songwriting
# 1
Hi Dreamer4jc,
You can find the info you need to copyright your songs with the Library of Congress here:
http://www.copyright.gov/
It used to be a 2 page form you would fill out and mail in with the fee and a copy of your work but I heard you can do it online now too.
You can find the info you need to copyright your songs with the Library of Congress here:
http://www.copyright.gov/
It used to be a 2 page form you would fill out and mail in with the fee and a copy of your work but I heard you can do it online now too.
[FONT=Book Antiqua][FONT=Arial][FONT=Tahoma]Neal
GT Channel Host[/FONT][/FONT][/FONT]
http://www.guitartricks.com/channel/
GT Channel Host[/FONT][/FONT][/FONT]
http://www.guitartricks.com/channel/
# 2
If you want to protect them but don't yet have plan for them, I would do as Neal said.
If you plan to release or sell these songs or even plan to shop material, you also want to consider getting publishing stuff set up. It does entail creating your own publishing company (you'll note that songwriting stuff usually is phrased as 'Written by Joe Rocker for Rocker Docker Publishing Inc.'..that type of thing). If you have serious aspirations, a good move to set up an incorporated business. Not a big deal in the world with LegalZoom.com.
Second thing is to set up mechanical licensing. If your songs sells whether it's you that performs it or someone else, this is how you ensure you get paid. You would set that up most likely with the Harry Fox Agency ( http://www.harryfox.com ). While fees are part of the deal, this is how you don't get screwed in the business. It's been said that songwriting is where the money is at and this is pretty much true and have something like HFA to ensure you get paid is a good thing.
So, just a little extra something to add.
If you plan to release or sell these songs or even plan to shop material, you also want to consider getting publishing stuff set up. It does entail creating your own publishing company (you'll note that songwriting stuff usually is phrased as 'Written by Joe Rocker for Rocker Docker Publishing Inc.'..that type of thing). If you have serious aspirations, a good move to set up an incorporated business. Not a big deal in the world with LegalZoom.com.
Second thing is to set up mechanical licensing. If your songs sells whether it's you that performs it or someone else, this is how you ensure you get paid. You would set that up most likely with the Harry Fox Agency ( http://www.harryfox.com ). While fees are part of the deal, this is how you don't get screwed in the business. It's been said that songwriting is where the money is at and this is pretty much true and have something like HFA to ensure you get paid is a good thing.
So, just a little extra something to add.
# 3
I would recommend in anything you record somewhat professionally to copyright it and register whomever is the writer and publisher. Those are the first two steps and both are equally as easy anymore. Neil is write, as you can follow that link and register the copyright with the Library of Congress.
There are three PRO's (Performance Rights Organizations) that exist in North America. Those are ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. ASCAP and BMI handle nearly all the published and written music in North America. SESAC is quite large as well but is only exclusive to those whom already have a strong amount of royalties coming in and unless you are Carol King, it might be tough to get with them. Believe me, I have tried with no success.
ASCAP charges a small fee for both writing and publishing memberships. I am an ASCAP member, and once you register all your works with them; they than collect all of your royalties (money you earn from your music) once it is published and used. I would strongly recommend joining even if you aren't at that stage yet as it looks alot more appealing to people looking for YOUR music if you already handled this step yourself. You can visit the following link to ASCAP and set this up yourself. Very easy.
http://www.ascap.com/about/howjoin.asp
Please let me know if you have any more questions or need any help with this. I am a professional songwriter as well and am willing to help in any way I can. Take care.
There are three PRO's (Performance Rights Organizations) that exist in North America. Those are ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. ASCAP and BMI handle nearly all the published and written music in North America. SESAC is quite large as well but is only exclusive to those whom already have a strong amount of royalties coming in and unless you are Carol King, it might be tough to get with them. Believe me, I have tried with no success.
ASCAP charges a small fee for both writing and publishing memberships. I am an ASCAP member, and once you register all your works with them; they than collect all of your royalties (money you earn from your music) once it is published and used. I would strongly recommend joining even if you aren't at that stage yet as it looks alot more appealing to people looking for YOUR music if you already handled this step yourself. You can visit the following link to ASCAP and set this up yourself. Very easy.
http://www.ascap.com/about/howjoin.asp
Please let me know if you have any more questions or need any help with this. I am a professional songwriter as well and am willing to help in any way I can. Take care.
Douglas Showalter
# 4
