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I'm putting together an email and snail mail template to request permission to submit music to publishers. I know that they typically require this to avoid scam artists that send in un-solicited material, and then try to claim that it was used w/o their permission.I'd like to put in a link to some of my work in the mail, but with the above in mind I'm currently leaning towards verbage like this:"Links to sample material available upon request"Curious to hear if others request to submit letters contain links to samples, or websites with links -- Maybe I'm being too paranoid.Thx!Erich

I don't think a link to your website is out of line at all. These days folks are very familiar with websites, mySpace, YouTube, etc. I think having a website as an online demo/resume is a great way for potential clients to get a first impression of you and your work. If they get your e-mail, go to the site and like what they hear, they will probably ask you to send in a CD.Also, check their submission policies on their website to see how they like to handle being contacted.Good luck!Mazz

Thanks Mazz,I'll probably include a link with that in mind. I think I'll put up a new Soundclick with just the 'crem dela crem'? <spelling> of my catalog and include a link to it. Heck, I might even create 2 or 3 sites that showcase a particular style and target them towards individual publishers.Erich

Apr 5, 2009, 7:51am, teleblaster wrote:I'm putting together an email and snail mail template to request permission to submit music to publishers. I know that they typically require this to avoid scam artists that send in un-solicited material, and then try to claim that it was used w/o their permission.I'd like to put in a link to some of my work in the mail, but with the above in mind I'm currently leaning towards verbage like this:"Links to sample material available upon request"Curious to hear if others request to submit letters contain links to samples, or websites with links -- Maybe I'm being too paranoid.Thx!ErichI wouldn't include any links except, if it's an email, a link to your music site in your signature. What I would say is, something like, 'I can provide links to specific tracks, email/FTP samples, or mail a CD as required. Please let me know your preference.'Make sure your music site is well set up with current bio and tracks; and that your best uptempo track is the first one on your page, just in case they do check it out

Apr 5, 2009, 9:07am, teleblaster wrote:Thanks Mazz,I'll probably include a link with that in mind. I think I'll put up a new Soundclick with just the 'crem dela crem'? <spelling> of my catalog and include a link to it. Heck, I might even create 2 or 3 sites that showcase a particular style and target them towards individual publishers.ErichErich, I would not link to a soundclick page if you want to look professional. You'd be better staying with myspace (apparently you can now upload up to 10 songs).

In an email, providing a link is a good thing-- it gives the receiver the option of checking out your music before responding. In a written letter, you can provide it, but the odds are much less that the person reading the letter will bother. (It can't hurt).I agree with Vikki that a link to a decent myspace page is best. Keep it simple-- bio, credits, songs on the music player, etc. Don't make it hard to get to the basics as some do with very fancy pages.When you do a mass email, it's very important that all the recipient's emails go in the "bcc" field, not "to". It is extremely tacky for a publisher to receive your email and see it was broadcast to dozens of others-- impersonal, shotgunning, and a lack of respect for people's privacy as to their email addresses.If possible, personalize each as opposed to "Dear Publisher" or similar. For printed letters I know how to do a mail-merge in Word so that each recipient's name and address are inserted. I'm not sure how to do that with email but I know there is a way.If you need additional help, feel free to PM...Best!Casey

Thanks all for the great responses. Regarding Soundclick vs. Myspace. I understand that Soundclick is kind of a joke; their competitions are pretty pathetic; but it's the easiest/cheapest site I've found to pile a buncha mp3s on. It's hard for me to understand why a publisher would care where a song he/she was listening to was hosted on. Furthermore, if I'm gathering tracks for TV and Film, why would I care what the dude that wrote the stuff looks like, where he grew up, whether he likes long walks on the beach at sunset, etc...., let alone what his website looked like? Not trying to be cantankerous (OK, maybe just a little bit ), just curiuos. I've always been a no-frills kind a guy; results are pretty much all that matter to me. Perhaps I shouldn't assume that all my perspective clients are as 'no frills' as I am.I plan to take some time and do this right. I'd like to customize each letter/email as much as possible. Educate me on the importance of having a professional looking website and let me hear/see what you've done to polish your marketing plans! Thx again!Erich

If I was a music publisher and you directed me to a soundclick page I would think you were... inexperienced. I'd accept myspace, that's typical, but I would be more impressed if you had your own domain.It's just like asking if you'd wear your worn out jeans to a job interview. Yes, you might have a terrific resume, but are you presenting yourself as a professional? Yes, the music matters most, but I'm also going to have to deal with you, if I sign you. I'd want to know you are serious about being a composer. Soundclick wouldn't send that message, IMO.I have my own website just for film/tv music & that's where I send publishers or libraries if they are interested in listening on-line - I can also link to individual tracks. JMHO

Thanks Vikki,I work for a company where the Corp VP's where cargo shorts and sandals... I guess it's been a while since I've had to worry about appearances and professionalism. In my work you deliver or you hit the bricks, it's that simple.Still, your advice is well taken. The whole world doesn't run like a software company. This is the 2nd business I've put together. First was a general contracting business over a decade ago that didn't go so well. I'm much more motivated to succeed in this endeavor than I ever was in that one. Putting some polish on a website is a good idea.On a somewhat related note; I hate MySpace. Worst user experience I've gone through with the possible exception of paying my taxes. I have no idea why the turd ball ever became an industry standard for anything except that they were first to market with the whole social networking thing.Thanks againErich

Apr 5, 2009, 6:57pm, teleblaster wrote:On a somewhat related note; I hate MySpace. Worst user experience I've gone through with the possible exception of paying my taxes. I have no idea why the turd ball ever became an industry standard for anything except that they were first to market with the whole social networking thing.Thanks againErichYeah...I agree with you there Erich.I'm sure some think Soundclick is unprofessional, and I'm not sure I'd use it as a link for pitches, but often MySpace loads slow, (or not at all) sounds worse, and because its user configurable, almost always looks like hell. It does seem to be the industry standard though.