The DM's and Emails That Get More Bookings

If there's one thing I that really annoys me and discourages me from booking a comic is when they ask for a spot without any dates attached to the message. Because the second they ask for a spot without any context or guidance, I know I'm opening the door to a ping pong game of finding a workable date that pleases both parties. The infamous, "Got any spots for me?" message shows two things: The comic's clearly underwhelming schedule, and the lack of regard for the time of the booker. So let's look at how you SHOULD message a booker when trying to get anything from a guest spot to headlining set. 

Don't Make A Booker Work Harder Than They Already Do
Whenever a comic messaged me over the past decade looking for a spot at Flappers, JR's Comedy Club, or my many bar shows, the ones that gave me a month or specific weekends always got an immediate response. Why? Because I can look at those specific dates and check. When a comic just gives me open ended availability, and then says "I'm booked that weekend," after I send a date - I'm now done with them. Bookers and comics who produce shows have no desire to message back and forth. It's annoying. I find that even veteran comics do this, but I also noticed they don't get up more than a couple times a month. The reason is simple - they aren't intentional with their avails. 

Here's The Info To Share With A Booker 
So here's what you should be doing, whether it's a Facebook DM or a traditional, professional email: You should be giving the most specific info possible. If you are requesting at a part time open venue, make sure you send dates the venue actually runs shows. You'd be surprised how many people send ten dates and only two of them are show nights. If you aren't sure what dates they run shows, check the website. If you tell them you're free on the dates they have shows, you'll probably get a faster response, if only because you have shown an effort to do your homework. 

Never tell a booker you are free all the time. That doesn't look good at all. Give specific months and dates. Check your own calendar to make sure you never ask for a holiday. You'd be shocked how many people ask to perform on Thanksgiving or Memorial Day when the date changes (unlike October 31 and July 4). Also, double check you put the correct date. Nothing more embarrassing than asking for a spot, only to mix up the date and day. "Can I perform Tuesday August 15th?" looks great until they realize August 15th is a Wednesday and since they have shows on both nights they now have to ask you what you meant. Being over prepared and on point will help you immensely. 

I once asked a comic to give me any Saturday in April and I'll book him. His response: "Why should I pick? Aren't you the booker?" I sent him the first April weekend. He wrote back, "I'm booked." I didn't write back. We never talked again. Don't be that guy. 

Have Your Media Updated 
Depending on what you are asking for, you need your correct media updated. Here are a few things to consider sending with dates you are available when messaging a booker. 

Guest Sets

• Just a five minute YOUTUBE clip
• Specific Dates 

Hosting

• Five minute clip and website link
• Specific Dates 

Featuring/Headlining 

• EPK (Electronic Press Kit)
• Specific Dates 

You do not have to send more than one clip (YouTube ONLY), nor do you have to include all your socials. In fact, I heard a few bookers complain when people send tons of info in the email. Keep the email SIMPLE. You don't need to include a bio or headshots. In fact, don't send a headshot unless they request it. Too often, comics send the wrong things in a way to make themselves feel important, but if you aren't the headliner, no one really needs a picture unless they ask.

Headshots are another story. Oy Vey!  Gentlemen, please stop sending badly cropped group pics and bathroom selfies. Ladies, the school yearbook and 1990's mall photobooth look needs to go. It's a head shot. You and your head with some torso is just fine. 

Don't Wait For Clubs To Contact You 
Working with Flappers and JR's Comedy Club, I can tell you, if you are waiting on the booker to book you, keep waiting. I might text a person to headline, but when it comes to unpaid guest sets, I'll wait for people to ask me. Unless I have paid gigs to hand out, I don't usually ask people to perform for free. Local clubs like Flappers might send blind booking agreements, don't wait on them. They have 15-20+ comics attending auditions. Those comics are filling up the spots. You need to be proactive with your local club. If they need you promoting, then wait for when friends are in town, and hit up your local club. An email stating "I have four buddies in town on 12/13 and 12/14..." sounds way better than "I haven't been booked in a month, any spots?" 

You have to take some ownership to get what you want. 

Final Thoughts
Taking a proactive position in your bookings is the most important skill you can develop as a comic. And the tact and language used is the most crucial in finding success. Those who are direct and honest with their intentions will always get ahead faster than those begging for crumbs. The club doesn't care about your career. They care about making payroll. So you have to pursue them, and take the ghosting and rejection that comes with that. I had over 200 shows in 2024. I also have over 100 dead end emails and DM's to people who produce shows. 

Just make sure you are following the procedures required until you reach a friendlier stage in the relationship. Don't drop in during the day to have a sit down with the booker. Don't complain on social media. And don't try to ask hosts and headliners to give you guest spots as a comedy life hack. All of this will just upset the powers that be. 

​It's 2025 in 4 weeks. A fresh start. A new beginning. Gandhi said "Be the change you want to see in the world." I say, Be the comic other bookers want to see in the world.