[whistles innocently] I cut up boxes from UPS or the USPS Priority Mail boxes. Sure they're thicker and thus more postage, but the thickness will help lessen the chances of damages... plus they're free.

So I won't beat a dead horse because what I say won't sway people re: letters. But I will say I always print out addresses to the person I'm writing as well as my address on the SASE if I'm sending a photo and wanting it returned. As all US mail is scanned, a computer or otherwise typed address is e...

I haven't, but I have sent 5x7 photos to Europe to get signed and returned to me. I've enclosed $3 and that seemed to be enough.

Assuming you're in the US, here's what I've done. This works for books as well. Get a flat rate Priority Mail box. Assemble it but don't seal one end. Put in your item, enclose a roll of tape for them to seal the box (because I don't trust those boxes to seal properly on their own.) Print out postag...

You will either have to buy postage stamps of the country from where the package will be sent, or more likely, include US dollars so the person can pay for return postage (yes, US dollars even though the package will be sent internationally.) I've done the latter a few times. Most, if not all, overs...