Agent or Manager....When?

Subject: Agent or Manager....When?
From: GUEST,Sally D.
Date: 25 Mar 05 - 07:04 PM

I sing (traditional folk songs) and accompany myself on guitar. I'm an experienced artist (on a local level), and i'm just starting to be known in my city. I've had three local managers and one agent approach me for representation. I perform at schools, city events and other venues to get exposure, etc. When does an artist need a manager or agent, and do any of you (who perform full-time or semi-fulltime) handle your own booking, publicity, finances, etc?

Subject: RE: Agent or Manager....When?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 25 Mar 05 - 07:11 PM

When they will give you a guarantee that exceeds your current annual earnings (from that type of work), and will pay (non-recoupably and unconditionally) for a lawyer of your choosing to lawyer the contract.

Then it is time.

Until then, it is a one-way bet against you. They don't do it to help you. They do it to make money out of you.

Trust me, I'm a lawyer.

Subject: RE: Agent or Manager....When?
From: Hamish
Date: 26 Mar 05 - 02:58 AM

That's true: they do it to make money out of you. So, putting yourself in their place, it's time when you have sufficient drawing power that their cut makes it worthwhile to you. I'd guesse you'd have to be gigging at least four time per week, every week for it to make sense to both parties.