Pitching songs to music publishers can feel like navigating a maze. It’s not just about having a great song but knowing how to present it effectively to catch a publisher’s attention. I’ve spent a considerable amount of time figuring out how to pitch songs to music publishers in a way that stands out yet remains professional. In this article, I’ll walk you through practical steps, tips, and some mistakes I’ve seen others make that you’ll want to avoid.
Know What Publishers Are Looking For
Music publishers aren’t just looking for catchy tunes; they want songs that have potential for commercial success and longevity. When you pitch a song, you need to consider the genre, style, and potential audience. Publishers generally look for songs that can be licensed for movies, TV, commercials, or recorded by artists.
I found it essential to study the kind of songs a publisher already works with. It helped me tailor my pitches without sounding generic or off-target. If a publisher primarily signs country music writers, sending them a heavy metal track won’t get you far. Do your homework by checking out their website, social media, and any demos or releases they promote.
Prepare Your Song Materials Carefully
Your song needs to be pitch-ready. That means clean recordings, clear lyrics, and all the necessary documentation. When I started pitching, one big mistake I made was sending low-quality demos. That didn’t do justice to my songs and often led to my pitch being ignored.
Aim to send polished demos. You don’t need to produce a full studio recording, but the track should be clear enough for the publisher to understand the melody, structure, and vibe. If you’re a lyricist, make sure your lyrics are typed out neatly and are free from typos. Having a professional-looking lyric sheet shows you take your craft seriously.
Also, be prepared with a brief bio or intro about yourself as a songwriter. Publishers appreciate knowing who you are, your background, and what inspires your music.
Find the Right Contact Information
Getting the correct contact info for the publisher’s A&R (Artists and Repertoire) or song acquisition team is crucial. Sometimes, websites list general info emails that lead to slow or no responses. I learned that digging a little deeper on LinkedIn, music industry directories, or even attending networking events can help you get direct contact details.
When I managed to reach the right person, my response rates improved dramatically. Never send a mass email to a generic inbox and expect results. Personalizing your pitch and sending it to the appropriate person increases your chances of being heard.
Craft a Concise and Engaging Email Pitch
Your email is your first impression, so it needs to be concise, respectful, and engaging. Avoid sending long, rambling emails or too much personal backstory. I tend to keep my pitch emails short, just a quick introduction, a few sentences about the song, and links to the demo and lyrics.
Always mention why you are pitching to that specific publisher. Something like: “I noticed you’ve worked with artists in [genre], and I believe this song fits that style.” This shows you’ve done your research and aren’t just blasting your music out to everyone.
Keep the tone professional but approachable. I try to avoid industry jargon or overly flowery language. Instead, I focus on clear communication and respect for their time.
Follow Submission Guidelines Meticulously
Every publisher has their own submission guidelines. I can’t stress enough how important it is to follow them exactly. Some want attachments, others prefer streaming links, and some may ask for specific file formats or information in the subject line.
Ignoring these details can get your pitch tossed aside immediately. When I started adhering strictly to submission rules, I noticed my songs getting more attention. It’s a sign of professionalism and respect for the publisher’s process.
Be Patient But Persistent
After sending your pitch, patience is necessary. Music publishers receive countless submissions daily, so it might take weeks or even months to hear back. I always recommend keeping a log of where and when you sent pitches so you don’t get overwhelmed or confused.
If you don’t get a response after a reasonable amount of time (usually 4-6 weeks), it’s okay to send a polite follow-up. But don’t bombard them with repeated emails, which can come off as desperate or unprofessional.
Persistence pays off, but it has to be balanced with patience and respect.
Network and Build Relationships
Pitching songs isn’t just a cold email game. The best results often come from relationships you build over time. I made it a point to attend songwriting workshops, music conferences, and local industry events. Meeting publishers, songwriters, and producers face-to-face opened doors that cold pitching alone never could.
If you can get a referral from someone the publisher trusts, your chances improve dramatically. Publishers like to work with writers who come recommended because it lowers their risk.
Social media can also be a useful tool for networking if used appropriately. I’ve followed publishers on Twitter or Instagram and engaged with their content thoughtfully. Sometimes that leads to meaningful connections.
