Making It in the Music Business: The Business and Legal Guide for Songwriters and Performers

by Lee Wilson

Overview

Allworth Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, publishes a broad range of books on the visual and performing arts, with emphasis on the business of art. Our titles cover subjects such as graphic design, theater, branding, fine art, photography, interior design, writing, acting, film, how to start careers, business and legal forms, business practices, and more. While we don't aspire to publish a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are deeply committed to quality books that help creative professionals succeed and thrive. We often publish in areas overlooked by other publishers and welcome the author whose expertise can help our audience of readers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781621531999
Publisher:	Allworth
Publication date:	01/02/2008
Sold by:	SIMON & SCHUSTER
Format:	eBook
Pages:	256
File size:	545 KB

About the Author

Lee Wilson is a Nashville writer and lawyer. In private practice since 1984, she writes on intellectual-property law topics for a variety of publications, has served on the boards of several arts organizations, and is a frequent speaker to arts and academic groups. She is the author of six books on intellectual-property law, all published by Allworth Press.

Table of Contents

	Dedication	vi
	Acknowledgments	vii
	Preface	ix
1.	Copyright for Songwriters
Chapter 1	Understanding Copyright Law	3
Chapter 2	How Copyright Protects You	23
Chapter 3	Protecting Your Copyrights and Yourself	37
Chapter 4	Making Money from Your Music	61
II.	The Business of Making Music
Chapter 5	When You Form a Band	83
Chapter 6	Understanding Contracts	99
Chapter 7	Finding and Managing a Booking Agent	107
Chapter 8	Managers and What They Mean to Your Career	117
Chapter 9	Music Lawyers and How to Find and Work with One	131
Chapter 10	Trademarks and Why They're Important to You	151
Chapter 11	Choosing a Performing Name You Can Protect	165
	Appendixes
Appendix A	Form Club Engagement Agreement	187
Appendix B	Form Photographer's Agreement and Assignment of Copyright	193
Appendix C	Form Designer's Agreement and Assignment of Copyright	197
Appendix D	Sample Trademark Cease-and-Desist Letter	201
Appendix E	Resources	205
	Glossary	219
	Index	235

Editorial Reviews

A revised edition of a handbook in which entertainment lawyer Wilson tells songwriters and performers what they need to know to use the legal system to their advantage, protect their work from infringement, and launch a successful music career. Topics include signing a first contract, finding a booking agent, choosing a manager and music publisher, working with music lawyers, understanding partnership law for musicians, and understanding trademarks and how to protect a band's name. Includes sample forms and letters. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

It is a valuable book for anyone starting out in the music business.

Career Opportunity News