Marketing, Selling & Business Matters in Magic & Conjuring

This is the first chapter from Maxwell's ebook Everything I know about Marketing Magic. Any creator, producer, manufacturer and retailer of magic should read this insightful ebook.

1st edition 2012, 20 pages.

As a thank you for supporting Magic World Publishers, we are pleased to offer a free PDF digital manuscript, containing three top-notch gems of mystery by Howard P. Albright. Good tricks in themselves, yet they also get you free advertising each time you perform them.

CLUB SPECIAL - A sure-fire sensation; leaves the audience with a quantity of tokens that advertise you in unique fashion.

TALK OF THE TOWN - An uncanny mystery; your name, etc., appeals on several initialed cards from an ordinary deck. These are left with the audience so they always have your contact information at hand. ...

This was the first book on performing magic on a cruise ship. Many magicians realize that one of the more enjoyable ways to earn a living in this profession is to work the cruise ships. The eating is great and you can see the world. You may die from over-eating but what a way to go! If you think you can eat the gourmet food on the cruise ships and still fit into your tuxedo, then this book is for you.

The problem for most magicians who desire to work on the cruise ships is lack of information on how to go about it. This ebook details how to get booked, the names and addresses of the agents...

Crowd funding is 'in'. Many try it. Many think it is an easy avenue to raise money, but often it leads to disappointment. Carl E. Jones aka Topper explains how he was successful in his first attempt to crowd fund a project. He covers:

• Why?
• Research
• Doing it!
• Pre-Launch Activities
• National Publicity
• Launch Day
• Focus On Your Donors
• Updating Donors & Others
• Campaign Management
• At The End & Beyond

1st edition 2013, 50 pages

Here is a rare release from the past by G. W. Magnuson. In the 40s, he put out a booking system for mentalists. It showed an easy way to get into theaters with your mind reading show. This system was used by most of the prominent mentalists in the 40s and 50s including Bob Nelson.

Believe it or not, this almost forgotten system still works today, but on a more limited basis. If you are a mentalist looking to fill in some of your open dates, then you may find Magnuson's ideas to be of use.

In the 40s and 50s, many top names mentalists were using this system to make a good living, while others not...

Before you take your magic show on the road, this ebook shares some vital tips with you.

Taking a large stage/illusion show on the road is a massive task that can be hugely rewarding and profitable. However, there are also many pitfalls that one needs to be aware of that can ruin you. This is a short ebook filled with concise information to guide you in the right direction so that you don't end up jumping in the deep end and making costly mistakes.

From market, research to planning your show and the types of tricks one should consider including transport, sound and lights, special effects...

Table of Contents

3. Content
4. Introduction
5. Letters
8. Photographs
8. Illustrations
8. Folders and Booklets
14. Testimonials
14. Blocks
14. Souvenirs
14. Throw Aways
15. Posters
15. Portfolio
15. Newspapers
17. Fees
17. Fields of Work

1st edition 1931; 22 pages.

Mail Mentalism is a card trick that can be done via mail, email, phone, radio, across rooms or other communication channels. It is an automatic effect where you only provide instructions but do not require any feedback or response. The spectator will need a deck of cards. The instructions are customized for each occasion.

This is a great trick to amaze somebody long distance, be it to solicit a possible engagement, introduce yourself to a journalist, or even fooling a magic friend.

1st edition 1949, 8 pages; PDF 9 pages.

The first book of its kind written exclusively for children's entertainers. If you are a children's entertainer, then this ebook could be one of the most important things you will ever read.

This is not just for magicians, but clowns, balloon artists, face painters, storytellers or anyone who entertains children. It's must-know information. The old saying, "What you don't know, won't hurt you," isn't true when it comes to this ebook. Not knowing this information can hurt your career and cause you to lose children's gig. This ebook tells you how to get an edge that will give you an 80% advantage...

The amusement park and theme park business is an interesting opportunity for magicians. If you have ever wanted to experience this performing venue ... now is the time ... and this is the ebook. The Handbook For The Theme Park Magician will tell you all you need to know: how the parks operate, how they book their attractions, what to expect (both personally and professionally) and more.

You will be given sound and practical advice from a man (Wayne Wissner) who has made his living for many years in this lucrative field. Advice on your act, your assistants, your daily life (both on and off...

