DO:
- Prepare your manuscript for it’s “first impression”…error free. some publishers require computer generated manuscripts while others may accept written ones that are neat.
- Find out which publishers will accept and consider “lead sheets” if that is all you have.
- Research the different publishing companies and their catalogs. Study both their categories and general styles… liturgical, traditional, contemporary? Great resource for liturgical calendar: lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu
- Remember to submit only what seems appropriate and in keeping with the company’s style. Remember…first impressions!
- Note whether there is a preference for submissions … mail or email and follow their guidelines very carefully.
- If you mail a manuscript, if should include a stamped return envelope with your name. Send a copy only and not the original.
- If you send a software generated manuscript, include a PDF and an audio/MP3 file for each song submitted. Include a performance CD if you have one that well represents your work.
- Write a brief cover letter with your submission… it might be helpful to suggest a couple of categories you have in mind but keep your comments BRIEF and do not share the long story of how the song came to be!
- Inquire how when and how often does their editorial committee reviews.
- Annually, semi-annually, every 6 weeks, continually?
- If possible, find out who specifically the submission should be addressed to and, if possible, send it directly to the choral editor.
- Know the seasonal market… be aware of the appropriate times seasonal material is reviewed.
- If your submission is rejected, be prepared to submit to another publisher and you just may find the right niche.
- Submit on a fairly regular basis, if you become established with a publisher.
- As you write with a category in mind, strive to bring a uniqueness to what may be a familiar topic.
- Begin the submission process by establishing an effective system of record keeping.
- Title, Origin of text and melody, collaborator(s), submitted to ____publisher, dates of each submission and it’s acceptance or rejection, contract date, when it is to be released, date of actual publication…
- Develop an “Improvement Plan”
- Continue to learn about the industry, if you desire to pursue publishing.
- Read excellent books w/simple but profound helps…Robert Sterling. “The Craft of Christian Songwriting”
- Network, network, network…with other composers/lyricists.
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses and consider collaboration with others who need what you can do best and glean from those who do well what you can’t!
- Plan to collaborate from time to time even if you are able to produce all aspects of a piece….it may help develop character of the song and you in the process!
- Attend Composer Symposiums and Reading Sessions.
- Be flexible and easy to work with!
DO NOT:
- submit more than three songs to the same publisher at a time unless requested
- submit the same song to more than one publisher at a time.
- contact the publisher before one to two months, depending on their review schedule, but generally be prepared to wait at least 2+ months for a response!
- assume each song you write is as remarkable as you first think it is! Networking will shed light on it’s merit😊 Again, rewriting is a vital part of writing!
- be discouraged if your song is not accepted. There are so many reasons a piece may be “rejected” so that it may not be a reflection of the value or merit of song. Do not allow rejection to rob you of the joy you experienced in creating that song!
