Improve your vocal skills if you're not already a highly skilled singer. Take lessons and get feedback from professionals. Learn vocal techniques so your voice doesn't conk out in the middle of a performance.
Write or acquire great songs. Write on your own or collaborate with other musicians and songwriters. For help, listen to songs you enjoy and think about what makes them so good. Chances are the song has a catchy hook --- a vocal part that gets stuck in your head --- memorable lyrics and interesting musical parts.
Practice on a consistent basis. Don't perform until you've mastered your songs. Practice continuously, fine-tuning your performance until it's close to perfect. Rock singers that make it are typically highly polished performers and musicians.
Record a demo, which is a sample of your songs. Work with a recording engineer or producer to get the sound you want.
Book shows. Give your demo to local clubs and venues. Also send emails or make phone calls to the venues or to bands that can help you get on a show. In the beginning, you might have to take whatever shows you can get, but if you prove yourself as a good singer, you'll start getting better bookings.
Create a website to promote your music and performances. This can be your own website or through social networking sites.
Promote your shows and songs through social networking sites, blogs, email and fliers.
Perform shows as professionally as possible. Arrive on time and follow the venue's rules. If the venue says you can play 30 minutes, don't play 31 minutes --- play 30 minutes. Avoid drinking too much before performing. Focus your energy on giving the best performance you can. Afterward, talk and meet people, which further promotes your music.
Make a high-quality recording. While your demo may be a little rough, your first release, and every one after that, should sound as professional as possible. You can record this before you start playing shows, but playing shows helps you fine-tune your songs and build up your money from what you make playing shows. Recording is expensive, so you'll need to save up a lot of money before recording your first release.
Sell your recording at shows, which makes you money and gets your music out to people.
Send this recording to music reviewers, booking agents and record labels. Include a bio that sums up what you have done, such as where you've played and who you've played with.
Book shows outside your hometown. Record labels and booking agents want to see bands and singers that tour and make an effort to get their music out there. Booking a tour around your region or around the country helps you gain fans and impress people in the music business.
Continue to write new songs, make new recordings and book new shows. Rock singers often work tirelessly for years before gaining any success.