jpetterson

You'll only sell hundreds or thousands of copies if you market your works. Publishing isn't at no cost, it has a submission fee for composers/arrangers, it's only free for engravers of public domain content. They make their cut on the sales of your works, like any other publisher.

1. "The biggest misinterpretation he made there was that you needed to somehow be a millionaire or famous to even get published.", wasn't my post exactly the opposite? That anyone should be able to publish, hence trying to get your work out there?? 2. "Say if you write a very well-done work and the publisher promotes it and band directors catch on it it and it sells a few thousand copies". Again you're clueless about selling and about publishing, but whatever floats your boat. If you really think that unknown composers get to sell a few thousand scores, then why aren't you doing it since you think you know all the tricks of the trade? Funny how in your mind publishers will make you sell thousands of pieces lol. Now THAT'S "loltastic". 3. I mentioned John Williams as an example of a famous living composer, where did I mention copyright, film industry? But we all got your point, you're not interested, that's your problem. There are many others who are interested and thanks for bringing attention to this topic, it has paid off tenfold :D

Don't fall under the illusion that all publishers will do that; and definitely, don't even think that publishers will do that for completely unknown composers. If a composer is indeed receiving all those services (it's fairy tale btw unless you're John Williams or very well known in the field), then it's because that composer is already established in the business, has connections, his pieces are performed often, and that doesn't seem to be the crowd that hangs out here, no offense. Composers like John Williams or Danny Elfman aren't exactly waiting for the next topic that shows up on YoungComposers. Most composers I know don't make a living out of composing, they have 2-3 jobs; so I think that the opportunity to actually get your work out there (even if below your elite promotional standards) is better than having it at home collecting dust. Just my 2c. But... you can always wait for some publisher to sign you a million dollar contract, if that makes you feel better when you go to sleep :)

Tokkemon, you were very quick to judge without actually checking them out. 1. They are not just a printer, they publish new editions as well as new works form living composers. 2. If you don't consider assigning you a free ISMN code (which allows the book to be distributed in stores), advertising you on both SheetMusicX and Amazon websites, and including your work in their catalog that is distributed internationally, then what exactly do you consider promotion? 3. You're not paying to be printed, they are taking care of several costs you don't have to such as: a working website with a payment gateway, promotion of the website, billing and shipping fees (except the shipping rate which is paid by the customer), printing costs (top notch printer, high quality paper, toner, maintenance). If you'd try to publish with other publishers, here is what will happen: 1. They will deny you because you're not famous and can't generate a minimum of 50k dollars a year. 2. They will deny you claiming that you "don't fit their catalog requirements", one of which is "generating a minimum of 50k dollars a year". 3. They will accept you, if you cover a print run of 3000 copies upon being published. Try to publish a novel and you'll see how that goes. The publisher will make you pay the print run of a few thousand books, and you're supposed to make them sell, they will just store it and ship it, and you have a start up cost in the few thousand dollars. And you're complaining about a 40$ fee that covers website maintenance, product page display for your book without expiration date (on SheetMusicX and Amazon), printing, handling, shipping to the customer, while you make 1/3 of the sale?

Hi everyone, I just wanted to let you know that Edition Zeza Music Publisher is accepting submissions from composers, arrangers and engravers. They are a brand new Canadian publisher, that focuses on high definition print of scores and orchestral parts, producing scores up to 12x18 inches. Publishing with them costs between little to nothing (it's absolutely free for high quality submissions of public domain content) and they take care of manufacturing, billing, shipping to the customer, and advertise your works at SheetMusicX.com and Amazon.com Here are some of the advantages of publishing with them: - You will receive an ISMN number (International Standard Music Number) - manufacturing and shipping is taken care of. Your book remains in-stock, without inventory, made on-demand when customers order. - A high quality book to be proud of: Our covers are printed on 280gm/2 thick paper (colored cover) and laminated for durability. The inside is printed on 110gm/2 thick paper (black and white content). - Exposure to millions of potential customers: with your own ISMN code, your book can be available at music stores, online sellers and other sales channels such as SheetMusicX and Amazon. - You will receive royalties from the sales of your books. Royalties are paid bi-annually, in January and in July. A minimum of $20.00 has to be accumulated in order for royalties to be payable. You'll still hold the copyright for your own compositions/arrangements, so you're free to also sell them in other websites. They also offer editing services in case you'd like your score to be professionally engraved, and that allows you to have Edition Zeza's logo on the book cover as a mark of quality. If you're interested in knowing more about this great opportunity for us composers to get our music out there, check their Publish My Music page.