postage has taken place.
  
   
• The U.S. Postal Service does not accept foreign postage.
  
   
• Do not place Scotch tape over your postage.  The U.S. Postal Service will not mail it that way.
  
   
• Don't try tricks to get multiple autographs like,  "I'll send it with no name on it." or "I'll use 2 different addresses."  Most actors can see those coming a mile away.
  
  
• Limit your requests for autographed items to one.  If you submit multiple requests, you are being hopeful, but not being considerate of the actors time - or of others who are writing in for the same thing.  Many actors will autograph one item, and send the rest back unsigned.
  
  
• Don't send requests for other actor's autographs to one actor on a show. Send your requests individually, one to each of the actors you are interested in. If you expect an actor to get someone else's autograph for you, you'll be waiting for a very long time.
  

• If you are sending International Postage Coupons from overseas, send enough to get your mail back.  Better safe than sorry.  Those coupons are worth about .80 cents in the U.S. It takes 3-4 coupons to get something to Canada and 3-4 coupons to get something to Europe. One coupon covers the mailing of a postcard, or small letter for both Canada and Europe. This is the one area that causes the most trouble, and takes the most time. 
  
  
• Make sure the International Postal Coupons have been stamped by your postal service.  It is a circular stamp that has the DATE OF PURCHASE.  Unstamped coupons are worthless here in the U.S., and for that reason, your mail will not be returned to you.
  
  
• If you live overseas or in Canada, it is really best if you can get your hands on some U.S. postage through the assistance of a friend in the U.S., or a postal service. This saves the actor from standing in line to cash those International Postal Coupons in for stamps.
  
  
• Stick your return postage stamps to the return envelope (SASE).  Don't expect the actor to do it for you. Besides, postage stamps are small enough to get lost in the shuffle.
  
  
• Insert a card to protect your photo from being bent both going and coming back to you.  You can use everything from cut-up cereal boxes to file folders. Just about anything will work, but don't forget to add  postage for the additional weight of the insert.
  
  
• It's best not to use those large envelopes that have metal clasps on them.  The photo rubs on it during mailing, and is damaged when it arrives. Self-adhesive envelopes are recommended.
  
  
• Keep your autographed items down to a reasonable size.  Huge framed items and bulky packages are very difficult to transport from studio to home, and from home to post office.  Inevitably the actor will have to stand in line because it won't fit in a regular post office box.  And, if it is sent to a P.O. Box, the actor will have to stand in line to pick it up since it will be too large to put in the P.O. Box. Inconvenience causes delay.
  
  
• On that same note, don't send anything that is not important to the ACTOR by "registered mail" or "return receipt requested".  If it's that important to you, don't mail it.  Wait until that special day when you see them and have a chance for them to sign it.
  
  
• Don't assume that the actor has gotten your mail, or your precious collectible, and didn't respond.  Actors mail is often mixed up and delivered wrong.  Some are even empty when received.
  
  
• Don't enclose a bulky autograph pen that has to be twisted, shaken, and stirred - to be used for one second.  Actors have autograph pens coming out of their nostrils.
  
  
• If you don't get a response within 6 - 8 months of sending your request, try again.  Something could have happened to your letter.
  
   
• If you plan to move, don't send an autograph request until you are settled in. Your forwarding address may have expired by the time your autograph is returned to you. If you have moved, try again.
  
  
• Don't send an actor any completed manuscripts, scripts or story ideas unless they were previously solicited by the actor.  Direct such items to the proper department in the studio that produces the show.  If the studio accepts pitches, there are proper channels to go through. They don't want to get sued.  If you are serious about pitching a story idea, watch the show, do some homework, be familiar with the history of the show, and make sure your submission is a professional one, in the proper outline and format.  Take the producers somewhere they've never been before, but remember, they have a limited budget to get there.
  
  
• And, finally, double check your mail before sending it.  Is it addressed to the right actor at the correct studio?  Do you have a self-addressed stamped envelope enclosed with more than enough U.S. postage?  Is the envelope addressed back to you?  Is it stamped with the proper postage? The actor will not be checking these things for you.

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