Part of the whole presentation relies on the packaging of the song(s), as well. Check the following list for tips on how to present your material to a music publisher. Neatness counts. 

The lyric sheet that accompanies a tape or CD and there must be one should be neatly typed and in a form that delineates the verses from the chorus and the bridge. Sometimes, double spacing will help to make it more easy to read depending on length. 

Always cue your tape up to the first song. Nothing is more frustrating than listening to dead air. I know of publishers who will shut it off if there's no song in the first five seconds of tape. Keep the space between songs, if there's more than one, to a minimum for the same reason. 

Erase any extraneous noises from the tape. That includes count downs, studio chatter, verbal intros, and heaven help me, an explanation of the song. 

The vocals must be upfront. This is another reason for a lyric sheet. Too many times songs are mixed with the music drowning out the singer. There's nothing worse than straining to hear words. It's a definite turnoff and could kill an otherwise good song. The publisher is probably going to listen on small, cheap speakers in his/her office. Most times, they are not listening in a studio with huge Jensens or Altecs. Mix down to small speakers. 

label your cassette or CD clearly with anything that will help the publisher find you if they want to sign the song. Always have the title(s) , writer's name, phone # and address somewhere on it. Use a copyright symbol, even if the songs aren't. 

Unless specifically requested, it is never good form to send more than three songs to any one solicitation. And, if the publisher requests one and only one song, that's all you should send. Just make it the best you've got. It's going to be your only chance to impress, don't throw it away on a filler type song. 

© Silver Kat Music