Selling a song you wrote can seem daunting, but with the right strategy, it is possible to find buyers and get your music out there. The music industry has changed drastically in the digital age, so you need to understand the landscape and current trends to position yourself for success. Though streaming services have made music more accessible, they’ve also driven down the value of individual songs. This means you likely won’t get rich selling one song, but you can generate income and gain exposure.
The key is leveraging the right connections, targeting the appropriate outlets for your genre, protecting your rights, and persistently promoting your work. With realistic expectations and a strategic approach, you can sell your song successfully. Here’s an overview of the process:
Register with a Performance Rights Organization
The first step is to register with a performance rights organization (PRO) like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. These organizations collect and distribute royalties whenever your song is performed or played publicly. Radio stations, streaming services, venues, and other outlets are required to pay licensing fees to the PROs for the right to use music. As a member, you get paid when your works are used. This passive income can add up over time as your music gains exposure.
Research Potential Buyers
Next, you need to identify potential buyers for your song. Research which record labels, publishers, artists, music supervisors, and other industry professionals may be a good fit for your genre and style. If you write pop songs, target major labels or pop acts looking for hit songs. If you write country songs, pitch to country labels, publishers, and artists directly. Check reputable industry databases like Songspace or SubmitHub to find contacts.
Pitch Your Song Strategically
With your targets identified, create professional pitches tailored to each buyer’s needs. Highlight your relevant experience and accomplishments as a songwriter. Provide an MP3 demo along with lyrics sheets to showcase the song professionally. Follow up persistently to cut through the noise. Leverage any connections you have to get introductions to key decision makers. Consider hiring a publisher or industry expert to facilitate pitching for you.
Protect Your Rights
Before sharing your song widely, take steps to protect your rights by copyrighting the song and registering it with your PRO. Legal ownership is necessary if you want to collect royalties or sell the rights. Using split sheets and binding contracts, establish exactly what rights you are selling (recording rights, publishing rights, etc.) and what you retain. An entertainment lawyer can help craft the proper agreements.
Consider Your Rate
Decide on an appropriate upfront rate and royalty rate to ask for when selling your song. This will depend on your experience level and the buyer. While an unknown songwriter may only fetch a few hundred to a few thousand dollars initially, an established hit songwriter could ask for a larger advance. Royalty rates range from 9-12% typically. Consider negotiating for a lump sum payment plus ongoing backend royalties.
Explore Placement Opportunities
Rather than selling your full rights, you can also pitch your song for placement in TV, film, advertising, or video games. These “sync” licenses allow you to retain ownership while earning fees whenever your song is used. Reach out to music supervisors and build relationships in the sync licensing world. Attend industry events to connect directly with those searching for the right songs to enhance their productions.
Finding the Right Publishing Deal
If you want help promoting your song in exchange for giving up some ownership, signing with a publisher is an option. Here are key factors when evaluating publishing deals:
Upfront Payment
Most deals offer an advance payment upfront, then ongoing royalties. Make sure the advance makes financial sense based on realistic expectations for the song. Bigger advances go to proven hitmakers.
Royalty Percentage
The standard is 50% of performance and mechanical royalties. The publisher collects income and pays you your share. Smaller pubs may offer 60-70% to writers without a track record.
Term Length
Typical songwriter agreements last 1-3 years if non-exclusive. Publishers want longer terms like 5-10 years for exclusive rights. Weigh your options.
Publisher Reach
Sign with a publisher who has the industry connections and marketing resources to secure placements and promote your songs proactively.
Editorial Input
Some pubs give feedback and co-writing opportunities. If you want to develop your skills, see if the publisher provides editorial guidance.
Ownership Rights
Understand exactly what rights you are signing over (administration, publishing, recording, etc.). Try to retain as much ownership as possible in case your song succeeds.
Selling Your Song Directly to Artists
Rather than work through a publisher, you can also sell your finished song directly to a recording artist. Here are tips for succeeding:
Target New Artists
Emerging indie artists are actively looking for material and may be affordable to license songs to at first. Build up a portfolio of placements before approaching major stars.
Go Where Artists Hang Out
Attend open mics and networking events to connect with potential buyers. Reach out online via social media platforms. The more artists you contact directly, the better chance of finding one interested.
Follow Their Submission Process
Many artists specify how they want to receive songs, such as via online links, email, mail, or through a manager. Follow the requested protocol to ensure your song gets considered.
Record a Great Demo
Invest in professional recording quality so your song shines. The better your demo sounds, the easier it will be to get artists excited about your song.
Be Flexible on Price
Newer artists have lower budgets. Be willing to negotiate fees of a few hundred dollars at first. Ask for a percentage of royalties too.
Maximizing Your Earning Potential
To optimize how much money you earn from your song, implement strategies like:
Register with Multiple PROs
This allows you to collect domestic and international royalties from more sources.
Retain Ownership and Masters
This gives you more control and income potential for syncs and samples down the road.
Get a Recoupable Advance
Recoupable advances allow you to keep earning royalties after the advance is paid back.
Collect Mechanical Royalties
Whenever your song gets reproduced and distributed, collect statutory mechanical royalties.
Cover All Distribution Channels
Earn income when your song is played on streaming platforms, satellite radio, YouTube, etc.
| Distribution Channel | Potential Earnings |
|---|---|
| Spotify streams | $0.004 – $0.0084 per stream |
| Apple Music streams | $0.01 per stream |
| YouTube views | $0.001 – $0.008 per view |
| Pandora streams | $0.001 – $0.002 per spin |
| Satellite radio plays | $0.002 per play |
| Vinyl sales | $0.09 – $0.16 per song |
| Terrestrial radio plays | PRO royalty distributions |
Promoting Your Song
Don’t expect to sell your song without putting in consistent marketing work. Promote your music actively through channels like:
Social Media
Leverage platforms like Instagram and TikTok where fans discover new music daily. Use relevant hashtags. Post clips and tag influential accounts.
Playlists
Getting added to popular Spotify playlists can drive streams. Use submithub.com to pitch curators.
Music Blogs
Relevant blogs with shared audiences can premiere your song or review it to add credibility.
Local Radio
If you have local radio connections, try to get on-air interviews and spins to gain hometown support.
Live Performances
Book gigs at local venues to perform your song and directly connect with fans who may share it organically.
YouTube
Upload your music to build subscribers and views. Use SEO tactics in titles, descriptions and tags.
Conclusion
Selling a song requires tenacity and a smart strategy. Protect your rights, identify the right buyers for your genre, pitch effectively, negotiate fair deals, maximize income potential, and promote your music actively. With dedication and hard work, you can successfully generate revenue from songs you write and find an audience for your music over time. Consider partnering with a publisher, manager or industry professional if you need help navigating the complexities of the music business as an independent songwriter.