About once or twice a week, I'll get an e-mail from someone asking how to get involved in Southern Gospel music on a professional level. I've been asked about getting a job at a record company or in a group and even how to be employed by one of the bus leasing companies that caters to Southern Gospel.

But only very, very, very (did I say very?) rarely do I find someone inquiring about working with a booking agency.

There's probably a good reason for that. I cannot think of another job in Southern Gospel that is more stressful than being a booking agent. Trust me, I know. I was one for a few months. And as long as the good Lord will allow it, I hope I never have to be one again.

Someone once asked me "what would you do if you left Singing News?" I've got a few ideas, but being a booking agent is not one of them. If Ed Harper or Beckie at BSA (or any of the others) were to call and ask me to join their staff, I'd ask "What am I being punished for?"

Now, everyone makes mistakes, and booking agents have made their fair share. (One of my best ones was writing "MO" on a contract instead of the correct "MI," but hey, what's a thousand miles?) I'm convinced that many times a booking agent is in a constant no-win situation. Think about it...most agents are responsible for keeping multiple artists on the road some 40+ weeks a year and there are only so many dates out there. No matter how hard they try, keeping an area "exclusive" for a promoter or church is getting harder and harder. And while I'm thinking about it, the first person who successfully devises a system to do that will be the hero of every artist, every promoter, every music director, every pastor and especially, every booking agent. We're talking serious appreciation here. Money, cars, first-born and future inheritances are just a few of the prizes up for grab.

I'm sure every artist gets frustrated at times with their booking agent. It's just part of doing business in a limited market and like every job out there, it's up and down like a yo-yo. Sometimes the booking agents are right and sometimes, the agents are not right.

I don't see many people lining up to take their jobs, though.

So, to all the booking agents out there, believe it or not, you are appreciated. You are an important part of Southern Gospel music and your work is vital to the survival of all of us in Southern Gospel. Thank you.

But don't look for my application in the mail anytime soon.