I've submitted a bid to shoot a concert on a paticular date that's fast approaching. It was an informal request from a publicist friend for his client and he passed it on to her. I wanted to wait a certain length of time but I need to know one way or another obviously before the gig.

I'll probably call the publicist and see what's going on but in the future when you submit a bid, do you also designate a date that the bid is either accepted or you are free to book another gig?

TIA
Harry

Set a deadline to sign the contract and require payment of a non-refundable deposit to lock in the date. Don't even think of holding a date until you have a signed contract and deposit in hand.

^^^ what he said... contract is a must before you move forward!

... do you also designate a date that the bid is either accepted or you are free to book another gig?

Yes. All quotes or bids should contain a clause stating that the quoted is valid until XX date. This should be standard practice for any bid you submit.

Set a deadline to sign the contract and require payment of a non-refundable deposit to lock in the date. Don't even think of holding a date until you have a signed contract and deposit in hand.

Steve is right. This is business, all in writing. I'd also be careful of what is expected, my 2cents.