You wrote a song that you believe is the next big hit.What is next?Don't sell the lyrics directly.You can work with artists, publishing companies, and performing rights organizations to come up with a licensing agreement.A licensing agreement gives an artist the right to record and perform your song.If you have good material and are patient, you can make money from your lyrics.
Step 1: There is a demo that you can record.
If you only write lyrics, you should get help setting your words to music from a composer.Make a recording of the song.You can begin marketing yourself once you have a demo.It should be professional, but you don't need a perfect recording.The more polished your sample is, the more likely it is to be passed on.You can use a high quality microphone to record at home.First, record any instruments.Recording software can be used to put the instruments and vocals together.To clean up the sound, adjust the volume so that it is consistent across the whole track.
Step 2: Make sure your song meshes with the artist's sound.
You should be able to picture the artist singing the song.It should fit in with their style.If you want to work with an artist with a retro sound, don't pitch them a song that they think is a club hit.Trying to pitch a song to an artist you think will be a hit is more important than making sure the song fits the artist's style.You can find up-and-coming artists by attending music festivals, conferences and expos.Make sure your song fits with the artist's sound by listening to their work as much as you can.
Step 3: Look for up and coming artists to work with.
It is very unlikely that your pitch will be heard by an established music star.Hundreds of pitches can be received by new artists that aren't huge names yet.You can increase your chances by working with smaller artists.Artists can be contacted through their manager or agent.They can help you find contact information and pitch you to the artist.Email or social media can be used to contact new artists.Independent artists who don't have a record label can benefit from this approach.
Step 4: If you want to send a demo, contact the music publishers.
Big-name artists work with music publishers.If you want to work with a big artist, you need to know what music publisher they use.You can get permission to send a demo from that publisher by contacting them through email or phone.When choosing whether or not to work with a publisher, ask what artists they see performing your work and how they would get that artist to hear it.
Step 5: Send complete songs to an artist or publisher.
To increase your chances of being heard, send a CD with a song or two that is a strong fit for the artist.Don't send more than 5 songs.You can make your demo CD look professional with a printed label and case.Don't bother the person you sent the demo to.If they like the song, they will contact you.If you send an mp3 you should include your contact information in the file.
Step 6: You can build relationships organically in the industry.
Introduce yourself to different publishers at events like music expositions and conferences.Hand out business cards.You are more likely to get a meeting with a publisher once they know you.
Step 7: Try to get discovered in lyric writing contests.
If you want to get away from all the meetings and networking, try a contest.Winnings usually include the chance to work with music industry professionals.You could get noticed even if you don't win a prize.
Step 8: If you only want to allow the song to be recorded, you can get a mechanical license.
There are three basic licenses you can use to allow the publisher to do different things with your song.The artist can record their song with a mechanical license.You can give yourself a license to record your song if you designate yourself as a publisher.
Step 9: Choose a license that will allow your song to be played on TV.
If you want to use your song in a movie or TV show, you'll need a license.If you have an agreement with the TV or film producers, you can collect royalties from the publisher.
Step 10: Print licenses allow for the printing of sheet music or lyrics.
The artist can use a print license to distribute sheet music.If the artist would like to include lyrics on CDs or digital albums, this is useful.
Step 11: Licensing your music can be difficult if you don't work with a publisher.
There are writing workshops and conferences where you can find publishers.You should look for a publishing company that has a good relationship with you.They will navigate contracts with artists once you have a publisher.It can be hard to get an agreement with a publishing company.You can set up a publishing company to represent you.You will need to make your own connections to agents and artists to be successful as a publishing company.
Step 12: All contracts, edits, and proof should be reviewed.
You may be sent edits for your song by your publisher.Review any proofs the publisher sends you before you approve them.You should read the contract before you sign it.You should always keep copies of your contracts.
Step 13: Register online for a Performing Rights Organization.
If you have an agreement with a publisher, join a PRO to collect royalties.For tax purposes, anyone can join by giving basic contact information and a social security number.You will sign a contract specifying the terms of your membership.The contracts usually last 2 years.You will have to pay a membership fee.The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers is one of the well-known PROs.
Step 14: You can register your song with your PRO online.
You will be able to register your song with most PROs.You may need to include a lead sheet, a copy of the recording, and any agreements you may have with a publisher or co-writers.Each song will have a unique registration number.
Step 15: You can collect your royalties from your publisher.
The publisher splits their share of the royalties with the writer.You will be paid quarterly by your PRO.Depending on the kind of licenses you issue, you may get royalties from radio plays, music sales, or having your song on a commercial, TV show or movie.