1) If there is a website listed in my directory (assuming you're using this resource) always check to see if there is a submission policy listed. Often times companies will tell you how they prefer to have music submitted. Some companies prefer online submissions and other still prefer you mail them aphysical CD.

2) If there isn't a clear submission policy for submitting music, call or email them and find out how you can submit your music. People often ask me whether they should call or email. I used to prefer emailing as it's a bit less intrusive, but these days I just pick up the phone and speak to someone in person. It's much quicker and if they are open to hearing music they'll gladly tell you how to get it to them. Plus this method has the added benefit of putting a voice to your name which I think helps you stand out a bit more.

3) Once you submit your music, make sure you follow up three or four weeks later. People working in this busines can often times be very busy. It´s perfectly appropriate and professional to follow up. Don´t assume that if you don´t get an immediate response that it´s an indication that there isn ´t any interest in your music. It took me about six months to get the attention of the most recent publisher that I´ve started working with. Several emails went unanswered until I finally made a connection and made an appointment with this particular publisher and subsequently signed my first song. So if you don´t get an answer right away, just be patient and follow up again a few weeks later. Patience is definitely avirtue in this business.

A Proven Script For Calling Music Licensing Companies

I used to get really nervous when I made calls to music publishers, music libraries, etc. I'm not really sure why, but a lot of people I know seem to have this same reaction. It's sort of like cold calling, well actually it is a form of cold calling, which for a lot people can be nerve wracking. There's a sense of trying to get something from the other person that can be daunting. Well over the years, after making a lot of calls regarding my own music and now making a lot of calls on behalf of my own music marketing company, I've developed a strategy for making calls that works for me every single time and today I thought I'd share it with you. Are you ready for it? It's pretty mind blowing in its' simplicity, which is why it's so effective I think. Here it is: When you call whatever company your calling and someone answers the phone this is all you have to say, "Hello, what is the best way to submit music to your company?" That's it! You don't have to launch into an entire spiel about who you are and all you've done and you don't have to ask if they're open to submissions. You just simply ask what the best way is to submit your music. Period. Then, if they're interested in who you are, or if they're not open to submissions, etc.. they'll tell you. Let them direct the conversation. You just get it started by asking how to do what you want to do - which is submit your music.

I find this approach the best because it's very simple, to the point, and really hard to screw up. In the licenesing businss it really is about the music. What you've done doesnt't really make a huge difference. Of course if you have licensing credits and it comes up in the conversation, by all means share that information. It can't hurt and it might help. But in the beginning, keep your conversations short and to the point. Very simple and very easy.