by Scott Turner

The "Shown Interest" Syndrome

Many times per month, I will receive a tape or CD on a song written by a new writer with a cover letter stating "A lot of publishers have shown interest in my material" and that causes me to wonder if they (the publishers) were interested in the song, why didn't the writer sign a contract on the song?

The most obvious answer is that the publisher in their contract stated, 'Send a check for " X" amount of dollars when you send in the contract" and the X factor can be anywhere from $300 to $1500.

Another reason may be a publisher's tactful and most often legitimate reason to answer a hopeful writer by stating "your song is well-constructed, but our current concentration is focused on landing cuts by our contract writers." That is a known fact in Nashville because many talented writers are being touted by 2 or 3 publishing companies and the writer will ask if the firm publishes unsolicited material that comes in the front door. If the answer is yes, the writer feels that he or she may lose a cut because of a song that came in through the mail. It's a catch 22 all the way.

My suggestion to new writers is to let the strength of the song speak for itself. You don't have to say anything else including listing artists that the publisher should approach with the song. As I've said before, "A great song doesn't care who sings it."