Are you a great wordsmith, but not necessarily a great tunesmith? There are many people who love writing lyrics but do not write the accompanying music. There are others who write both music and lyrics but are looking for a way to primarily sell lyrics. There is a growing market for lyrics. In the music business, publishing is where the money’s at, so many people look to publishing to make a living in music.
Instructions
1. Check out the Songwriter Guild of America (www.songwritersguild.com). Here you can find different markets for songwriters. The Songwriters Guild was put together to protect songwriters by establishing good publishing and contract terms. There are membership fees, but this can be a good way to network with other songwriters.
2. Check online. There are websites that buy lyrics exclusively. For instance, take a look at the site, Empire Music Company (www.empiremusicco.com). The site buys lyrics from lyricists, not just musicians.
3. Join ASCAP – the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. ASCAP will protects writing and distribution of your songs. This is available to self-publishers, as well as people who’ve put something out on a major label.
4. Be sure to fight for adequate credit. If you co-write a song with someone, you can share in the publishing credit. People have been known to be scammed by not getting due credit, so make sure to get split credit in writing.
5. Check out the Music Publisher’s Association (www.mpa.org) for a complete list of music publishers.
