First Library Deal Help!

[cademan7]

Hey, I just got an offer from a music library for two pieces of mine. I have a couple of questions though about whether or not this is a good deal or not. I don't know what the industry standard is, but they are offering 25% of all the sync fees and then I get the writer's share of royalties and they get the publishers share. It's also an exclusive deal, so they want to claim part of the copyright to my songs. I'm a little worried about that, because I don't know if that's how it works or not. But I don't want to give my copyrights away if I don't know that it will make any money. Should I charge an upfront fee?

I would love anybody's thoughts and opinions, because this is all new to me. haha

Thanks,
Cade

[TerrellBurt]

Hey bro. Edit your post and take out the name of the library. TAXI doesn't allow us to list actual library names.

[larrymagee]

I got the same offer today. I'm going to send them a copy of the Taxi listing that said 50/50 and see if that will help.

[andygabrys]

I got the same offer today. I'm going to send them a copy of the Taxi listing that said 50/50 and see if that will help.

larry - 2 different things in the listing

1) royalties - are indeed 50/50%
2) up front fees, 25% of total.

[VanderBoegh]

Hey Cade, sounds like a pretty standard offer to me. Sure, you'd optimally like a bigger cut of any synch fees, but that shouldn't be a deal breaker. If this is your first library deal, just jump into the pool!

And I wouldn't think about asking for upfront money at this stage. Again, if it's your first library deal, you really don't have a lot of negotiation power... yet. Just keep plugging away, build up multiple library deals, get a fat stack of placements, compile a stellar catalog of music, work the business from here for at least a few more years, and THEN you can think about charging up front for exclusive deals.

But until then, I'd just sign the sucker and revel in the fact that you've crossed a MAJOR hurdle, and you're well on your way to the promised land of making money from your music. Bravo!!

~~Matt

[andygabrys]

Hey Cade, sounds like a pretty standard offer to me. Sure, you'd optimally like a bigger cut of any synch fees, but that shouldn't be a deal breaker. If this is your first library deal, just jump into the pool!

And I wouldn't think about asking for upfront money at this stage. Again, if it's your first library deal, you really don't have a lot of negotiation power... yet. Just keep plugging away, build up multiple library deals, get a fat stack of placements, compile a stellar catalog of music, work the business from here for at least a few more years, and THEN you can think about charging up front for exclusive deals.

But until then, I'd just sign the sucker and revel in the fact that you've crossed a MAJOR hurdle, and you're well on your way to the promised land of making money from your music. Bravo!!

~~Matt

agreed. it all starts someplace. in a few years you will likely have a pretty diversified portfolio of contacts.

Congrats to you Cade!

[funsongs]

Hey, Cade-Man... congratulations!!
From your Island Fan.
"clinks!!" and, to many more;
for you and your mad skills.
Cheers.

[ronnie35]

Congrats
Ron

[cademan7]

Thanks everybody for your help! I did decide to go ahead with the deal.

[AmandaJane]

Congrats on your first library deal Cade May there be many more and as many placements in time