Marcy,

If you want to be a professional folk singer you have to be an entertainer first.
It's all about show business in spite of what you hear from those in the folkie world who idolize Woody, Pete (I do) and any of the "Icons" of folk.

In order to entertain an audience, you have to have a voice and personality that communicates something essential about yourself. You don't have to study voice but if you want to keep your voice from burning out, it would be a good idea to find the best vocal teacher you can.

You have to have an engaging personality that travels across the footlights.
Sometimes you can find this through a good acting class but not always.

If you are an original songwriter and know something about the craft, it'll carry you furthur than doing other's material unless you have a specific market
that wants the material you are doing.

I don't know how old you are but if you are starting, you would be well-advised to sing whenever and wherever you can to build up your stage chops. i assume you are doing that now.

Only listen to constructive criticism. The rest is bullshit.

And think of yourself as an entertainer, not just a folk-singer. Learn how to program your material to make it more engaging, be conscious of what your audience wants and needs, and come to terms with that in the selection of your material.

You will not please everybody all the time. Be true to what you believe as an artist and that conviction can carry you across the footlights.

It's a lot harder job than most people think. The rewards are not exactly what you think they will be when you start out. Most pros are on the road most of the time and that's a helluva way to live. Some drive thousands of miles for a low-paying gig. The singing and playing is the easy part, it's all the other crap that goes with it. Cars breaking down. Sound people with tin ears or who just don't care. Fans who might keep you up all night. Bad road food and please don't get into booze or drugs. Stay out of bars if you can. The smoke can kill ya'.

Be careful who you let into your professional world. Show business abounds with phonies and crack pots....but I guess no more than the world of medicine or politics.

Spend a lot of time by yourself planning and creating. If you can let others help you in promotion, booking, and give you time to do your job, so much the better. If you have to do all that other stuff, then that's what's required for at least now.

Forget about being a "star". That happens to you and not because you can do much about it. But you can prepare to make a living at music if you approach it sensibly with a positive and a professional attitude.

Good luck, and you'll need it.

Frank