What is a good deal?

[elser]

Is this a good deal, they take the entire publishing share and half the royalties?

[jdstamper]

Hi Jon,

Just my opinion, I'm not a lawyer ...

A "typical" deal, if there is such a thing, is they take 100% of the publishing royalties, you keep 100% of the writer's royalties ... in other words the total royalties are split 50/50.

However, it is not too unusual for the writer to also share in the publishing royalties especially if you're dealing direct with a music supervisor. It's a bit more unusual for the publisher to share in the writer's royalties ... some on the forum will tell you to never give up any percentage of the writer's share.

License fees are often split 50/50 but the split varies depending on the situation.

Jim

[andygabrys]

I agree with Jim.

50% / 50 % is not an amazing deal, but it is "usual" in this day.

[elser]

Thanks guys, since it's my first deal, I guess I'll sign it. They seem like a cool company, they have tracks from a bunch of guitar legends. I bet they got a better deal though,

Jon

[andygabrys]

you are in good company then jon! you mean like the Shrapnel crew?

[Casey H]

Thanks guys, since it's my first deal, I guess I'll sign it. They seem like a cool company, they have tracks from a bunch of guitar legends. I bet they got a better deal though,

Jon

They have *MY* guitar tracks?

If it's the standard 50/50 deal, yes it's a "good" deal in that it follows the industry norm and pretty much the deal you'd get anywhere. The only BETTER deal IMO would be 50/30/20.... 50 for them, 30 for you, and 20 for me...

Good luck, Jon!
Casey

[elser]

Ok, I'll give you 20 just to keep you around.