There is a whole process of marketing that needs to be explored if you have gone to the trouble of completing a song which you believe could be a hit. The principal difference between an amateur and professional songwriter is that the professional writer has at least one published song to his credit. It thus follows that if a new songwriter has a song accepted and successfully exploited by a recognized publishing firm, he will encounter little or no difficulty in obtaining serious audition and consideration of his future numbers.
It is the first song, therefore, that presents the greatest stumbling block to the new songwriter. The reasons for are as follows:
1. Of the material submitted to publishers by new songwriters, only a very small percentage has any commercial value. The major percentage of this material is either improperly written, contains direct "steals" from copyrighted songs, or lacks sufficient originality to compare favorably with numbers written by professionals.
2. There is no dearth of song material. Publishers receive a sufficient supply of new numbers to keep their catalogs full and their songplugging staff busy.
3. There is no compulsion, therefore, for the publishers to seek new songwriters. This does not mean that they have shut their doors to new talent. It does mean, however, that this new talent must be particularly outstanding to receive their attention.
4. A certain amount of time, effort and expense must be risked in the publication of any song. The publisher naturally desires to keep this risk as low as possible. If he publishes the work of a successful professional songwriter, he knows that there is a good chance that the song will "click" and that he will come out even or perhaps ahead on the deal.
5. Songs written by professional songwriters are generally much easier to plug than numbers written by unknowns.
Marketing a song - particularly a first song - often requires patience, tact and time. Assuming that the song has real commercial value, there are several ways of gaining a serious audition by the publisher. However, there are certain facts that should be borne in mind when the initial contacting is done.
In the first place, it should be made quite clear that there is no short-cut in marketing a song. The songwriter should have only one goal in mind . . . the ultimate publication of his song by a recognized and reputable music publishing firm.
In what form should the song be when it is submitted to the publisher? This question often perplexes the new songwriter who is undecided whether the number should be printed, hand-written, fully arranged, or fully orchestrated. A hand-written, legible copy is actually all that is required.
If the song is submitted by mail, it is usually advisable to have the number properly arranged or, at least, to have the proper harmonies indicated on the manuscript. The reason for this is that the publisher's piano player will be able to perform the number just as the songwriter had intended it to be played, using the proper harmonies and chord, sequences. It is unnecessary to go to any great expense for a simple piano arrangement.
However, if it should be inconvenient for the songwriter to use a New York arranger, any local music teacher should be able to sketch in the simple harmonies required. A professional piano arrangement costs approximately $25.00 (depending upon the arranger).
If the songwriter is able to contact the publisher personally and is able to perform his own number adequately, there is no necessity to have the number arranged. This also applies if the songwriter brings a friend with him who is able to perform the number.
Piano arrangements are not essential but they do insure that the number will be played just as the songwriter intended. If the number has a strong melody line and does not require any special or complicated accompaniment, a professional piano player will always be able to fill in the proper accompaniment without any difficulty.
All that is required now is determination and luck. Go for it!
Related Articles
Writing A One Hit Wonder
By: Jimmy Cox | 20/08/2007 | Music
Ever wanted to write a successful song? Follow these simple and easy tips and be on your way to become a star with your new song!
How To Get A Song Published
By: Jimmy Cox | 11/10/2007 | Music
These steps in this article is the usual route taken by a song to become well-known and possibly a "hit." Once you know what happens, it will be time to launch your own!
How To Write A Hit Song
By: Jimmy Cox | 12/10/2007 | Music
There are quite a few factors, in addition to natural ability, that are required for a successful songwriter and Writing a hit song can be a daunting project for the new songwriter but if you understand the basics you can then use these tips to help create your one hit wonder!
Proven Ways To Protect Your Hit Song
By: Jimmy Cox | 25/02/2008 | Music
Tin pan alley possesses a standard bugaboo for all new songwriters. This is the always-current rumor that publishers, professional songwriters, bandleaders - in fact, anyone and everyone in the music business -is intent upon stealing the ideas of new songwriters. Many new writers are hesitant about sending songs to publishers for this very reason. This may seem far-fetched, but it does happen.
Innovative Tips for the Song Writer
By: Ty Cohen | 13/11/2007 | Music
As a song writer, your ultimate goal should be to write solid, useable music. A music composer doesn't write half a song and call it whole.
Thoughtful Songwriting Tips
By: Ty Cohen | 13/11/2007 | Music
Being a music composer or better put a song writer is no simple task. If you really think about it, it is probably something anyone can do but not just anyone can do it well.
How to Structure Your Song
By: Ty Cohen | 24/11/2007 | Music
As a beginner writer, you are probably wondering how to write a hit song. Luckily, you don't have to be an extremely experienced music composer to be a good song writer.
Structure Your Song!
By: Ty Cohen | 08/12/2007 | Music
Over the next few minutes, we are going to discuss the beginning basics of how to write a song, the intro, the structure and the verse. Over the next few minutes, we are going to continue on with more tips for the beginner song writer.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
How to remove vocals from cdg looking for free download
By: azedavid | 20-08-2008
how to remove vocals from cdg looking for free download
I am looking for the music and lyics to the ...
