publishing contract offer

[Poker99]

Hello everyone,

 

My band has been offered a publishing contract for our last album. The company wants 50% of the revenues produced by the songs (for royalties on those songs on radio and synchronisation rights). We keep the other 50%. Contract would be exclusive and valid for 3 years upon signature.

 

I'd like to have guidelines/recommendations on these types of deal.

[Poker99]

I'm sorry, I said band, but it was offered to me (composer) and my singer (writer). 25% each.

 

I don't have the contract with me now, but here's what I remember the company intends to do ;

 

- Contact labels

- Radio tracking and synchro (of course because that's where they'll maybe make revenues)

- Help with promo/press kit

 

They aren't planning to record the songs, they like them fine as they are now. They are already mastered.

[Johnny-Boy]

Everything above, and...

 

If you and your singer are co-writers of the songs, the writer's PRO royalties (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) should be 50% for you and 50% for your singer - total 100% writer's royalties. If your publisher wants 100% of the publishing royalties, that would be expected.

 

Also, you should be getting 50% of the licensing fees paid to the publisher. And 25-50% mechanicals in case it's released on CD/DVD's. Both split 50/50 between you and the singer.

 

That's about the standard deal.

 

Read all the fine print. If you see the word "in perpetuity", it means they own the music forever - whether they sell it or not. Better to have a 2-3 year reversion clause in case they sit on your music.

 

Before you pay an attorney to scrutinize your contract (which can be very expensive), Google the Net to see if there are any scammy reports about them. If you Google the name of the publisher and add the word “scam” to the search, often you’ll find if there’s anything suspicious to be concerned about.

 

Good luck, John

[daddymack]

all very good avice...are they going to strictly shop your songs to other artists, or are they going to promote for you?