Library slow with contract

[CamH132]

Hi guys, just had a couple questions about signing my first contract with a new library.

A library liked a couple of songs that I submitted to a taxi listing and asked if I could write them a full album in that style.
They sent me a sample version of their contract agreement to have a read over while finishing the extra tracks and once everything was done they asked for all of my details so that they could write up the proper contract.

The deadline for the album is coming up and they still haven't sent me the finalised contract to sign. Is it risky to send them all of the files for the album before signing the contract or should I still send the album before the deadline and then sign the contract later?


As this is my first proper library contract that I'm signing, I'm also wondering if this contract covers all of the music I send them in the future or if I have to sign a new contract for every album of mine that they release?

They've asked me to write a couple more albums in similar styles and just wasn't sure if I will need to sign a contract for each one, or if I'm sweet to just keep sending them music (which they've asked for) once I've signed the initial contract agreement?

Cheers!
Cameron

[jdstamper]

No legal advice here, just my opinion ...

What I would do is to research the library on your own to make sure they have a solid reputation. You should do this with any library before you sign.

If this is a brand new library with no track record, you may be able to research the principle people standing behind the library.

Some libraries might feel there's no need to finalize a contract prior to having the tracks ready. I imagine sometimes libraries put good faith effort into finalizing an agreement and never receive tracks they want to sign.

Based on my experience I wouldn't expect much risk in sending your tracks, because without a signed contract, they have no right to do anything with them. It works both ways.

[CamH132]

Thanks guys. Very good advice.

A lot of what you said reaffirms what I was thinking about the situation, so it's good to hear that from people with much more experience than myself.

Appreciate it!