Sorry about replying so late, but I've been having weird problems where my laptop will just randomly not load any websites at all for long periods of time.
@MrIndigo/Fishy: I don't think a phone call is going to happen. I hate using phones as it is, and even though we wouldn't be face-to-face, I'd still be talking directly with her. I just don't seem to be able to do it (I have tried).
@Godudette: Aww, congrats! I hope you two have a great, long time together. :)
So I'll be writing a letter, since even if I do drive myself crazy wondering when she'll get it and how she'll respond when she does, at least I'll be able to DO it because the act of sending the letter and the event of her getting it and responding are separate (although it's still extremely nerve-wracking for me just writing all this out...).
I hate phones as well, so I'm right there with you.
What I would recommend, however, is something instantaneous (so, direct chatting or some form of IM). I strongly advise not using snail mail or email/SMS or any other left-messages unless you're absolutely certain she will get them quickly; it will tear you up inside while you wait.
It's probably harder to start the process with an instantaneous medium, but it's all over and done with faster, and you will appreciate this once you do it.
However, drafting what it is you want to say isn't a bad idea to help you get over the nerves (akin to practicing a speech for public speaking assignments or whatever; I am -extremely- uncomfortable with public speaking, so the two aren't dissimilar in my mind). I would advise not to wax too lyrical, try to keep it concise (though still sweet). Going overboard with poetry or elaborate prose builds it up into a more intimidating proposal, making it harder to say no.
Just coming clean with "Look, I have had a huge crush on you for ages, and I haven't been able to bring myself to say anything until now, but would you be at all interested in going out/being my girlfriend/other appropriate phrase." is a simple, honest (honesty = good) and endearing way of getting the idea out.
EDIT: To clarify my position on the necessity of physical attraction, I don't mean to imply that platonic friendships are a lesser substitute for a relationship that has a physical component. What Objection seems to want is a great best friend; presumably as a confidant, someone to share interests and acitivities with, mutual respect for each other, etc. etc. And that's totally cool and healthy and normal and I don't mean to imply that it's an unworthy pursuit at all.
And of course, a good "relationship" needs these things too; a "relationship" with someone that you don't connect with on a personal and intellectual level is no relationship at all. What I posit is that a "relationship" (inverted commas showing the nonliteral meaning of the word) is not EXCLUSIVELY those things; in order to have that romantic angle to it, it is requisite that there be some chemical/physical attraction factor as well.
I should point out here that a physical attraction does not necessarily mean a want for sexual intercourse; there are plenty of people in relationships who don't have sexual intercourse (in any sense of the word). It represents some non-personality based attraction. You could possibly describe it as a desire for physical intimacy, and that could be just physical nonsexual signs of particular affection; cuddles, backrubs, hand-holding, maybe even kissing, just to name a few examples.
Now, as I said, from what I've read of Objection's posts, it looked to me that he wasn't looking for this kind of relationship; he was looking for a platonic friendship. Of course, I could have misinterpreted his posts or made some other error of understanding, and if that is the case, I apologise, Obj.
EDIT 2: What do I want from a relationship? Well, I have a lot of friends, all of whom fulfill that role excellently; but I don't really have a "best friend", and I think that sort of companionship is something I want a lot. I would like to have someone that I can spend time with, particularly staying in at night and cuddling up in front of a movie or something; sex would be nice, but the generic affection is what I'm really looking forward to.