Publishing Companies

[RiehlSax]

I have some compositions that I would like to publish. Are there any publishers that accept works from non-established, younger composers. Or is it unrealistic to ask someone to publish a work by a 16 year old?

Either way.

Anyone with experiance?

Tom

[Media Lint]

I have studied the business side of music publishing in graduate classes under entertainment lawyers. Fascinating subject matter.

You could end up with a work for hire situation. In such a case you wouldn't actually own what you write. You'd be paid an agreed price and it could be used for commercials, movie soundtracks, or recordings by label artists. Whether it's used for a commercial for Bobby's Used Cars in Peanut, CA or becomes a hit record you'd earn no further share of the income it generates. It might be a way to get started. Consult a lawyer. Sign no agreement with publishers, distributors or labels before you do.

Before you ever get that far though you'll absolutely have to do a lot of leg work. You're going to need to spend a lot of time on the telephone. You're going to be told no a lot. You'll be frustrated and feel demeaned. Welcome to the industry. An up and coming composer/artist (regardless of age or genre) is worthless without marketing. Marketing costs money, lots of it.

Sheet music is such a dead industry that few people deal with it anymore, and far fewer will take risks.

If you write quality musical scores you should shop them to visible ensembles and/or orchestras in your area to showcase them. Your instructor(s) may have some good connections for this and that might be a place to start. If you generate some press, you've begun the journey.