Every magician reaches a point in their magic journey where they wonder about the possibility of turning their hobby into a profession. Those who dive into the business side of magic without a plan are often quickly overwhelmed. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. The Business of Show Business is the book I wish I had 10 years ago when I was first starting my magic business. It’s a neatly-organized, concise guide that delivers on its promise of teaching you how to make a living doing magic. These 112 pages will save you years of struggles and headaches. Even now, more than a decade into my professional magic career, I still took so much away from this book. There’s a star or highlight on nearly every page. The discussions of improving website ranking, the art of selling yourself, and leveraging LinkedIn as a potential source for new clients, are worth the cost of the book on their own. Caroline even shares a tip on page 58 that is so invaluable, I wish I could have kept to myself. Put simply, if you’re serious about improving your approach to your entertainment business, you must get this book. It’s incredibly underpriced and the minor monetary investment you make now will continue to reap rewards for the rest of your magic career.

The Business Side of Show Business is more than just a collection of advice; it’s a fully equipped toolbox designed to help performers transform their art into a sellable product in today’s market. Caroline Ravn’s writing is engaging, humorous, and brutally honest and her experience as a professional magician shines through in every page. She offers practical, real-world strategies that can make a tangible difference in your career. This is a solid, solid guide. She doesn’t just teach business; she reframes how you think about your magic—helping you define your goals and, based on that, choose the right career path. Ravn goes deep—this isn’t a surface-level guide. She meticulously breaks down every aspect of building a professional magic career, from social media strategies to branding, from booking gigs to adding value as a performer. She gives you everything you need, whether you’re looking for immediate, actionable steps or long-term strategies to create a lifetime career in magic. This book is about the full journey—going from being a magician to becoming an artist with a real career. Whether you want to know how to get more shows, increase your earnings, or build a thriving business model, Ravn gives you the tools, insights, and proven methods to make it happen.

This book is a great primer not only for magicians but for anyone who wants to be paid for being onstage in front of audiences. Personally, I found it applied so well to my career as a public speaker - I especially liked the chapters on "How to Book Gigs" and "Social Media" which is where most people really struggle in their performing careers. It's full of great, practical step by step advice on how to manage your career from the starting line to the stage in the modern era. Easy to read and easy to understand lessons from one of the great magicians of our time. Highly recommended!

LIFE CHANGING I have read Caroline’s The Business Side of Show Business and am on my second read through. As a magician who is taking my first steps into the world of becoming a professional, I knew from listening to countless podcasts and YouTube videos some of the many steps needed to get started. I was and am excited however until reading Caroline’s book I was confused and overwhelmed! “What do I do first?” “How do I even begin?” I saw the top of the mountain but did not know how to best get to the summit. Reading her book, it’s as if Caroline is there saying “ok calm down I’m here. First tie your shoes and let’s begin with the first step and then the second will be easier.” Caroline breaks down in bite size pieces what is needed and what the best practices are to becoming a paid professional. This is a MUST read for anyone who wants to break into the world of professional show business. Thank you a million times for this book and for sharing your knowledge Caroline!

Caroline, I am halfway through your book and I think it is excellent. You have shared some solid business advice and it will make a difference with my business. I also took The Pro Magic Academy "How to Be a Professional Close Up Magician" course and stand by that too. My biggest takeaway (so far) is the CRM Giggio. That has really helped me with contract/ invoice management. I have created a unique magic show that blends a tasting of fine Italian wine with magic. I can share more if you are interested. Thanks again for the book and for the LinkedIn suggestions. Sincerely,

This book is fantastic! It's a must for any performer looking for a way into the industry of live performing arts. Though focused towards the magical end of that area, all can take away something of value. If you're a single act or even a multiplayer crew this book can be utilized to build a clear strong plan for their career. A must read for the beginner and a great tool for a season pro looking to improve their game. With simple truths Caroline has organized a foundation we all should stand on. Its timing couldn't be better, with discussion on the modern performer, social media, in the age of screen time. If you got something they wanna see of course! This book is your path through the fog!

I've been a magician for 18 years and professional for 4 years. I have read many books on business, magic/business, marketing, branding, and other related topics. Caroline wrote a complete compendium of what you need to start earning and thriving doing magic as a job. This book has tons of great lessons, and I love the bit-size structure trying to cover all the small details required to start a magic business. What I value the most from this book is the raw honesty of it from actual numbers and practical advice that Caroline uses for her business. Thanks for creating such an honest and comprehensive guide!

Having read many books on magic recently and managing business accounts for others over the years, it's great to finally see a book available that covers both aspects, and it covers both of those beautifully. Even though it may seem basic and simple, it's exactly what you need and gets straight to the point without missing a beat. If you're wanting to elevate your business side of magic then you don't want to miss out on this.