Any Qualified Online Resources For Advice On Publishing Contracts ?

[Quarterwave]

Hi,

 

I have a few songs that a publisher wants to publish and they have sent me a contract that I would like to have reviewed.

 

Being a stereotypical, working class musician, I don't have hundreds of spare dollars to have a lawyer look over the contract for me, and so I was wondering if anyone here might know of any credible (and affordable or free) resources that I could contact or visit that would be able to review the contract so that I don't sign all of the rights of these songs away (@ the moment, I own 100% of the copyright).

 

Any productive input is much appreciated.

[Johnny-Boy]

Make sure you get 100% of the PRO writers share and 50% licensing. The current mechanical royalty rate I believe is $.091 (9.1 cents) per song. You as the songwriter are entitled to it.

 

And most important, make sure there's a reversion clause in the contract (preferably 2 years). You can ask about an advance, but probably won't get it.

 

Congrats and good luck!

 

Best, John:cool:

[Quarterwave]

 

Make sure you get 100% of the PRO writers share and 50% licensing. The current mechanical royalty rate I believe is $.091 (9.1 cents) per song. You as the songwriter are entitled to it. And most important, make sure there's a reversion clause in the contract (preferably 2 years). You can ask about an advance, but probably won't get it. Congrats and good luck! Best, John:cool:

 

 

Thanks John - it's a single song publishing agreement that is asking for 100% rights in exchange for 50% of whatever they can make from the song. In the event that the song has not been commercially recorded within the next 3 years, I have the right to have the composition re-assigned back to me.

 

Does that sound equitable to you for a new writer ?

[Johnny-Boy]

Thanks John - it's a single song publishing agreement that is asking for 100% rights in exchange for 50% of whatever they can make from the song. In the event that the song has not been commercially recorded within the next 3 years, I have the right to have the composition re-assigned back to me. Does that sound equitable to you for a new writer ?

 

Sounds fair to me. Is that 50% of the net or gross? And can they deduct expenses?

 

Good luck, John

[daddymack]

 

Is that 50% of the net or gross? And can they deduct expenses?

 

That is the big question!

[Quarterwave]

50% is based on net and all costs are @ their expense.

 

I'm actually going to turn it down, as I have an American Idol top 24 singer that wants to cut this track, and I have a better gut feeling with that.

 

Thanks for the input guys, much appreciated.

[sventvkg]

 

Thanks John - it's a single song publishing agreement that is asking for 100% rights in exchange for 50% of whatever they can make from the song. In the event that the song has not been commercially recorded within the next 3 years, I have the right to have the composition re-assigned back to me. Does that sound equitable to you for a new writer ?

 

 

It's standard that they would want 100% of the publishers share and you would get 100% of the Writers. You would split the licensing fee. So, if your song is used in TV for $1200 the publisher and you would split that but when your BMI/ASCAP/SESAC $$ comes in the publisher would take his $1/ of the song and you would get your 1/2. Essentially you guys are splitting the song which is standard and fair.

 

I would say that you should try to get a reversion clause that states if he doesn't make something happen on the tune in 2 years you get all the rights back.