I have a feeling that this book is going to become one of the classics in performance theory.

The sample I received was engagingly written and packed with useful information for its intended audience. Love the way Jamie's humour is incorporated into the page. And the exercises (if followed) are genuinely helpful and should help to uncover things about performance and character you may have otherwise not realised.

Jamie,

Can you please at least have a list of the contents? How many pages the book is etc. Thank you.

Its all answered on this thread.

http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......rum=5&24

I am going to take the plunge on the draft copy...I like the idea of it being a pseudo rare copy, and based on Jamie's previous work I am sure this will not disappoint.

Thanks guys!!

And, of course I can!

And I split the chapters up into the following formats:

Advice: Ideas that have worked for me over the years.
Essays: Longer pieces that I believe apply across the board.
Articles: Previous articles I’ve written before.
Tips: Quick ideas to apply.
Tricks: Secrets to making things easier for yourself.
Study: Introspective work to help make you a better performer.
Anecdotes: Stories from the road.
Lessons: Ideas to take things to the next level.

Page Count: 280
Softcover

Here we go!

1|How many tricks you should know.Article
2|Who are you?Study
3|Developing your sets~ Part ILesson
4|How to practice.Essay
5|Your Magic Fridays.Anecdote
6|Business cards.Advice
7|Websites.Tip
8|How Do You Look?Study
9|What are you wearing?Advice
10|Funny or serious?Anecdote
11|Are you any good yet?Lesson
12|Starting Conversations.Advice
13|Touching people.Trick
14|How Much To Charge?Article
15|The Cocktail PartyEssay
16|Getting started.Advice
17|Volunteer gigs and charities.Advice
18|What to say in emails.Tip
19|The telephone call.Trick
20|Getting There.Lesson
21|Developing Sets- Part 2Article
22|Silence.Advice
23|What does my contract looks like?Anecdote
24|Transitions.Advice
25|Conquering nerves.Article
26|How to get gigs.Essay
27|Getting ready for your first one.Essay
28|Fingernail care.Trick
29|How much time to prepare.Tip
30|Pocket management.Article
31|Your list.Study
32|THE BIG SECRET.Trick
33|Your closeup bag/case.Advice
34|Things to never forget.Tip
35|Hat or No hat?Essay
36|The handshake.Tip
37|What to put in the lobby.Trick
38|Who to approach first?Article
39|My first effect.Advice
40|What rubberbands to use.Tip
41|Moving through a room.Article
42|The first words you (I) say.Essay
43|Highs and lows.Article
44|Getting applause.Essay
45|More transitionsStudy
46|Saying goodbye to your group.Essay
47|Tables versus standingAdvice
48|Dealing with the Alpha male.Article
49|Staying in one spot.Advice
50|Busted!Advice
51|Getting compliments.Tip
52|Letting spectators shuffle.Article
53|Reset. Reset.Study
54|Venue Staff.Tip
55|Kids at an event.Advice
56|Burning through material.Lesson
57|How many hours?Lesson
58|Remembering names.Article
59|When to show the event planner.Tip
60|The card force I always use.Anecdote
61|Accepting tips.Article
62|Wallets.Anecdote
63|Handing out business cards.Tip
64|What to never borrow.Anecdote
65|Someone wants to show a trick.Article
66|Regular decks.Study
67|Weddings.Lesson
68|Large tables.Anecdote
69|Do you join them for dinner?Anecdote
70|Vest or jacket?Tip
71|The second Big Secret.Trick
72|Do it again.Article
73|Another magician shows up.Anecdote
74|Gigs outside.Advice
75|When only ten people show up.Anecdote
76|Do you need a stage show?Study
77|Dance floors.Advice
78|Checking back in.Tip
79|Dropping cards.Tip
80|Sponge balls.Trick
81|Dealing with disappointment.Advice
82|Hecklers.Article
83|Open versus closed body language.Lesson
84|One handed spectators.Anecdote
85|Stick lines.Essay
86|Lone stragglers.Tip
87|Journal.Advice
88|Leaving them with something.Essay
89|Custom decks.Article
90|False memories.Article
91|Invoices.Article
92|How to get testimonials.Article
93|Getting all the money.Article
94|Increasing rates.Tip
95|Busking.Advice
96|Repeat gigs.Study
97|Pictures.Tip
98|Social media.Advice
99|Going full time.
100|Agents.Anecdote
101|Essay.Article
102|Go get it.Advice
100|The beginning.Thanks

I'll be the first to admit that, as I was writing, I thought, "There is no way I can, or should, devote a chapter to this. They're going to think I'm just putting in filler." But I made a promise that I would include everything I've learned, no matter how small. And, make no mistake, for everything I've included there was a time when I went, "How come nobody told me!", lol.

DRAFT COPY - available now:

http://magicfriday.blogspot.ca/2013/07/t......opy.html

Hiya Gang!

I'm over halfway to my sales goal for the Draft version! Hurrah! And I'm going to be having a contest for anyone who picks up this early copy!

For every ten spelling/grammar mistakes you find, I'll give you an entry to win any of my products. You can choose!

3 days to go:

http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......tart=150

And, everyone, thank you SO MUCH for all your help with this project. This is, without question, a group effort and it couldn't have happened without all of you. I hope the book itself pays you back and gets you work for years to come.

