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How to Get Paid to Write Songs

Whether your goal is to sell a few of your songs or make a living as a professional songwriter, you'll need to be tenacious in making the right connections and submit your music in a professional package. Songwriter Diane Warren ("How Do I Live," "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now") made a name for herself by knocking on doors and making connections with the right people. You can get paid to write songs if you treat songwriting like a business.

Instructions

    • 1

      Record mastered, studio-quality demos of your songs. Hire a professional recording engineer/producer with the skills necessary to turn out radio-ready versions of your songs. Hire session vocalists and musicians who can capture the feeling of your songs with a commercial, modern production.

    • 2

      Network with music publishers, record labels and recording artists. Make yourself a presence at workshops and seminars, and let people know your aim is to cut professional songs.

    • 3

      Register with a performing rights organization like ASCAP, BMI or SESAC to ensure that you receive performance royalties when your music is played.

    • 4

      Submit your demo along with a bio and cover letter to music publishers, record labels, producers, A&R executives, music supervisors and other industry professionals you feel might have a use for your music. For example, if you write country music, you might want to send your demos to publishers in Nashville. If possible, hire a lawyer and/or manager to represent you and present your demo to these professionals.

    • 5

      Negotiate contracts with parties interested in your music, making sure that you get a songwriter's share and a share of the publishing.

Songs & Lyrics

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