Music Publishing

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

You’ve got a song, you let it out . . . now what? Just what does publishing music involve, and in today’s world of online music distributors, can you publish music on your own?

While more and more independent artists have signed record deals from exposure on "MySpace" and the like, the traditional route of working with a music publishing company is still likely a better bet. To get your songs in front of music publishers, consider the following:

1. Work with a professional to create a high-quality demo of your very best songs before submitting anything to music publishers.

2. Take a stab at online distributors. You never know–your catchy tune may catch on with online fans.

3. Explore hiring a music broker or other professional with contacts in music publishing. If successful, this will give your songs the most exposure.

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.

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.

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?

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.

• 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.

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