Using an Author's Text

I am looking to compose a choral piece with most likely a living author's text. Has anyone done this? Who do you contact first? The publisher? Should I be fully registered with ASCAP as a composer and publisher before doing this? Interested to hear if anyone has done this. I haven't settled on text yet, but most likely from a prominent living author or a recently deceased and also non-public domain author.

I have attempted to do this with no success whatsoever, but here's what you do: e-mail both the publisher and the composer. Truthfully the publisher is the one who you'll be working with, but the composer might be able to encourage the publisher to speed up the process (give yourself three months before you anticipate a performance, at the very least). Tell both parties who you are, what you do, and how much you like the existing poem. Tell them you are seeking permission to set the text to music and give the specific ensemble. Additionally tell the publisher how many performances you anticipate (you can ask for permission for an indefinite number of performances), and let them know if your piece will be performed for a non-paying audience. Make sure you ask for permission to use the text in a program too, if there will be a program for the concert. Before you e-mail the publisher, though, be sure to check the publisher's website because the company might have specific guidelines for submitting a permissions request (some companies will not respond to your e-mail and you'll actually have to submit your request by snail mail). If you do hear from the publisher you'll probably need to pay a flat rate for use of the text. You may also be asked to pay a certain percentage of your royalties, if there are any, to the publisher/author. If the second part happens it is best to be registered with a performance rights organization (like ASCAP).

This is some general stuff and it may get more complicated, but I hope this helps.

Thanks, that is kind of the road I have taken previously without luck. In those cases, it was non-public domain deceased authors. One was Kurt Vonnegut who I am certain would have been one to give approval if he was still living. I had some contact there and then I just stopped hearing. I think I am going to go with Louis Sachar this time and try to do a children's choir piece with text from Wayside Stories if it will work out. I am hoping a living author will have less hoops to jump through.

I think I am going to go with Louis Sachar this time and try to do a children's choir piece with text from Wayside Stories if it will work out. I am hoping a living author will have less hoops to jump through.

That sounds like an awesome idea. Good luck!

If you haven't written the piece yet, I wouldn't worry about securing rights. Finish the piece, if it becomes an issue of rights only then worry about getting permission.

But it is something that I want to be performed for sure.

That's fine and dandy, but you can't anticipate that you'll even show up on their radar, nor should you. Even if it IS to be performed, it'll likely be through an academic or amateur setting. When you get your publishing deal, they'll take care of the rights, but you're not there yet... Worry about the piece, not the politics.