Protect Your Songs Before You Pitch
Before pitching, make sure your songs are protected legally. Register your compositions with a performing rights organization (like ASCAP, BMI, or PRS) and consider copyright registration if available in your country. I always did this first because it ensures I retain ownership and rights.
Publishers won’t typically sign or invest in songs that have unclear legal standing. Protecting your songs upfront shows professionalism and safeguards your future income.
Prepare to Receive Feedback and Rejections
Not every pitch will result in a deal or placement. I’ve pitched dozens of songs, and many got polite rejections or no response at all. The key is not to get discouraged.
Publishers might provide feedback or request changes. Sometimes, they may want a co-write or suggest tweaks to better fit their needs. I found being open to feedback made me a better songwriter and improved my chances of getting placements.
Keep refining your craft and keep pitching. Persistence and continuous improvement are part of the journey.
Know When to Move On
If you’ve pitched a song multiple times and aren’t getting any traction, it might be time to move on. Not every song will fit every publisher’s needs. I’ve learned that some songs find homes quickly, while others take longer or need to be shelved for a while.
Don’t be afraid to pitch your songs to different publishers or explore other avenues like sync licensing libraries or independent artists. The music industry is vast, and opportunities come in many forms.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
Today, digital platforms have made pitching songs more accessible. Some publishers accept pitches via their websites, or through platforms like Songtradr or Taxi. I recommend researching which digital submission portals the publishers you want to work with use.
When submitting digitally, ensure your files are clearly labeled, your metadata is correct, and your links work perfectly. A broken link or mislabeled file can kill a pitch.
I’ve also found tools like Google Drive or Dropbox useful for sharing large demo files without clogging up email inboxes.
Stay Organized
Keeping track of your pitches is critical. I maintain a spreadsheet with publisher names, contact info, song titles, dates sent, and responses. This helps me stay on top of follow-ups and avoid duplicate submissions.
Organization also saves time when you’re pitching many songs to multiple publishers. It’s easy to lose track without a system in place.
Tailor Your Pitch for Each Publisher
Sending the same generic pitch to multiple publishers is a rookie mistake. I make sure every pitch highlights why the song is a good match for that particular publisher and their roster. This requires extra effort but shows respect and professionalism.
Customizing your pitch makes publishers more likely to listen because they see you took the time to understand their work.
What to Include in Your Pitch Package
A typical pitch package should contain:
- A polished demo of your song (preferably streaming link)
- A clear lyric sheet or PDF
- A short bio or songwriter introduction
- Any previous credits or relevant achievements
- Contact information
Avoid sending unnecessary attachments or huge files. Keep it simple, clean, and professional.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve learned a lot from my own mistakes and others’ experiences. Here are some pitfalls to avoid when pitching songs:
- Sending incomplete or low-quality demos
- Ignoring submission guidelines
- Mass emailing generic pitches
- Not protecting your songs legally
- Being impatient or sending too many follow-ups
- Failing to research publishers’ interests
Avoiding these traps can save you time and improve your chances.
How to Follow Up Without Being Pushy
A polite follow-up can be effective if you don’t hear back within 4-6 weeks. I usually send a brief email expressing continued interest and politely asking if they had a chance to listen to my submission.
If there’s still no response, I move on rather than risk annoying the contact. Respect for the publisher’s time goes a long way.
When a Publisher Requests More Songs
Sometimes a publisher might ask for more songs after liking your pitch. That’s an excellent sign but also a responsibility. I make sure the additional songs are equally polished and fit their style.
Consistency is key. Deliver what you promise and maintain quality.
Conclusion
Knowing how to pitch your songs to music publishers is a crucial skill for any songwriter wanting to get their work placed or signed. It involves preparation, research, professionalism, and persistence. By studying publishers, preparing your materials carefully, respecting submission guidelines, and building genuine relationships, you significantly improve your chances of success.
Remember that pitching songs is a marathon, not a sprint. Rejections are part of the process, and each attempt is a learning opportunity. Stay organized, protect your songs legally, and always put your best foot forward.
If you keep refining your approach and maintain your passion for songwriting, pitching your songs to music publishers can become a rewarding part of your music career. The path isn’t always easy, but with determination and strategy, you can open doors to exciting opportunities.
