subject: How to Get a Music Publishing Deal? [print this page] How to Get a Music Publishing Deal? How to Get a Music Publishing Deal?
What is music publishing ? There are many different types of music publishing, but essentially, music publishing is a business that takes written songs and gets those songs out into the world and manages the income generated by the music. A music publisher can take on many tasks that range from promotion, materials, or simple "banking." A publisher can send your songs to television shows, films, and commercials, and get your songs noticed by major record companies and artists. The publisher also manages the finances that come with song promotion, use, and licensing, and takes a large cut of the profits in exchange for the services that get your song noticed.
How to get a music publishing deal? This question is just as expansive and complex as the ubiquitous "how do I get a record deal?" And in this case, the answer is just as little of a quick fix. The music publishing business can be difficult to break into, especially for an new artist. Though very occasionally you can get a music publishing deal through a single brilliant song, the surest strategy for getting your song published is to make music publishers want to publish your work.
So, how to get noticed by a music publisher? You need to get your songs heard without the help of a publisher first. Get your name onto some tracks with a writing or production credit, to build up your credibility as someone worthy of publishing.
What are music publishers looking for? In general, music producers are most eager to publish songs by writers or artists who know how to promote themselves and are already generating income through their music. Look everywhere for opportunities to get your songs onto albums, websites, and TV shows. Play shows, gain fans, run a great site: get people buying your records. It helps if you have a record deal; this shows that your music is marketable and valuable. You are going to have to do a lot of the work yourself to prove that your songs are publishable. Make connections with band managers and A & R representatives. If you go through the hard work at this stage, the music agents will start to come to you-or if you don't, they will at least be easier to set up a meeting with.
Once you have established that your songs are worth a publisher's time and money, you can begin to contact publishers. You can use "The Songwriter's Market," a book that lists many different contacts, addresses, and submission guidelines for music publishers; alternately, you can use a music contacts database online. Once you find music publishers that seem to fit with your goals, take the time to carefully assemble your materials to send so that they follow the guidelines established. If your material is quality (with a proven success record), then you will usually be able to find someone willing to talk to you about it and strike up a deal. But it's best if you can make some kinds of connections so that you are not sending your materials completely unsolicited. Try to spark some interest and relationship before you send your songs. And after sending your songs, be persistent-follow up on your submissions every several days. Be polite, but make sure the publisher has given your submission a listen and gives you a definitive yes or no.
Once you have a song publisher interested in your music, you would do well to get an entertainment attorney to go over the small print of the offer with you. There are many different kinds of publishing deals, and you want to be sure of what you are getting into. But if the deal sounds good to both of you, sign the deal; your music is now published. You will need to continue to do most of the hard work yourself with promotions and touring, but a music publisher is there to get your song on a TV show, find a singer for your song, and just widen the market for your songs in general. You're on your way to reaching fame!
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