How to Publish Your Music
By Karl Conrad - 4/18/2003
Sometimes people think it is a huge thing to publish songs that you have written. Actually it is very simple and requires a very small investment. I don't propose to be an expert, but can point you in the correct direction.
1. Copyright your songs that you have personally written!
This can be done with a request for a Copyright package from:
Copyright Office
101 Independence Ave. S.E.
Washington, D.C.
20559
Once you receive this package which can also be obtained from their website found with a simple search, which will allow you to download all the forms necessary for any application. You have to submit a compilation (tape or cd) of your songs and fill in a short PA form along with I think 30 bucks. I always send this with a Post Office "Domestic Return Receipt" which they sign upon receiving your tunes and I am told this is a rough form of a Copyright untill you actually receive the formal paper. The most important thing to know is the government moves at one speed due to the volume of submissions. Plan ahead maybe at least 3 months before you need the Copyright numbers for your tunes.
2. Choose ASCAP or BMI and start your own publishing Company.
I chose BMI and so that is what i'll tell you about. (Although this is step 2. You should probably try to do both steps at the same time as they take a little while.) You can access both BMI and ASCAP by computer. With BMI I had to get the forms for taxes etc. from BMI and register a Company Name. These forms are a simple application (re: Name ,Rank, and Serial # etc) I believe I submitted about 50 choices for a name and the first one that BMI came to on the list that wasn't already registered was used as my company name. At the time the fee was 100 bucks.
You now have Your very own publishing Company and when you receive your copyright a number will have been assigned to your tunes which you can use to register them with.
I may have left out a few little items, but they will come to light during this process. This whole thing was really no big gig and will allow you to possibly be paid should you be fortunate enough to sell a tune.
Have fun!
Editors Note: Karl is a hard working local musician. Here are a few clips from his upcomming CD.
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