Your pal,

jamie

I am by no means a seasoned performer but for what is worth here is my comment...
The style of writing and structure is perfect. The workbook approch works well (I was dubious as I read that in the introduction).  The sections are short and punchy and you can feel the excitement Jamie has put into creating it coming through the pages.
Some sections provoked an 'I do that' response, which was a good affirmation I am on the right track. Some sections were thought provoking from a 'hmmmm never thought of that' for some to a 'I should be doing that, why they hell arn't I' for others. In short based on the draft chapters it is going to be awesome.

I received the first 12 chapters yesterday. I sat down last night to read them (I hate reading at night...and usually fall asleep. But the chapters are well written and formatted so reading them was easy).

I am a hobbiest. Have been for about 25 years, off and on. Having read these first chapters, I think this book could help me move into doing paid gigs. I think the chapters offer the two things I need: a realistic plan to go from hobbiest to pro/semi-pro, and confidence.

One chapter (chapter 2 - Who Are You?) is something I've never considered. I think even as a hobbiest it would have saved me a lot of money at the magic shop, and helped me develop as a performer much faster than I have.

Based on what I read, I'd have no problem believing this book is going to do for its readers what it says it will do.

Well done on a great achievement!

This might make the back page of the final, lol!

And THANKS TO EVERYONE for the kind words!! I've only got 40 copies left to sell before Monday night to meet my goal. So if you have a second, let me offer these reasons why you should BUY NOW!

1) It'll have the same content as the final (with bonus spelling errors!)

2) It's $20 cheaper.

3) You'll be helping me out, personally, see the final product come to fruition. You'll be a part of this adventure.

4) I'm doing a gig this Saturday for $1500. I've gotten here by doing everything in this book.

5) At only $55, it's only 53 CENTS per chapter.

6) When it wins the Pulitzer (HA!) you can say you have a rare DRAFT copy - Limited Edition - and helped get it made.

7) You will be sent good vibes from me, forever.

8) Math tutors charge $20 an hour, and textbooks cost hundreds. For the price of this book, you'll hopefully formulate a long career (making you multitudes of thousands) with my words to help you along the way. It's like I'm sitting beside you (inside a book). Fun!

9) You'll have it 6 weeks before anyone else.

10) You'll be able to enter a contest to win something coolio!

Okay, that's my hard sell, lol.

Pick it up today: http://magicfriday.blogspot.ca/2013/07/t......opy.html

On the softer side, what can I say? I've been doing this for over ten years now and know how hard and scary performing Walk Around magic can be. If I can get even one of you past that, and get you to feel better about yourself, then I'll be super stoked. I can't wait to help all of you have as wonderful career as I have. I mean that.

Your pal,

jamie

Ok Jamie, you win, I ordered mine.. Can't wait for this as I want to begin in magic.

Coolio!! And I just picked up a box from the printers today...

Watch the unboxing here- fun! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OClHgv6DDFM

And for those of you who pick up a copy, I just did the gig (last night) that I mention in the final chapter!

Walk Around magic: make people laugh, send people wonder, make new friends, meet the most amazing people in the world, get paid, and then watch one of the greatest bands on earth! Booyah!!

With Sarah MacLachlan (as a band walks onto the stage behind us)

The band? The Red Hot Chili Peppers

After doing my 2 and a half hours, I was "off the clock" and told to just hang out and party. Amazing times at the front of the stage.

And, for all you new Workers out there, here's an interesting photo. Because the first hour and a half, I was performing magic on the shuttle. There was not enough parking near the house, so they had guests park at a nearby school and shuttled them in a Limo Bus to the party. It was the perfect place to make introductions, show some magic, and get to know everyone.

Amazing times. I can't wait for all of you to join me.

Your pal,

jamie

Put in an order for the draft copy

I just took the plunge. The first 12 chapters were insightful and I believe this book will provide me with so many opportunities for reflection and will definitely help me improve in all areas of the art (if I put in the time of course).

Now, Jamie, I have to hope that your spell and grammar check was on the fritz so I can have plenty of opportunities to win your contest

~ Nathan

Ditto!

So, I had kinda lost track of this topic, (You changed the title, right?), and I was thinking, "I wonder when Jamie will be releasing that book he told us about. Seems like his goal was to finish it around now." So I got to looking and whoa! it's done and you're selling draft copies! Just put in my order for a draft copy! If I get lucky and it arrives before Magic Live! I'll bring it with me and have you sign it.

Good job Jamie! Can't wait.

Way to go Jamie. Love your passion and your positive energy.

Thanks, guys!!!

And there is ONLY 24 HOURS LEFT to buy a draft copy! I am SO CLOSE to meeting my goal!!

http://magicfriday.blogspot.ca/2013/07/t......opy.html

So excited,

jamie

Finally was able to get a chance to read the first 50 pages Jamie so graciously shared with us for free. First I will say that this was very easy to read. Jamie has a great writing style that does not put you to sleep. The content was relative and solid in that if you are looking to discover how to enter the world of a paid magician this definitely would be a great place to start. Jamie lays out exercises, things to keep track of and great suggestions on his ideas and trick sets, from his own experiences, that have worked for him. The one chapter also lays out ideas on business cards which makes a lot of sense.

After reading this, I feel that the rest of the book should be a great resource and all will find something useful written in it as Jamie shares his real world experiences in the adventure of becoming a paid-professional magician.

Well Done Jamie!

RNK