Making Music Make Money: An Insider's Guide to Becoming Your Own Music Publisher (Berklee Press) [Paperback]

Eric Beall (Author)

Book Description

Release date: November 1, 2003 | Series: Berklee Press

(Berklee Press). Making Music Make Money will educate songwriters, as well as aspiring music business entrepreneurs in the basics of becoming an effective independent music publisher. Topics include a discussion of the various roles a publisher plays in the music business: collection, administration, protection, exploitation and evaluation. A major emphasis is placed on the exploitation process, and the importance of creating a sound business model for a new publishing venture. Eric Beall is a Creative Director for Zomba Music Publishing, as well as a former songwriter and record producer. In his role at Zomba, Eric has signed and developed top writers including Steve Diamond, KNS Productions, and Riprock & Alex G. and has coordinated and directed Zomba writers in the development of material for Jive Records pop superstars like Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, Britney Spears and Aaron Carter. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Berklee Press (November 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876390076
• ISBN-13: 978-0876390078
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #58,072 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #30 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Business
  • #41 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Musical Genres > Popular
  • #68 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Reference

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Primer for Starting a Music Publishing Company February 24, 2004

By Ran Walker

Format:Paperback

Being both a producer and an attorney, I have read most of what is currently on the market concerning music publishing. I've read all of the traditional music business books (This Business of Music, Everything You Need to Know About the Music Business, etc.), as well as books written by non-lawyers (Confessions of a Music Producer, The Craft and Business of Songwriting, etc.). I've even read Randy Poe's very informative _Music Publishing_. But this is the first book that I've read that seems to serve as a primer for walking a songwriter or producer through the motions of what is actually involved in executing as a music publisher.

While this book does not go into depth on copyright law, contracts, or basic business law, it doesn't pretend to be an all-in-one end-all-be-all on the subject of music publishing or entertainment law. In actuality, its true forte is in that it looks at music publishing from an entrepreneur's POV. It is a simple read that walks the reader through a number of things that should be considered by the entrepreneur who wants to run a successful music publishing company. And speaking as one who deals with songwriters and producers frequently, it is mandatory that music publishing be understood and even utilized to gain maximum compensation for your works.

The book assumes that you have a few songs under your belt in which to begin your catalog. If not, it discusses ways in which songs can be acquired. I commend Eric Beall for putting this book together. He has done much of the groundwork thinking so that you, future music publisher, can be further along in planning your business.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know the practical elements of the music publishing business and how they can be achieved by the novice attempting to create a career in songwriting and/or music publishing.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent resource no serious musician, writer and/or composer should be without January 18, 2006

By Martin A. Cerame

Format:Paperback

If you're a serious writer/composer or a performing musician who wants to get a better understanding of the publishing aspects of the music industry, this book is an absolute MUST! It provides you all the necessary tools, tips and advice to get your songwriting/publishing career in motion. Unless you are a veteran songwriter who has already signed a music publishing contract and whose songs have already been recorded, broadcasted and accounted for (and therefore you have collected royalties and know all about the business and legal implications of music publishing), you will find this book extremely helpful and entertaining to read.

Do note that the book focuses specifically on all the areas relevant to music publishing, from the creative to the administrative, which I personally found extremely useful. It is written in simple, down-to-earth and easy to understand terms which will make you not only an able music publisher but also a better songwriter through detailed and effective guidelines and tips.

As for getting signed as an artist by a major label and the business and legal aspects of the recording/performing/touring areas of the music industry, well... this is not that book.

However, if you want to turn your songs into profit, get this book. Of course, no book will provide you a 100% guarantee that you'll succeed in the extremely competitive music business, but this particular one will set you on the right direction and improve your odds tenfold. You won't regret it.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! April 13, 2005

By Liam McCormack

Format:Paperback

This book is wonderful! It is loaded with step by step information about how to get your music published and how to be successful in the music industry. I was expecting the book to be just another "how to" guide for aspiring musicians, but this book is so much more. The real life experience of the author Eric Beall is crafted into the language and truly made me think about different aspects of the industry that I had never considered before. I am currently trying to market my songs and I have to admit I was rather lost until I read this book. It really examines the process of publishing your own music and it offers countless strategies and examples on how to do so. One thing that I found was really helpful was how clearly Beall outlines the road to success. He takes the reader step by step through the process and really focuses on each part of the journey. If you've only written 2 songs or if you've written 500, this book will help you out immensely. Another thing which I thought was truly inspiring was how he focused on the way money gets split up between the different people involved in the purchasing of songs. When you find out how much more money you could be making as your own music publisher, it really motivates you to follow Beall's process and really go for it. This book taught me so much about the industry and really gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams as a songwriter. We all know the music business is tough, but thanks to great resources like this book, we are given a clear path to follow and the encouragement to do so.