• How to secure Engagements.
• What's what about your printing.
• How to get a mailing list.
• What fee to ask.
• What to do after an entertainment.
• Hints on arranging your programme
• Etc.

9 pages

In this ebook Topper shares everything he learned about the business and entertainment side of twisting over 200,000 fun balloon creations. What you MUST do and what you should NEVER do if you want to make money twisting.

Some of the things you’ll find in the ebook are:

• What I will NOT leave home without
• What MANY parents have told me about our competition
• What you do NOT want the parents to tell me about you
• What to do with kids that are standing in front of you
• What to do with kids in line
• What to say! (My Lecture called “The Phine Art of Silly Chit Chat!”)
• List of suggested...

Tips and Tricks For The Entertainment Buyer and The Entertainer

Having worked as a professional magician and mind reader for the past sixteen years, I have seen hundreds if not thousands of venues all over the world. From Boston, where I am based, to Singapore, where I work for a few weeks once per year, and many cities and countries in between. A similarity that crosses all borders is the consistent lack of knowledge the client has when booking live entertainment. This is true for that of a variety type. (e.g magicians, jugglers, clowns, etc.).

Now this can be forgiven (to an extent),...

Tips for magicians to overcome stage fright.

Conquer the Spotlight is a concise, yet comprehensive PDF guide tailored specifically for magicians who grapple with stage fright. This ebook dives deep into the psychology of performance anxiety and provides numerous actionable tips to help magicians build confidence, captivate audiences, and perform at their peak potential.

• Chapter 1: Understanding Stage Fright
  • Exploring the roots of stage fright in magicians.
  • The psychology behind performance anxiety.
  • Embracing nerves as a catalyst for better performance.
• Chapter 2: Preparing Mentally...

A practical guide for performing magicians. This report guides readers through a step by step process to produce a full evening theater show - from script, to venue negotiation, to the closing curtain. John includes very helpful samples for press releases, contracts, sound riders, and handbills. Everything is here to get you started.

It includes the Theatrical Magic Lecture Notes and several unpublished routines.

1st edition 2008, 36 pages; 2nd edition 2011, 61 pages

The Script is a breakdown of the sales script and selling techniques that John uses to sell his shows/services to theater/convention/festival clients. (This ebook is also part of Theatrical Magic Omnibus Edition: Turning Tricks into Theater.)

John has worked in sales and marketing for 20 years. B2B, trade shows, consumer marketing and as a corporate sales trainer. He wrote this e-book for entertainers, but the principles apply to any field.

The Script is a proven sales script developed and tested over 20 years, complete with follow up questions, understanding buying triggers, and most importantly, THE closing question that will increase your sales...

There are things that need to be researched and many considerations to think about when setting your prices. This ebook is a basic guide to how to determine what you should be charging in your area.

• Do Your Homework
• Activities / Services
• Market Values
• Price Structure
• Comparisons
• Wrapping It Up

1st edition 2016, 10 pages.

From the introduction my Ormond McGill:

The climax of a magic trick can only last a few minutes. But the build up can take a lot more time. The "sizzle" created by the magician adds drama, mystery and builds the element of surprise. This ebook covers sizzle. What it is, when it is needed, when to use it, and how to work with it.

• What is sizzle?
• When to use sizzle
• Creating sizzle
• Automate yourself
• Timing
• Wrapping it up

1st edition 2016, 15 pages.

The result of the 5 years working in the Thumbtack online market place Zachary Gartrell has written the guide to making more money and booking more shows using Thumbtack.com. Inside you will find a step by step guide to setting up a strong profile that sets you apart from other users on the site. Next, Zachary guides you through the process of sending convincing quotes that will get you hired.

Thumbtack is a competitive marketplace that connects service professionals with customers. When a customer uses Thumbtack, they type in what kind of service they want and offer some details about their...

Aimed primarily at the magician who desires to work clubs, casinos and taverns, this ebook reveals how to get your act booked, even if you don't have an agent.

The authors, who've combined to give performances in 30 states and Canada in clubs, taverns, theatres and on TV, reveal the secrets that booking agents and working professionals don't want you to know. Not only does it cover how and what to include in your advertising, it provides tips on structuring your campaign to answer questions that your clients want to know.

