**Guest post by Chris "Seth" Jackson, a bass guitarist and composer and founder of HowToRunABand.com.

 

OH no! I can't get a show! I keep sending out booking emails that never get replied to. What do I do?

 

 

**1. Never Stop**

Keep sending emails on a regular basis until you get the show. I send an email once every 2 weeks. When I was trying to book a tour, I increased it to once every week until I got a response. If they say "No", back off for a month and try again. The turnover rate is pretty high for bookers. Might get a new booker next month that will say yes.

+How Do I Follow Up With a Venue That Hasn't Returned My Email?

 

 

**2. Ask Other Bands**

Talk to bands that are booked to play there. Ask them how they got the gig? You could ask them to put in a good word for you or set up a meeting through email. If you are on good terms, you might ask if you could do a quick 20 minute set at the beginning of the night for free.

 

 

**3. Go To The Venue**

Physically go to the venue. Meet the staff and ask them who does the bookings. Be nice and tip! Put up a self-promo flyer at the show. Hand out stickers. Hand out business cards or free downloads.

+It Is About Who You Know

 

 

**4. Put Together The Lineup**

Remember: "Bookers are lazy and want to do the least work possible." Put together a line-up of bands yourself and present that lineup to the booker. (Of course, your band is playing in this line-up.) If the booker likes the line-up and it's for an open date, they'll be more likely to book you because they don't have to do any work! You just did their job for them!

 

 

Related Blog Posts:

+What's My Sales Pitch for Booking?

+Should You Pay to Play

+How to Get From "Local Artist" to "Touring Musician"