Multiple Publishers?

[rck]

Hi,

I am reading some of the Taxi listings I just received in my email. I am interested in the TV/Film listings. However, how does it work with music publishers? Do they keep your publishing forever or will it depend on the terms of their contract (which I will find out if I get forwarded and contacted)? Can you have/submit to more than one publisher?

Thanks!
RCK

[prez]

Sup.

When it comes to publishing, it'll depend on the contract that you have. No two publishing contracts are the same.

That being said, you will commonly find 50/50 splits for a term of maybe one to two years for a one song deal. Generally, the more songs in a deal, the longer the contract term. Just depends on details of the contract.

As far as submitting to more than one publisher, I personally believe shopping to different publishers is a smart marketing move. However, if you start to get into serious talks with more than one publisher, I'd disclose that as soon as possible. This is only if it's the same song being shopped. If it's two different songs, you don't have to disclose anything.

God bless.

[rck]

Thanks for the reply. I understand more clearly now. What about listings that are requesting I control all publishing rights? e.g. Say, the song has already been accepted and I am in a 1 year contract, 50/50 deal with "publisher A". Does that I mean I do not control ALL my publishing rights anymore for that song?

Also, if I am signed with one publisher with a deal of 50/50, does that mean if I sign with another publisher they will be taking a percentage off that 50% I own, etc.?

Sorry for all the questions.
Thanks

[gitarrero]

hi rck

the whole topic as a little bit too big for just a quick post.

the issue "should I sign the same song with more than one publisher" has been discussed in dept here on the forums, I'd suggest doing a research.

as prez already said, it all depends on the particular contract with a publisher what you can / can't do legally. for example, if it's a fully non-exclusive contract, you basically could sign it to another, non-excl. publisher.

the thing is that there's a good chance that sooner or later there will be some "crossing" if the very same song is signed with various publishers (under diffrent titles).

so, to make it short, my personall suggestion is: within the same market, sign a song to only one publisher, even if it's fully non-exclussive.

much more crucial is to find the right publisher for that particullar track - ie a publisher who will likely place your work.

hth
martin