There are those who use the music business as a means to exploit others. Here are some guidelines to help you recognize such a person or company:

** Never pay to have your songs published. A reputable company interested in your songs assumes the responsibility and cost of promoting your material. That company invests in your material because it expects a profit once the song is recorded and released.

** Never pay to have your music "reviewed". Reviewing material - free of charge - is the practice of a reputable company.

** Never pay to have your lyrics or poems set to music. "Music Mills" - for a price - may use the same melody for hundreds of lyrics and poems. Publishers can recognize one of these melodies as soon as they hear one.

** Read ALL contracts carefully before signing and don't sign any contract you're unsure about or that you don't understand.

** Don't pay a company to pair you with a collaborator. Better ways include contacting organizations which offer collaboraion services to their members.

** Don't "sell your songs outright". It's unethical for anyone to offer you such a proposition.

If you are being offered a "recording contract" you should not be expected to pay upfront for the session, musicians, promotion, etc. Major record companies recoup such expenses from record sales. If you ARE asked to pay expenses upfront, beware. There are some services that companies, especially smaller ones, may ask the artist to share, but there is a fine line between what is fair and what is questionable. With such companies, it's a good idea to ask to speak with other artists who have signed such contracts with them before signing one yourself. And if, after weighing expenses, you think you can afford the longshot, then it's your decision. Read the stipulations of the contract carefully, however, and go over them with a music business attorney.

** Verify any situaton about a company or individual if you have doubts:
** 1. Contact the performance rights organization with which they are affiliated.
** 2. Check with the Better Business Bureau in the town where they're located.
** 3. Contact professional organizations.

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