Songwriter Information

95% of the songs that reach publishers are not ready for publication. In other words, they are not commercial, not presented in a professional manner, with professional lyrics and with a professional demo. The following check list will help you to determine if your song (music and lyrics) is commercial and ready for publication. If you don't check out on a majority of the items - your song needs additional work before presentation to those in the music industry. A good idea is to have someone listen to your "finished" song without knowing you are the writer.

Does Your Song . . .

• Have an interesting first line that will "hook" the listener?
• Have a melody that people begin to hum aftering hearing it just a few times?
• Use a conversational lyric with rhymes that are not "forced"?
• Give the listener the title of the song without him having to ask?
• Have a melody and lyric content that belong together, have the same feel?
• Have words and music that fit together with no cramming or stretching to fit the melody?
• Have no dated or event topics - in other words, timeless?
• Have a universal theme so tht many listeners can "relate" and feel involved in the song?
• Explain itself within the song - no explanation or mind reading required?
• Have a length that is in the three to three and a half minute range?
• Presents itself as an honest and believable - not phony and contrived?
• Have strong lines - wow followed by a bigger wow!
• Have one central theme or idea - doesn't wander about?
• Have a time frame that changes, that conveys itself to the listener?
• Avoid controversial subjects - is not preachy or judgemental?
• Paint word pictures, vivid images?
• Have a novel and unique way of saying the familiar?
• Have simple and catchy enough words to learn quickly?
• Have a touch of conflict, mystery and interest?

Does Your Presentation . . .

Have neatly typed lyric sheets in song form and structure?

Have the tape cued to the start of the first song?

Have no talking or outside noises on the tape?

Have a clear sound with the voice above the accompaniment?

Have the song title, writers name, copyright notice, address or phone number on the lyric sheets and tape?

Have no more than three songs on the same tape with only a few seconds between them?

There is a big difference between a living room hit and a song that is a contender for the commercial market. This check list is just a small part of what is necessary before a major publisher is will ing to consider your material for publication. A good presentation doesn't count if you don't have a good song to begin with. Nashville is overflowing with great presentations of not so great songs.