Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Seek music publishing information about rights

There are a wide variety of rights a songwriter may sell, and it's vital to understand all terms related to this part of the business. Some of the most common terms used regarding rights include 'blanket license' (referring to rights given by a songwriter's group authorizing performances of a particular song), 'mechanical license' (allowing the recording and distribution of a song on CD or phonorecord) and 'print license' (allowing a music publisher to print and distribute a piece of music).

I recommend: For a good discussion about rights as they apply to music, check out "What Exactly Is a Music Copyright?" at Sashay Communications. BigBaer.com also offers a succinct glossary including many terms related to music rights.

Learn about contractual terms used by song publishing companies

Although no one expects this to be your area of expertise, songwriters should understand certain basic contractual terms. These include 'advance' (money paid to songwriter by a publisher; the publisher then keeps all royalties earned from the songerwriter's music until the advance is paid off), 'mechanical royalties' (paid to publishers and songwriters for the right to record music), 'syncrynisation royalty' (paid when music is used for a film, television program or commercial) and 'work made for hire' (music created by an employee as part a job or any music that is commissioned; in these cases, the songwriter does not own the copyright to the work).

I recommend: For a guide to common music contracts, be sure to read "What Are the Major Types of Publishing Agreements Out There?" at FreeAdvice. Be sure to also watch "Protecting Your Work: Understanding Publishing, Copyright, and 'Work for Hire'" at Artist House Music.

Research miscellaneous terms used in the music publishing business

Some other terms you may run across while getting your music published in printed form are 'collective work' (referring to a collection of songs copyrighted by several individuals), 'compilation' (a collection of songs that may be copyrighted by one or more individuals) and 'derivative' (a piece of music based on one or more preexisting songs).

I recommend: For an informative glossary of various music publishing and industry terms, see The Entertainment Law Blog. For a great guide to publishing contracts and agreements, including definitions of common terms, see "Eight Different Kinds of Publishing Deals" at The Music Biz Academy.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  No matter how educated you are about sheet music publishing and music publishing contracts, never neglect to hire an attorney to review anything you're considering signing. Be sure the attorney specializes in entertainment law since music industry contracts are highly specialized.

Guide to Music Publishing

Get your songs heard; learn the ins and outs of the music publishing business

By Mary Beth Doyle

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Spend time on a demo

Nothing will turn off a song publishing company more than an amateur-sounding demo. Don't let your talent be overshadowed by poor quality production; spend the money to do the demo right.

I recommend: Dino’s Demos can help improve your music demo, which just might improve your chances of getting in front of a song publishing company.

Hire a professional

Just like most areas of the entertainment industry, it's not what you know but who you know. Well, music brokers, agents and other professional not only have invaluable music publishing information, but they also have the connections to get you one step closer to a music publishing contract.

I recommend: Paramount Group helps aspiring songwriters get their songs in front of music publishing companies. In addition, if your strength lies in writing lyrics and not music, they have a team of songwriters that will work with you to find melodies for your words. The Music Broker Network pitches unsigned songwriters and producers to music publishing company executives. There is an annual membership fee, however, the site claims it is not an agent, with agent fees and contracts.

Try your luck with online music distributors

There are a variety of online music distribution arenas today, and rumor has it song publishing companies search these sites for the latest sure thing. It can't hurt, right?

I recommend: SongCast is an online resource for independent artists to distribute their music to iTunes, Rhapsody and other major music download retailers. OurStage takes it a step further by allowing fans of the site to judge up-and-coming music that has been uploaded to the website. Winners of “Let The Fans Decide” are eligible for cash prizes and more exposure to their music.

Bone up on your studies of music publishing

Even if you think you have the musical chops to make it in the music biz, you may need music publishing information and other insider tips on the business side of the industry. Music schools recognize the value of this and offer such classes in their schedules.

I recommend: Berklee College of Music offers such courses as Music Marketing 101, Music Business 101 and Music Publishing 101 – all of which could provide the skills you need to get your foot in the door of the music publishing business.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When signing with a music broker, look for hidden fees and make sure you'll retain the rights to your music once a music publishing company publishes it.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Prepare your song for the sheet music publishing world

You've got a song in your heart...and in order to get it published, you must get it down on paper. But gone are the days when a handwritten manuscript is acceptable to music publishers. To look like a professional, your music must be notated with a computer program. And if your music notation skills are weak, don't ruin your chances of getting published by submitting a manuscript full of mistakes; it pays to hire a pro to put your song on paper.

I recommend: The gold standard in music notation software is Finale, produced by MakeMusic; although pricey, this software makes professional music manuscripts easy to produce. Another popular notation program is Sibelius First by Avid Technology.

Research song publishing information

After you have a neat manuscript in hand, you'll need to research appropriate publishing companies. There is no substitute for spending time reading about publishers, studying their websites and following their submission guidelines. Although this may seem time consuming, it will actually save you more time than if you submit to publishers blindly.

I recommend: "The Songwriter's Market," published by F + W Publications, is widely considered the ultimate source for researching music publishers; be sure to use the most recent edition, since contact information changes frequently in the publishing world. The Music Publishers Association of the United States also offers an online directory of members that is useful for finding the right publisher for your songs.

Submit your work to music publishers

The number one rule of submission is to always follow the publisher's guidelines exactly. Typically, publishers still want writers to mail them printed copies of their manuscript. A few also accept submissions via email, a few others like to have a simple, straightforward demo tape to listen to, and some are watching for online submission services. Don't try to make your submission stand out with fancy paperwork or gimmicks; the best way to grab a publisher's attention is to write a great song and submit a neat, accurate manuscript.

I recommend: If you want to try to web service route, Taxi is probably the most respected venue. For more details about the submission process, check out "How to Get Your Song Published" at Helium.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A good music publishing company saves you a lot of work by getting your music listed at ASCAP or BMI, making it easy for record companies and artists to find your work. A publisher will also copyright your music, so don't waste your time and money doing these things yourself.