Help: Getting published

Subject: Getting published
From: GUEST,catwoman
Date: 08 Dec 01 - 02:40 PM

Don't want to sound like an ignorant moron, but I am. How does one get lyrics copyrighted/published/etc?

Subject: RE: Help: Getting published
From: SeanM
Date: 08 Dec 01 - 02:47 PM

It might help responses if you defined the goal a bit more - are you looking to copyright and then record original material? If so, what level are you looking at? Is part of what you're hoping for a 'professional' release?

It's not an ignorant moron question by any means though.

M

Subject: RE: Help: Getting published
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Dec 01 - 02:54 PM

How to Copyright Lyrics and Music (click)

Subject: RE: Help: Getting published
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Dec 01 - 03:49 PM

http://www.loc.gov/copyright/forms/formpai.pdf contains the instructuctions and the form for lyrics (or performing arts) copyright registration in the US. Published with just lyrics - hmnn - probably have to publish it yourself or find a collaborator to make music breath life into the lyrics. No one is a moron other than one who confesses such nonsense so, stop it...

Subject: RE: Help: Getting published
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Dec 01 - 03:57 PM

If you send the form to the Library of Congress in the US, use a private courier. The US Postal Service mail has not been delivered to that area since October and the website indicates it may be a very long time before mail delivery resumes.

Subject: RE: Help: Getting published
From: GUEST,Catwoman
Date: 08 Dec 01 - 09:46 PM

The lyrics I write are original, however the music is already out there. Yeah, another parody writer. I have someone who sounds interested in one of my goodies and want to make sure I don't get ripped off. Hey I wrote it, I want the credit. Shoot me for an ego.

Subject: RE: Help: Getting published
From: Genie
Date: 09 Dec 01 - 11:25 AM

Catwoman, it's not just a matter of ego. In the relatively unlikely event that a song (lyric) does make any substantial amount of money, it's only fair that the author get the $ credit, as well as the accreditation.
(I, for one, wish I had the copyright to "Happy Birthday,"--not because I would want the kudos for writing it, but for the royalties that have to be paid whenever the song is used in a commercial setting.)

The copyright registration is the easy part. Getting a song published by a company that will promote it is more problematic--and I'd love to hear advice from those in the know about that!

With the internet, it's much more feasible than it used to be to self-publish, but I'd like to know a lot more about those details that may contain devils.

Genie