When is a good time to ask Profs for letters of recommendation?

[GeminiSJG]

My application is due in January and I planned to submit them around December.  When would be an optimal time to ask professors to write me recommendation letters? As well, what are some tips to get profs to write them?

[slouching]

If your applications are due in the winter, you'll want to ask professors about writing LORs for you as soon as possible. It's common practice to ask them about this a few months in advance. 

Ask for letters from people who can attest to the quality of your academic work, and can make a strong case for you to be admitted to the program(s) of your choice. People who know you and your work well should be the ones to focus on. If those people are professors in your intended field of graduate study, even better.

When I was applying, once I had confirmed who would be writing my letters, I sent all of them a spreadsheet with useful info on the places I was applying to (university, program name, deadline, etc.), and supplied them with other materials as needed. Since they were doing me a favor by writing letters on my behalf, I wanted to make sure I had those sorts of things organized and taken care of early on, because I wanted the process to be as easy for them as possible. 

[Sigaba]

29 minutes ago, slouching said:

Ask for letters from people who can attest to the quality of your academic work, and can make a strong case for you to be admitted to the program(s) of your choice. People who know you and your work well should be the ones to focus on. If those people are professors in your intended field of graduate study, even better.

^A point that is made season after season on this BB. While there are exceptions to the rule, applicants are generally better served by LoRs by professional academics who can write authoritatively to your performance and your potential than big names/"rock stars" who could not pick you out from a lecture hall.

Also, for the sake of one's own peace of mind, applicants need to understand that some professors are going to produce LoRs at their convenience. In  (far too many) cases, this will mean professors will wait until after the eleventh hour to write a word. And until then, many of you will hear nothing but silence.

In these situations, do what you can to not freak out.  Yes, pay attention to how you feel, and don't let those feelings get the better of you. The unfortunate fact of the matter is that professional academics have priorities that often don't center around students.

[KEIM]

I would start asking now. I've already sent 8 emails requesting LORs an only two professors have responded and agreed. It might be easier to get them if you aren't a distance student. Since, you will be able to meet them in person.