Songwriter Advisor Blog

One of the most overlooked and, easily, the most effective method to get a publishing deal, is through the services of a talented, well-respected representative; usually a personal manager or entertainment attorney. 

In most every business, networking is not only the best way to have a chance to impress people with your talent; it’s usually the only way.  Think about it; it really is who you know, 99% of the time.  If you can’t get your foot in the door of the music business industry, don’t expect a record executive to come knocking on your door.

But first, if you’re serious about “making it” you have to put yourself in a position where the “it’s who you know” becomes a part of your daily goals; network, network, network!  You must take initiative if you want to be successful in the music industry whether you’re chasing a music publishing deal, record deal, or any other type of position in this competitive industry. 

Here’s a foolproof plan to get a publishing deal for talented songwriters:

1. If you are talented, you will be successful.  I spent a good part of a year hearing the same old thing from family and friends; the industry is too competitive, you’ll never make it.  To this day, I resent what a few friends and family members said, and yeah, I still love them, but I secretly hold it against them.  I made it because I made my own breaks while networking, but most importantly, because I could back up my words with my talent. 
2. Don’t ever let anyone convince you you’ll never make it; there’s no way to control their beliefs – I can only think of a few worse things in this world than family and friends who don’t lend moral support to musicians.  So keep pushing and start your journey with a positive mindset!
3. Look for the major players who are accessible in your local music scene, and find a way to introduce yourself.  These can be anyone from club owners to A&R Reps to entertainment attorneys.
4. Be consistent in getting your music heard so you stay fresh in the peoples’ minds and to keep your momentum going.  If you make a great first impression after inviting one of your contacts to watch you perform or (if you don’t perform) to have your songs performed, you can create a domino effect.  One industry person will tell another and so on and so on…
5. Don’t forget about the media; one great interview showing up in a weekly local entertainment newspaper can help you gain much exposure.  Tell them humbly how you wrote the latest song for that great local band getting attention!
6. Actively search for a personal manager or entertainment attorney.  Network, and be relentless in searching for the best one.  Be prepared to clearly explain your goals and have something to show a prospective manager in the form of a press kit, demos, or simply invite them to watch you perform live; talk yourself up in a big way and get him or her excited!  If you’re turned down initially, be persistent but not irritating, and if you have sufficient talent, you will eventually connect with someone.   
7. If you’ve networked enough you can find yourself writing songs for a local artist or band getting ready to break out in a big way.

Also, don’t overlook smaller music publishing companies; keep an open mind, and remember, many smaller publishing companies have grown into major successes.  

The easiest way to get a music publishing deal is to be relentless in networking and finding someone with power to represent your best interests, and this is why; your talents are more appealing to companies when you have someone representing you who’s trusted and believes in your talent enough to put their name and reputation on the line!