A songbook for Charity

Subject: A songbook for Charity
From: sandyandy
Date: 28 Nov 05 - 01:45 AM

I need advice. I have spent 5 years working on a songbook that I have put together. There are almost 900 songs with chords where available. I plan to sell it in WORD format on CD for charity. All songs are credited, what is my best avenue for selling? The song titles are on www.ivedesign.co.uk/songs.htm

Thanks

SA

Subject: RE: A songbook for Charity
From: Frug
Date: 28 Nov 05 - 09:16 AM

Well I think that there are any number of potebtial problems here. Firstly copywrite........do you have the necessary permissions for an effective resale ?? Secondly status.If this is a charitable initiative then in order to be successful and indeed legal then any transactions must be transparent and accountable. You will need to set up a charitable trust with an appropriate board of trustees and register with the charities commission. Thirdly the Inland Revenue and the Customs and excise for Tax and Vat relief.........I think that you will need to appoint a solicitor and an accountant, particularly those with experience of the charitable sector. I know from my own experience of running a charitable organisation how time consuming all this can be. Also marketing this will be difficult at the price you propose.......much of your catalogue is already in the public domain and the other is fairly readily accessible from the sources you suggest on the internet. Whilst any initiatives to help young people with disabilities are welcome they do come at a price in terms of time and commitment. You should also consult your local authority and local specialist organisations to see what help they may offer. There are grants loans and other schemes to support these activities and you should at least be aware of these before embarking on such an ambitious project.

Frank