By: gramcrackers464 | 20-08-2008
I am looking for the music and lyics to the country western Christmas song titled: "Santa Got Lost Over Christmas."
Who sang the song in the early 70's with the ...
By: grak | 20-08-2008
who sang the song in the early 70's with the lyrics i'm a crazy lady and i love you?
Did you know about Melinda Doolittle first album?
By: Louise7 | 20-08-2008
This past week Melinda Doolittle finally finished the vocals on her CD! All of that happens quickly then we can expect to see her CD on shelves this Fall! Also, keep your eye out for her first official single that should be hitting airwaves in the coming weeks. Melinda is going to be throwing a lot of music at us in the coming months so get ready! Come join us to support this amazing singer www.mdstreetteam.com and go to the forum to read the topic of Melinda Doolittle what she have to share with us.
Has this festival been cancelled? no info on it ...
By: nikkiob | 20-08-2008
has this festival been cancelled? no info on it & website is shut down & i've spent $118.00 to attend, & can't even get a real address. how do i go about getting my money back, if in fact, there is no Rollover Dover Festival??
Where can i buy CD's.,From the Sgro brothers I ...
By: Bud Anders | 19-08-2008
Where can i buy CD's.,From the Sgro brothers I missed them at Spah this year?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Music Articles
Subwoofers: The Speaker With The Big Bark
By: Victor Epand | 05/09/2008
A brief history of the subwoofer's evolution, what it brings to music reproduction, and an overview of its applications today, both commercial and domestic.
Guitar Tab: A Language Of Its Own
By: Victor Epand | 05/09/2008
A brief description of guitar tab, its advantages, its flaws, where it can be found, and its place in the musical world.
The Steel-Stringed Guitar: An Instrument Of "Tension"
By: Victor Epand | 05/09/2008
A basic breakdown of the differences between a steel-sting guitar and a classical instrument and a more detailed description of the former.
The Electronic Keyboard: And Endless Influence
By: Victor Epand | 05/09/2008
A brief history of the electronic keyboard, or synthesizer, its various applications, and an exploration of its wide influence in music.
The Spanish Guitar: The Descendent Of The Middle Ages
By: Victor Epand | 05/09/2008
An explanation of the origins of the modern Spanish guitar and a brief overview of each of its commonly accepted predecessors.
Informational Video Packages Online Teach You How To Play The Violin
By: Kristi Ambrose | 05/09/2008
These lessons are like having your very own instructor right there with you, teaching you how to play, exercises to make your hands and fingers more flexible, as well as different tones and chords to play.
Practising With Digital Backing Tracks
By: Anna Stenning | 04/09/2008
Looking briefly at various ways to help one improve their guitar playing techniques.
What Are Some Of The Top Piano Schools?
By: Duane Shinn | 04/09/2008
For those who want to pursue a career in piano, the options for training are diverse. There are a number of quality schools available in the United States and some abroad too.
More from Jimmy Cox
An Easy Way to Remember the US Presidents
By: Jimmy Cox | 06/05/2008 | Self Improvement
Every American should know the names of the Presidents. First we list the Presidents and find substitute words for their names. Beside each president write words of similar sound. The degree of similarity in sound is an individual matter. For the person who relies greatly on the aid of sound, the substituted word must be very like that of the word to be memorized.
Two Ways to Make Money from Your Greenhouse
By: Jimmy Cox | 25/04/2008 | Gardening
Perhaps you are not particularly interested in making money from selling potted plants, bulbs, or seeds. Still, you want a self-supporting or profit-making greenhouse. Although a number of hybridizers use their greenhouses to hasten the growth of many plants, including iris and roses, there are many things you can do with your greenhouse.
Basketball Basics: Faking and Moving Without the Ball
By: Jimmy Cox | 25/04/2008 | Basketball
Two important skills in basketball are faking and moving without the ball. Both should be practiced well.
How to Keep Your Car Battery Like New
By: Jimmy Cox | 24/04/2008 | Cars
You'll not get caught with your charge down if you give your car battery reasonable care.
Diets for Your Inner Self
By: Jimmy Cox | 24/04/2008 | Nutrition
Diets can achieve amazing results if followed faithfully, and here are three excellent ones: a cleansing diet, a health diet and a reducing diet.
Defend Yourself Using Aikido
By: Jimmy Cox | 10/04/2008 | Martial Arts
The origin of Aikido can be traced back to the Jiu Jitsu School of Daito. According to the records concerning the secrets of marshal arts, the Aiki Jiu Jitsu, as it was called during the Kamakura period in about the 12th century, was founded by Yoshimitsu Minamoto.
Coaching and Strategy in Baseball
By: Jimmy Cox | 10/04/2008 | Baseball
School teams have one coach who directs all play, offensively and defensively. He usually sits on the bench and gives signals to the first-base and third-base coaches, who in turn pass them on to the batter or base-runner.
How to Research a Term Paper
By: Jimmy Cox | 10/04/2008 | Writing
In some courses, especially in your senior year, you may be asked to submit long pieces of writing that may be loosely classified as term papers or research reports. Typical among these are studies of an author's characteristics or surveys of literary movements in honor English classes or analyses in depth of various topics in your science or social studies courses.
Art and Entertainment 
| Posted: 27-01-2008 | Comments: 
