Submitting a CD to a library

[fusilierb]

Well it seems like its finally time to send a CD to a library. I'm curious as to what the packaging quality is supposed to be on these. How do you present your CD's to libraries? Up till now all my submissions to everything have been electronic. So I don't have a physical CD, but will burn one. Do you just get a program and do a simple CD jacket and label? Is that good enough packaging, or do you take the time and expense to get a few copies professional done?Any ideas or suggestions would be a huge help.B

[guscave]

I'm going to assume you've already gotten permission to send these CD's to the libraries (otherwise you'd be wasting time and money). If so, try to use full size jewel cases instead of the slim ones. This way you can put your contact information on the spine as well as the back of the CD case. This helps to find your CD easier when thrown in a book or CD case.Make sure you show who the writer(s) are and your PRO affiliation (BMI, ASCAP). On the CD label you should put the length of each song, and again your contact info, just in case they loose the case.Best to ya,

[davewalton]

Feb 5, 2009, 8:38am, fusilierb wrote:Well it seems like its finally time to send a CD to a library. I'm curious as to what the packaging quality is supposed to be on these. How do you present your CD's to libraries? Up till now all my submissions to everything have been electronic. So I don't have a physical CD, but will burn one. Do you just get a program and do a simple CD jacket and label? Is that good enough packaging, or do you take the time and expense to get a few copies professional done?Any ideas or suggestions would be a huge help.BHi,This isn't library specific but just general info that works everywhere. I'd say first check online or through them directly to see what they're preferred method of receiving music is. Sometimes it's electronic submissions only. If it is a CD, then do a regular case (not a skinny jewel case), make sure you have all the information printed on the front and/or back card of the case - all the track names, timings plus all your contact information. It's the information that's important so if it's all white with black lettering, no problem. Also, have the basic CD info printed so it show up on the spine of the CD case. FWIW,Dave

[fusilierb]

Yes, I do have their permission. Thanks for the info. I'm assuming you are just printing this out on your computers, not going through all the expense of getting it professionally done, right?B

[davewalton]

Feb 5, 2009, 10:07am, fusilierb wrote:Yes, I do have their permission. Thanks for the info. I'm assuming you are just printing this out on your computers, not going through all the expense of getting it professionally done, right?BYeah, just all home done.

[zircon]

Feb 5, 2009, 8:38am, fusilierb wrote:Well it seems like its finally time to send a CD to a library. I'm curious as to what the packaging quality is supposed to be on these. How do you present your CD's to libraries? Up till now all my submissions to everything have been electronic. So I don't have a physical CD, but will burn one. Do you just get a program and do a simple CD jacket and label? Is that good enough packaging, or do you take the time and expense to get a few copies professional done?Any ideas or suggestions would be a huge help.BMy submissions have been burned CD-Rs with sharpie text, if the CD isn't already a physical album being distributed. If it is, I just send them that, with the barcode marked out and the shrink wrap removed.

[deantaylor]

I submit burned CD-Rs with 'homemade' labels, but the labels look real good, nicely formated, all pertinent info on them, etc. I think the 'sharpie' method is too unprofessional (sorry, zircon, must my opinion).

[mojobone]

I recommend printing directly on the disc, if you can manage. Labels can cause rattles and in extreme cases, come loose in the player and gum up the works. As ever, make absolutely sure all pertinent contact info and track listings/timings are on the disc itself, as packaging is often misplaced. It can be nice to have your own image/logo/letterhead/branding on the discs to help them identify your output, make your discs a little more special. The shrinkwrap removal step is an important one, never make 'em work any harder than necessary to hear you.