1. Choose who to write
Start with a person whose autograph you genuinely want and research whether they have recent TTM activity.
THROUGH-THE-MAIL AUTOGRAPHS
A practical guide to TTM autograph collecting.
Through-the-mail autograph collecting lets fans request signatures by mail. Here is the basic process, the common terminology and what new collectors should understand before sending their first request.
What is a TTM autograph?
TTM means through the mail. A collector mails an autograph request to an athlete, entertainer, public figure, team, agency or other appropriate destination and asks for an item to be signed and returned.
The hobby has been practiced for decades, but the basic process is still simple: research an address, prepare a respectful request, include what is needed for a return, mail it and wait.
2. Find an appropriate address
Use a current team, agency, business, organization or other appropriate fan-mail route and check recent collector evidence when available.
3. Prepare the request
Write a short, respectful letter. Include the item you want signed and any return materials or postage appropriate for your mailing.
4. Track the result
Record the date sent, the address used, what you mailed and what eventually came back so your own history becomes useful over time.
Common TTM autograph terms
SASE
A self-addressed stamped envelope prepared for the recipient to use when returning your item.
LOR
A letter of request: the note you include explaining who you are and politely asking for an autograph.
RTS
Return to sender. An RTS result can be useful evidence that a particular mailing route may no longer be valid.
Success
A returned request. A success can include a signed item, but collectors should still use judgment about authenticity because some responses may involve secretarial signatures, preprints or autopen signatures.
Patience is part of TTM collecting. Some requests return quickly, some take months or longer, and some never return.