Get the number. Get paid. Get asked back.
The deal in writing before the date, the door on the night, what to do when they don't pay, the people who run the room, the second booking — and turning one good night into a night of your own. The book's rule: “Never leave for a gig without knowing who owes you what.”
In writing, before the date
“A contract is memory written before the show, when both sides are still trying to make the same event happen.” For a bar spot that can be one text; the point is that the number, the way you're paid and the day you're paid are written down before you drive.
Fill in what you agreed — it writes the text to send back
Nothing is sent from here; what you type stays in this browser. A “yes” back from them is your record — keep it.
“Never agree to a percentage until you know a percentage of what”
It opens on an example room — 60 seats, 4 free, $15 a ticket, a 70% share. Put in the numbers from your own offer. What you get is before tax: On the night has what to set aside.
Settle, count, get paid
“Settlement should feel boring because the deal was already clear.” Count what you can, ask while the numbers are in front of everyone, and leave with a record.
Cash, apps, and the tax on all of it
Facts first, then steps
“When promised payment does not arrive, move from reminder to documented collection steps.” Whatever the reason it is late, every step goes in writing.
Polite, specific, in writing — it writes the message
How the comics made sure of the money from their own interviews on WTF
Its people, and being asked back
The owner, the manager on the night, the booker, the door, the bar. “Treat the whole club like the workplace it is” — keep a problem off the stage and in the right ear — and “Make the room glad it booked you before asking when you can come back.” The second booking is built on the first night.
The comics and the rooms from their own interviews on WTF
How the comics got asked back from their own interviews on WTF
One good night, every month
A room that liked one show may like a standing date: the same night each month, your lineup, your list. Where to pitch a first show, and the room test, are on Stage Time → Bootstrap a room; this is what turns a one-off into a regular night.