Learn how to separate yourself from the rest of the pack, with these...

Excerpt from the Introduction:

A self-help book for magicians. Have you ever struggled to socialize when not performing magic tricks? Included here is how to use being a magician as an advantage instead of a disadvantage. Plus hygiene and etiquette tips.

Also includes five original routines from the author, including:

• Fedora fusion, an anniversary-waltz-style routine, that is simplified and uses an ordinary deck of cards.
• Mr Silk's candle, a silk-to-candle effect, with a description of how to make the cheap useful prop.
• How much? A money routine featuring an unusual place to hide a bill.
• Floss of poverty, a classic...

Tips on how to make money with magic and in particular kid shows. He addresses topics such as name, costume, publicity, booking, fee charged, tricks and props, etc. Includes a funny and at the same time revealing introduction by his wife.

1st edition 1972, PDF 7 pages.

From the fertile mind of Ken De Courcy, Edwin Hooper and Ian Adair, here is a manuscript loaded with wonderful ideas to magically introduce and produce your business card...

From the introduction:

Publicity is the lifeblood of any magician. No matter how skilled you are or how great your act is, unless people know about you, then there are no bookings. The theater remains empty. Publicity equals bookings and attendance for your public shows. It doesn't get any simpler than that.

Devin Knight (aka Jason Michaels) is a master of publicity. Thousands of stories about him have appeared in the media. The Associated Press even picked up some of his stories and spread them to thousands of newspapers worldwide.

Most magicians are aware of doing blindfolded drives and headline predictions,...

Did you know you could be doing things at your gigs that could get you arrested or lead to hefty fines? I know in the past I was guilty of doing some of these things which led me to write this e-book. In my opinion this is the definitive work on avoiding getting busted at a gig.

To the best of my knowledge, this is the first e-book written entirely on this subject. It was written to protect entertainers and should be considered a must read for all performers. It's a shame that I have to write this PDF, but unfortunately there are things that entertainers could be doing at their shows that...

A method that will create a landslide of bookings that has never been described in previous books on marketing magic. This is a new and easy way to get more bookings that works plain and simple. It will ensure a steady stream of gigs week after week, believe it or not. This method doesn't involve cold-calling, Facebook ads, newspaper ads, yellow pages, using SEO or websites; yet this proven method will normally get you more gigs than all the old methods combined. Try it and you will see. You will be amazed at how easy this is to implement. This method has not been extensively used by other entertainers;...

While this has been written in the 60s, the basics of how to promote, advertise, and build your performing business hasn't changed that much. Of course, you will do the things recommended with modern tools, but the principles and ideas to achieve success haven't changed.

As an advertising man, Mr. Tallman has a lot of ideas on how to promote and get the most out of advertising. He is a very busy magician and this is entirely due to the methods in his book. Let him prove to you how he gets an average of 85 shows a year, and how you can do it, too.

• Foreword
• Preface
• GIVE THE LADY WHAT SHE...

Super easy bookings. Local weekly gigs, that you can actually profit from!

How to book and profit from weekly gigs for any entertainer. One of the most misunderstood parts of doing business is exposure - It can kill you or it can help make your career. In this special 7 page report Jesse Lewis breaks down a well guarded secret of doing free weekly restaurant gigs and profiting from the "exposure".

Let's be honest for a second - is a $7 dollar report going to make you filthy stinking rich? Probably not. But what is outlined here is a simple plan that you can implement today which can get...

Behind every great magician is an amazing business created character. In this ebook I show the 50 foundations I use to become a more engaging performer. Clients want to hire from their friends, so I have created 50 steps in magic to engage with your clients and sell more!

1st edition 2016, 5 pages

Have you ever seen the paper puzzle where you try and find a hidden message or picture without tearing or ripping the folded paper? If not, you can see it here:

You'll be taken step-by-step in this instructional video as you learn to make The Paper Paradox (without any complicated origami folds) for your own fun (and/or marketing). You'll also receive an MSWord template for customizing to your own message (download from the digital shelf). Prospects sure keep this puzzle longer and show it to more people than any business card.

1st edition 2018, length 6 min 30 s.

