Let’s assume you’ve finally landed a meeting with a music publisher. Woo-hoo! I’m proud of you! Now, PLEASE don’t mess up this opportunity. Today, I want to help you make the most of your meeting.
Here are 6 things you can do to maximize your next publisher meeting. Read on.
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Last week, I discussed 5 Ways To Prepare For Your Publisher Meeting. You can read that with a CLICK HERE. Today, let’s talk about how to slay your next publisher meeting while you’re IN the room. And away we go…
1. Be on time or early.
In a world where writers and creative types are habitually late, it’s refreshing to have someone show up on time or (gasp) a few minutes early. Seriously, this is a simple way to show respect for the publisher and his or her time. It matters. Be professional.
Plus, a publisher’s day is FULL. If you don’t show up on time, you’re either going to get a shorter meeting, or you’re messing up their schedule for the day. Being the reason for a scheduling logjam is NOT the impression you want to make on a publisher.
2. Dress like you care.
Seriously. If you’re meeting in person, you want to appear professional. No, you don’t have to wear kakis, but you want to be presentable. No, it doesn’t make your song sound better.
However, if you hope to build a relationship with this publisher and hopefully get some cowrites or eventually land a staff deal, you want to make the publisher feel like you know what you’re doing and won’t embarrass him later. No, you don’t have to be handsome or beautiful, just don’t let your outfit be a negative.
3. Seek to get better, not just to get discovered.
Maybe your songs are impressive. Maybe they’re not. But a humble, teachable attitude is always impressive. You want the publisher to be a fan of YOU, not just your songs.
If they get the sense that a songwriter is not there to learn and connect but just wants to be told how great they are (and they aren’t great), they’re just going to try and get through the session with as little headache as possible. Because if you’re not willing to learn or connect, you’re probably just waisting their time.
4. Take notes.
Or record the session (but ask before you hit the red button). First of all, if you have a memory like mine, you won’t remember everything you want to. Secondly, if you look like you’re taking it seriously and are fired up about the opportunity, it encourages the publisher to give even better info.
Also, a publisher might be a little less likely to suggest a potential cowriter or industry contact if you look like you don’t have a pen within five miles.
5. Don’t argue.
It’s okay to ask clarifying questions and explore a topic more. But it should be to learn, not to win. Again, if a publisher doesn’t think they CAN work with you, they WON’T work with you. If the publisher is wrong on a point, it’s your job to go out and PROVE them wrong. If you irritate them with your attitude, you can lose the relationship. And relationships in this business are HUGE.
6. Express gratitude.
You’re not doing them a favor by gracing them with your presence. They’re doing YOU the favor. So act like it. Be thankful, and let them know you are. Everyone likes to be appreciated, and publishers are no different. Don’t overdo it, but let them know you value their time and attention.
Okay, those are 6 ways you can get the most out of your publisher meeting. You may want to bookmark this page or print it out for when the big day comes.
Next time, I’ll discuss what to do AFTER the publisher meeting. Stay tuned, you don’t want to miss it. In the meantime…
Let me introduce you to a legit music publisher.
If you’re ready to connect with a publisher, I have a path for YOU and YOUR great song to get to a real, legit, successful music publisher.
On Thursday, March 28, I’m hosting the next round of Songwriting Pro’s “Play For A Publisher.” Our guest is Scot Sherrod of Rare Spark Media. Scot has had his hand in a bunch of hits, but the deadline to submit your song is coming up quickly! CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY.
God Bless and Enjoy the Journey,
Brent Brent Baxter is a hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Lady Antebellum, Joe Nichols, Gord Bamford, Ruthie Collins, Ray Stevens, and more. He’s written a top 10 in Texas, a top 5 hit in the US and a #1 in Canada… so far.
