Hi John,
I wouldn't want to go away from home to do a job and live on a campsite.
Folk , whether you like it or not, i.e.professional Folk ,is a job in entertainment which relies on people paying to see you, and it follows that entertainment is a business.
When and if you do get up and running and I wish you well - as Tom Bliss said there's a load of other stuff which needs to be done.
Like any other job in entertainment or sport - if you're good or at least well known, the easier it becomes because people know your name and are quite prepared to pay money for a name ( or a brand ) with which they are familiar. Just an aside, I know of two "big" names in the British scene who do not drive, so, public transport and associated costs for them ,carry all your clothes, equipment + CD's, keep on top of the dirty clothes and that sort of stuff whilst away from home,report back to your ansaphone for enquiries that you missed ,Truro tonight and Carlisle tomorrow you arrive knackered and leave even more knackered, constant fast food instead of decent swag ,stay with the club organisers and find you have to leave the house at 8.10am cos they're both got to go to work so you are left walking round a strange big town or city feeling equally as strange because of people staring at this bastard with the guitar case who won't work.!!!
Nah, anyone who has made it / who is making it in Folk ,deserves every penny and good luck to them (and to you John) and whilst I'm at "it" the same goes to Tom. Incidentally I am purely a punter. Cheers Betsy