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from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Have you made some good music and want to get it published? This article will show you the way to publish your music.
Steps
- Get a sheet of the music piece. It can be written, or printed out from computer, but the main point is that you have it when you contact a publisher. This will make things easier on them, and overall make them want to publish you quicker.
- Make sure you own the copyright As soon as you create something original you own the copyright, but it makes sense to be able to prove that. If you make it in the US, you can either register it with the US Copyright Office (a bit slow and expensive, but if you want to sue someone, you have to register here) or with an online register (cheaper and instant, but before you get to court you have to register that song with the USCO). If you are outside US or Canada, using the internet copyright registration is enough.
- Find publishers in your area. 'Google' it. Realize there might not be one within 20 miles of where you live (publishers are located mainly in larger cities). When searching for a publisher, make sure the publisher publishes the genre (type of music) that you have composed. Many specialize in specific fields, such as Rock, Classical, etc...
- Once they hear or see the music, (assuming they continue with you) they might tell you to edit some parts in the sheet music to fix blurps, mistakes, etc... This is great! you're about 74% there! Clean up the mistakes, and take it back. Now they'll be almost ready to publish it.
- Here's where the paperwork comes in. If you want to go into Rock/Pop/Rap/etc..., an agent would be a plus to acquire, as they will help with company relations and other miscellaneous tasks. Whenever you sign contracts, take your time and read through everything! It might seem boring, but you want your share of the pay to be more than a few measly dollars, right? Well, make sure that before it's published, that the company gets it formally copyrighted. Most companies do this for you, but just in case they don't, you'll most likely have to file paperwork with the state. This way, nothing is stolen.
- Get your music known (if you are willing to provide a song or a 30 second demo for free download) at moture, a musicians portal.
Tips
- Stay calm... as in all processes, publishing takes time.
- Try to find an experienced publisher, as unexperienced publishers may not understand the process of publishing, not have as good as reputation and could lose or change your work while publishing.
- For sheet music, alternatively (or at least until you've found a satisfactory publisher) you could opt for 'DIY publishing'. Websites like lulu.com and myscorestore.com enable you to offer content worldwide; although the first seems focused on print on demand for both books and scores, the latter on music only.
- When talking to a publisher, there are only two options...either they continue helping you, or they throw you out the door. If they ask to hear your music, you're already 45% there. This means they are willing to take the time to see what you've got. If they ask you to come show them the sheet music, or a recording, you're halfway there.
Warnings
- Don't be overbearing on royalties. Especially if it's your first time.
- This is a generalized guide! Mainly focusing on minor publications such as classical music and small town music.
Things You'll Need
- A song
- Persistence
- Patience
Related wikiHows
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