You don't need to use an AGENT to book my services.
I will explain how "talent agents" or "musical talent agencies" work:
Discussion on further facts about talent agencies:
Sometimes performers have to wait incredibly LONG times to receive payment for their work. Anywhere from 1 - 3 months or longer, if there are complications.
I've heard some fellow performers say they are quite unhappy with how they are treated by some agents. They are sometimes even yelled at.
Often, the agent will make the performer pay the agent separately, so the agent won't have to declare the gross amount on their income tax. Sometimes they make the performer collect the cheque and they have to mail the cheque to the agent and wait to get paid.
There is also the question of how much culpability the agent has. Yes, they are the contact. But if something goes wrong before or after the performance, will the agent help to remedy the situation? Often not. It's up to the performer. What if the performer can't make it or something goes terribly wrong at the last minute? A great agent will see that a replacement performer shows up and does an equally good job. But not all agents are good.
If you book with an agent, have they ever come out to see a show or to meet you in person? If I were an agent and that was my business, I'd be SURE to meet every one of my clients in person so we could build a relationship.
Please ask the agent any questions you might have. Make sure they are transparent and professional.
Again, most agents work very hard to make a living. I am merely being honest here and covering information that may not be readily available to you.
Thank you for reading.
*Kathy has been a talent agent, an orchestra leader, an independent contractor, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Toronto Musicians Association (1994 - 1996) where she was chair of the miscellaneous contract revision committee and designed the new template for all miscellaneous engagement contracts. Kathy has been a musical contractor throughout her 3 decade career as a performer in the miscellaneous sector. Kathy has also been widely employed by a company in Las Vegas whose contracts were over 25 pages long. She understands musical contracts and riders very well.