Quarterwave

Hi John, Thank you for taking the time to post your message, as you raise some very valid and interesting points. I'm going to think about it for a few more days and then will most likely counter with what I'm looking for as I am not desperate to have this published - an American Idol finalist wants to track this tune already, so there's no point in rushing into anything....

Yes, very true, that's why I haven't signed it. I'm just trying to gauge what else is out there for new writers - as to me, there is merit in essentially giving a tune away if it will open new doors (I can write similar songs to the one's they want, all day long). I'm already a published songwriter, but I did that when working for the Bee Gees, and now that I'm going on my own, I'm trying to build a name for myself, and part of doing things for myself, means learning all of the "business" stuff. Thank for your input.

Thanks for the response guys. Panaka - it is just a single-song publishing agreement with an independent publisher in TN, but it is asking me to transfer all right, title and interest to the Publisher for the sun of $1.00, in return for 50% royalties on everything that is made from the song. In the event that it has not been commercially recorded in the next 3 years (which seems excessive to me) I have the right to re-claim the work. Is this the standard type of contract for a new writer ? As I have written for many studios in the past for flat rates, but have since gone out on my own, and this is my first foray into this part of the music industry. Thanks again for any help.

Hi, I have a few songs that a publisher wants to publish and they have sent me a contract that I would like to have reviewed. Being a stereotypical, working class musician, I don't have hundreds of spare dollars to have a lawyer look over the contract for me, and so I was wondering if anyone here might know of any credible (and affordable or free) resources that I could contact or visit that would be able to review the contract so that I don't sign all of the rights of these songs away (@ the moment, I own 100% of the copyright). Any productive input is much appreciated.