The definitive work on performing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Right now, most of the world is on lock-down. However, some areas will soon be relaxing these restrictions. What that means is that people will be able to once again meet in small groups from 25 to 50 people, provided they follow the guidelines suggested by the various governments. This means that people will once again be allowed to have small parties. As time goes on, larger groups will be allowed as long as social distancing is practiced.

Are you ready for this time? Most magicians and hypnotists have had all their bookings...

CRUISE SHIPS

• Do you want work on a cruise ship?
• What’s it like?
• What types of contracts are available?
• What is expected of you?
• Ship life - what’s it all about?
• How much do they pay?
• How many shows do you need?
• What kind of accommodation do they offer?

Everything you ever need to know about cruise liners. Inform yourself of all the ins and outs of this industry. Make the right choices.

Plus ‘contact addresses’ of cruise...

A card feat that can be done over the radio. The magician shows the audience how to program their deck into a smart deck and proceeds to locate everyone's chosen card over the radio. A great publicity stunt that will get you booked on radio shows.

"Very deceptive, very nice!" - Tom Craven

Learn the inner secrets of how to make a living as a mentalist or psychic entertainer. The commercial side of this highly lucrative business is revealed in its entirety: contracts, bookings, advertising and exploitation in theaters, clubs, hotels, casinos, fairs, and in private practice.

The entire range of opportunities for psychic entertainers is discussed at length, and with one thought in mind: to make money! Whether you are new in the business or a seasoned pro, this ebook will mean extra dollars to you.

If you're on the sidelines now, watching others make real money in this profession,...

Even with a fine show, extraordinary talent and natural ability, you can still fail to be a financial success, simply because you don't know how to book your attraction.

This ebook will show you, as a clever mentalist, where and how you can book your show and work every day of the year. There's plenty of work for the psychic entertainer who wants to work, if he or she makes use of the information and knowledge contained in this ebook. Learn the ins and outs of working in theatres, night clubs, hotels, resorts, fairs and exhibitions. Discover the subtleties of working in radio and TV, including...

This revised and updated handbook is Nelson's answer to your insistent demand for vital information on publicity and exploitation.

The Manual tells you a score of ways how to get free front page publicity - effective newspaper and magazine tie-ups - question and answer columns - merchant tie-ins - radio and TV guest appearances - publicity and exploitation stunts that mean more and better bookings at higher fees.

Learn how to properly sell your act to the Public - The Bookers - The Theatres Clubs and All Buyers of Entertainment. After all, without proper advertising, publicity, exploitation...

John Booth takes you behind the scenes with 136 top-notch magicians, revealing a whopping 555 methods to improve your act and make it more profitable.

A true classic of magic, available in a revised, updated edition for present and future generations of performers of all skill levels and abilities. The author, a professional magician and author of Marvels of Mystery, bares the secrets of these eminent performers. These are secrets that are not to be found in other books. He tells you what they did to achieve success as a magician. He gives you facts and figures on how to use magic, how to "sell" yourself and...

You could be the next big star in films, on the stage, or television. Veteran performers of stage and TV reveal all in this must-have guide ebook for anyone who wants to enter the exciting world of entertainment. Whether your goal is to appear on a televised talent contest, play theaters, Las Vegas, TV or appear in films, this ebook contains time-tested advice and vocal exercises to get you on your way, just as if you'd hired your own personal coach to prepare you for the "big time."

This informative ebook also reveals proper microphone technique, how to minimize stage fright and pre-show...

An approach to turn drive by cold calls into contracts for performances.

The hardest part of promoting our magic is making cold calls. As part of business, cold calls are done to get our name out. The goal is to prompt hiring committees/individuals to reach out to us before they open the doors to floods of entertainers searching for work.

This text will provide sample approaches, materials you need on hand and ways to introduce yourself to organizations. The focus is on your information and potentials your magic can support/enhance their events. A good cold call will place you in front...

Major corporations, large festivals and fairs offer large paying contracts. In these environments a magician needs more than just a business card and brochure. The best approach is to provide them with a promotional presentation. Some refer to it as a promo pack and others just call it a press kit. Regardless the term those who get hired often gain their consideration based on the promotional information they provide.

One does not have to go out and invest a lot of money to build a professional presentation pack. You can purchase high quality folders from the local office supply store. Using...