Ready To Do Business Like A Songwriting Pro?

If you want to get in the business, treat it like a business!

Howdy...
Recently, I've sent you emails about how to think like a songwriting pro and how to write like a songwriting pro.  Today, I want to help you do business like a songwriting pro.

Why is it important to do business like a pro?

It's important because it takes more than just great songs to make money.  It’s called the music BUSINESS, after all.  You need to get your songs into the right hands in the right way.  And after that, you need to take care of your money so your money can take care of you.

I know.  Your dream is to write songs, not to handle business details.  But if you don’t take care of business, there won’t BE any business.

Here are some resources to help you do business like a songwriting pro.

BLOG POSTS

A PRO SONGWRITER’S TEAM

ARE YOU WORKING IN YOUR BUSINESS OR ON YOUR BUSINESS?

NEVER TAKE “NO” FROM SOMEONE WHO CAN’T SAY “YES”

SMART GOALS FOR SONGWRITERS

THE UPWARD SPIRAL OF THE SONGWRITING BUSINESS

10 REASONS SONGWRITERS SHOULD PITCH THEIR OWN SONGS

THE 4 CORNERSTONES OF SONGWRITING SUCCESS

WHAT IS YOUR SONGWRITING ENDPOINT?

Today, I want to break it down songwriter business emails into some simple “do” and “don’t” guidelines.  

This is mainly for when a songwriter wants to get a meeting with a publisher, a PRO (like ASCAP, SESAC, or BMI), or some other professional in the business.  These are only guidelines, so certain situations may call for different tactics.

DON’T: Whine about the music biz. We all know it’s hard.

DON’T: Tell your life story in the first email. Or probably ever. We just want great music. If it’s not great, the story behind it doesn’t matter. If it IS great, the story behind it doesn’t matter.

DON’T: Beg. It just makes you look unprofessional.

DON’T: Flood them. Don’t send an email every day or two. Relax. Be patient.

DON’T: Talk trash about others in the biz- or their songs. They might be our friends.

DON’T: Ask for a cowrite or pub deal right off the bat. You’re not trying to get to third base here- you’re just asking for a dance.

DON’T: Ask for too much. Not “come to my show” “listen to my album and tell me your favorite.” Don’t make yourself look like needy work. Just attach ONE song. Or ask if you can send them a song.

DO: Warm up the email if possible. Meet us out somewhere at a show or industry event. Have a mutual contact introduce us, etc. It’s not always possible, but it helps.

DO: Keep it short and to the point. Make it easy to read your email quickly. We don’t have all day.

DO: Provide contact information. Make yourself easy to find.

DO: Provide brief credentials (if you have some). Briefly list any pro cowrites, cuts, major contest wins, etc. Did a pro recommend you?

DO: Ask for a meeting or a listen. Be clear about what you want from this email.

DO: Follow up in about a week. Not the same afternoon. We’re busy. Don’t become a problem.

DO: Respect the professional’s time. If you ask for a meeting, only ask for 15 minutes. And mean it!

Here’s a sample of a solid email:

SUBJECT:

We met at Lance’s show

BODY:

Hi, Bill! We met at Lance Carpenter’s show at The Listening Room last night. I’m Emily’s friend (with the glasses).

I’m a songwriter, and I’ve had two songs featured at NSAI’s Pitch-To-Publisher Luncheon. I’ve also been writing with Sally Makeahit at Sony ATV.

I’ll be in Nashville the week of July 12, and I’d appreciate 15 minutes of your time. I’d just like to say “hi” and maybe play one song for you. I know you’re busy, and I promise to respect your time. Thanks.

Sincerely,

Johnny Songwriter

555-555-5555

johnnysongwriter@email.com

www.johnnysongwriter.com

There ya go!  I hope that helps you on your songwriting journey!
God Bless,

Brent