How can I sell song lyrics and poetry with minimal cost?
Question by Joseph: How can I sell song lyrics and poetry with minimal cost?
I’ve written tons of material and I can write about anything. I was told the best way is to sing them myself. Not even close to an option for me, unless people begin enjoying the sound of a goat being brutally murdered. Lol. But seriously, I’m adept at wordplay, but we aren’t all rock stars.
What do you think? Answer below!
2 Responses to How can I sell song lyrics and poetry with minimal cost?
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You can accomplish your goal to become a professional or amateur Songwriter. This is not as expensive as many believe, but in order to find success, you will have to invest in yourself.
You need a background in the profession. Something that validates your ability to consistently write an unyielding amount of material. Songwriters aren’t artist they are writers no different than a journalist. A journalist can’t go to CNN headquarters and say “hey I have a bunch of stories I wrote.” Nor do you want to be a one hit wonder. You want a career.
Register with a songwriting Association like BMI or ASCAP. In addition, if you are remaining local/regional you can also register with a specialty songwriting association (such as a poetry association) as well as a local state songwriting association (such as CSA the Connecticut songwriting association). No agencies or jingle farms they often yield minimum results at egregious rates. When you are a prominent writer lawyers/agencies will begin to reach you competing for representation.
Catalog and copyright all of your material with you listed as the sole author (unless someone helped you write). You can copyright each song individually which is expensive but the traditional method. in contrast, you can copyright your songs based on multiple factors such as “Joseph ______ 2012 pop lyrics catalog” find a format that allows you to create a cataloged library because as the years add up you’ll be drowned with material if it isn’t filed and organized.
Build a portfolio. No different than building a resume in order to become a successful songwriter you have to show accreditation through applied experience/results. Record labels typically have a list of approved producers and songwriters that they work with. There is an onslaught of reasons someone will be picked over you. College education, politics and nepotism to name a few. Artist tend to select songwriters they trust, respect and have proven results.
Both record labels and artists are approached with hundreds of “hear my song” material everyday. You have to do something that professionally sets you apart and earns you respect. You want respect in the songwriting profession not fame. Fame is fleeting , in order to have a career in any capacity you have to garner respect.
Submit your work to songwriting competitions. There are various songwriting communities that have monthly/weekly programs for songwriters to submit. Many of these are judged by a board of your peers, record executives, artists etc. Winning these competitions in any regard provides you with a bullet to place on your resume. Slow and steady wins the race. there is stiff competition and you will lose a lot but its not about winning more so gaining experience and exposure. Most panels provide constructive criticism as to what you did right and wrong. Listen and ask questions if allowed. remember your investing in yourself. losing doesn’t mean you had a bad song there may be one line that hindered the song and a label may pick it up contingent on revisions. Be careful many winners agree to waive there rights to their material in the application process. Read the fine print, If that is a requirement I’d pass.
Find talent that compliments your writing and hire them to sing your catalog. your employer will want to hear the lyrics they have in front of them. You should have demos of ready to present material. The singer you hire is not a artist, it is not their song. Their performance is merely logistic. he/she is a entity that will provide you singing services in exchange for a salary. Do not barter your works “well if its purchased of course well be rich” No.
Just think miranda… Everything you say or do can and will be held against you in a court of law. Litigation creates millionaires.
Create a standard contract that defines your relationship. You also want to note your ability to use these works (in any capacity) as the sole owner. ensure your works are protected until you decide to sell or share rights.
Lastly (because I know your bored) know the history of your field. This separates the “X factor” hopefuls from the Mozart’s . Learn music theory, creative writing, technical writing etc. It is a profession. If you don’t take it seriously no one will take you seriously. this may or may not seem daunting but consistency and hard work will get you the results you want. I just hope in regards to a writing career those goals are realistic. Even Jerry Seinfeld (not a actor or comedian…a great writer) still rides his bike to work…
Congrats on your endeavor
Gilmore Music Group
October 21, 2013 at 4:56 pm
You should check out http://www.songcrypt.net It’s a site for songwriters. There are others there that can get you pointed in the right direction. You may even meet other songwriters that are willing to collaborate on a new project.
writersblock187
October 21, 2013 at 5:36 pm