Publishing Music 

originally published in the journal of the Associated Manitoba Arts Festival  2008  
©  Maryanne Rumancik 

please contact the author for reprint
permission

The music publishing scene has changed a lot over the last few decades due to the changes in technology.  There are now a variety of computer notation programs (software) on the market as well as computers and printers (hardware) which are increasingly user friendly.  It has now become possible for small companies and even individuals to "publish" their own works.

Generally, larger publishers will choose music that they know will sell. Scores which are not accepted by a publisher may still be very fine pieces of music but might not fill a demand for the publisher. That is to say, not generate a high enough profit for the investment required to produce, market and distribute the new work.  To complicate matters further, the number of larger music publishers in North America is declining.

How does a composer get their music published these days?  Some options may be to search out smaller publishers or to publish their own music.  Smaller publishers may be found by doing internet searches, visiting trade shows, networking with other musicians or visiting music stores and looking at existing publications.

Before contacting a publisher it is best to try to become acquainted with the industry. Some suggestions are:

1.  Read a few books on the process. A few resource books are listed on my website:
www.prairieskymusic.com/selfpub.htm

2.  SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers) may also be helpful:
www.prairieskymusic.com/socan.htm

3.  It is important to first locate a publisher which is known for publishing the type of music one writes.  For example if R&R is your writing genre then it is not a good idea to contact a publisher of Classical music.

4.  Contact the publisher to determine if they are accepting new manuscripts and find out their process for submitting one.  Most publishers prefer computer notated scores which may be sent electronically or in hard copy. If you are submitting a hand written manuscript it must be legible.

Marketing may be done over the internet through on-line sales or through trade shows, workshops, professional journals and retail outlets.  Often publishers give free copies of music to journals for reviewing or in promotional events.  One of the most effective ways to sell music is to have it available in connection with a workshop on the music.  Many composers and publishers have their own websites making it easier them to sell materials all around the world.  Performers looking for repertoire off the beaten path may find it more often with the smaller companies or by going directly to the composer.