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All:I realize none of us can provide legal advice and I don't think I'm blurring that line (too much) with the following: Has anyone signed to compose a soundtrack for an audiobook and have a contract you're willing to share as an example?I've just been asked to compose a soundtrack for a full-cast audiobook. I've signed contracts with music libraries and theater companies and that's it. I suppose the closest contract type might be custom composing for a movie going straight to DVD.Can anyone help with:example contractsgoing ratespossible structures, for example "modest flat fee plus a percentage of sales" vs. "nice flat fee period" and so forth?I did look through the Biz forum for precedents re: audio book soundtracks, so I sincerely apologize if I'm repeating a topic/question.Thanks very much for any assistance. CK

Hi CK,I think you're on the right track with the film scoring contract idea. This book has some good info in it and some sample contracts: http://www.amazon.com/Film-Television-Co....87673 01&sr=8-1Since it will never be released theatrically or on TV (or probably not radio for that matter), then there's no performance royalties. Also, getting included on a continuing basis for a percentage of the sales is usually a tough sell. If you can keep the publishing, that would be a good thing but may be unlikely since it's probably a work for hire arrangment.One thing you can do is negotiate "bumps" which are bonus payments when sales reach a certain threshold. Usually they get smaller and eventually end. If you can't get a big enough fee, then they may be amenable to "bumps". Since it's a full length book, there might be a lot of music so think of what you would want per finished minute of music and base your fee on that and see what they say. See if you can find out what their music budget is. It might be a percentage of the overall budget.You could limit the amount of music you write and possibly re-use some of it in more than one place, etc. etc.Congrats on the potential deal. Sorry I don't know the specifics of audiobooks but it seems like it's close to a direct to DVD film, as you said. I think you're thinking in the right direction.Good luck!!Mazz

Hey CK - congrats on the project!

Thanks!

Hey CK;Congrats on the project. Here are a couple of resources that may be helpful:1. Commissioning Music: A Basic Guideavailable at http://www.meetthecomposer.org/resources.htm2. Film Music Magazine 2006-2007 Film & TV Music Salary & Rate Surveyavailable at http://www.gmostore.com/cart.php?m=prod ... ail&p=13-- this one in particular lists what to charge for each type of use, and how to charge by measure, or by note.Let us know how things go!Suz

Suz, thank you so much. Wow -- charging by the note? I feel an ostinato bass pattern coming on! It's interesting what a private thing rates can be, and yet if we were public about it, it might help keep things fair for everyone. I'm sure that's the intent of salary surveys like the one you've pointed me to.I also ordered the book that Mazz recommended (see his earlier response) and I'll be sure to report back on both how the contract goes and whether the books turn out to be helpful resources.

I just paid for and downloaded the salary survey document that Suz pointed me to. It was $16.95, and I'd be happy to share what I learn from it in the form of answering specific questions. I won't actually send anyone the PDF because the Film Music Store very likely wouldn't appreciate that.Now I at least have a ballpark. And being able to point to a professional 3rd-party survey can really come in handy; I've certainly done that in the day-job context with good results. Thanks everybody!