Always remember that the manager works for the artist, but may make a recommendation that the artist may not agree. Here is where the elements of trust come into play. An artist may have to concede their personal desires to the decisions of the manager. Good communication is paramount and neither party should ever be apprehensive about setting up a meeting or discussing differences of opinion in decisions to be made. The rate may really fluctuate depending on the qualifications and experience of the manager.
Bookings agents have an obvious function.
Their job is to locate and negotiate a place for the artist to perform. Occasionally the manager or management firm will also handle the booking. This is more prevalent in Management Agencies. If you are trying to locate venues to perform, you probably will need the help of the Booking Agency. Many balk at the commission at first, but find that the commission is more than made up with the quantity of the bookings and quality of the venue.