How To Impress Your Music Publisher

So, a music publisher has just signed you to a staff songwriting deal or a single song agreement and you're ecstatic! You're sure you're going to make a great, lasting first impression on your music publisher with the quality of your work and professionalism. But wait!

Don't be fooled into thinking just because you are currently writing the greatest songs on the planet in your genre that you're soon gonna' have it made.

Get real. You are in an exclusive category of songwriters and should be proud of yourself, but what you do and how you act in the first few months will define how the music publisher thinks of you. And it will influence how fast and far they will go to place your songs with recording artists, how quickly they'll move to try and get you a record deal, or how quickly they'll learn they made a mistake in signing you in the first place! Bookmark Site

Consider these tips when building a relationship with your company president, A&R/Promotional rep, or whoever is appointed to help you "learn the ropes" and get your songs to the next level through your music publisher:

1. Whenever you're scheduled for a meeting or appointment, be it with the Vice president or receptionist of the company, be on time. If you're gonna' be late, you better have more hit songs than Elton John under your belt with a valid excuse like, "I'm sorry, I was counting the zeros on my latest royalty check and lost track of time."

2. Get or stay organized by keeping your songs and files either in a laptop computer running Lyricist software, or in a handsome leather briefcase or other organizer that matches your personality as a songwriter or artist. Show your music publisher you're dedicated and in total control of yourself.

3. It goes without saying for recording artists, but even for non-performing songwriters, develop and portray an image you're comfortable with and one that reflects your personality. Remember, all eyes are on you for the next few months. If you can, update your wardrobe, and if you're broke, borrow the best hand-me-downs you can find from your family and friends. Imagine the horror of showing up in front of your music publisher in flip flops, a ragged pair of jean shorts, and a smelly cap! Ughhh!

4. Don't showcase a song to your music publisher until it's complete. This is one of the marks of a true professional. If you begin showing unfinished songs you'll not only give the impression that you're having trouble finishing the song, you'll disappoint your music publisher when you later change your mind and change or drop those specific songs. The only exceptions would be if you're working hand-in-hand with a fellow songwriter or if a staff member such as an A&R rep has been appointed to help in your development.

5. Show a willingness to learn and grow as a songwriter by participating in every event suggested by your music publisher and inform them of your own upcoming events and/or plans. Do your homework and politely suggest which artist you think each of your songs can be pitched to, and show them you're willing to do some of the legwork in shopping your songs.

6. Network as much as you can and humbly show everyone in the industry that you're signed to your music publisher. This is the time to take advantage of showing legitimacy and being taken more seriously in this business! Play your cards right and you can be on the fast track to networking success here. Now is your chance to make a name for yourself.

7. Don't expect your music publisher to do everything for you. Take initiative in setting appointments, attending workshops, showcases, YOU GET THE IDEA! There's nothing more tiresome to a music publisher than a songwriter who expects everything done and handed to them on a silver platter.

Congratulations! Your music publisher just picked up your second option year on your contract!