# 1 mistake writers make/and more

# 1 MISTAKE ARTISTS & WRITERS MAKE

Being in the music business for many years has given me some insight on some of the personal habits of musicians.  Some of those habits are quite quirky and worthy of a laugh.  Then there are those habits that are sad.  Some of these habits can cost them their careers.  One of the most annoying traits inherent is being tardy.  When I was in school, if you were tardy, you were sent to the principal's office and you were in big trouble.  I spent a lot of time there, and because of that I am always on time.  Not being on time shows disrespect for others.  Not a good way to make a good impression.  OK, I had to get that off my chest.

# 1 GOOF UP

Believe it or not it's education.  I don't mean you have to have a masters or PHD.  I am simply talking about taking the time to learn the business of your career.  While there is some that see the value in this effort, most don't even take the time to look.  In today's world of the web, there is no excuse for lack of knowledge.  Everything you need to know is out there.  You just need to get off your lazy butt and get it.  With knowledge, passion, effort, and talent, you will succeed.  I will list some building blocks below of some of the things you need to do to get started.  While not an exhaustive list, it will get you started.

1. Start with a plan-- If you don't know where you're going, how will you get there? This is the # 1 reason most people fail is the lack of planning.

2. Networking - Important beyond your imagination.

3. Social media - You must know how to navigate this world in order to succeed.

4. Publishing and how it works.  If you don't understand this part of the business, you will lose your rear.

5. Booking -- Another need to know and understand

6. Contracts -- History will tell you why you need this knowledge.

7. Management -- Ask the New Kids On The Block why you need this.

8. Demo process -- You can waste a lot of money if you don't understand this process

9. Producing - Another valuable tool

10. Your craft  -- Need I say more?

The best way to learn the business is to learn from those who have been successful in the business.  Going to music business school or reading everything you can about the business, IS GREAT and needed.  However all the schooling and reading in the world will never totally prepare you for what it's really like in the real world.  Reputable Professional Associations are one of the most valuable tools you can use.

DON’T THROW CAUTION TO THE WIND

Naive - extremely simple and trusting – We would all like to believe that everyone is looking out for our best interest.  The fact is they're not.  We are going to assume you are a writer and you’ve written a hit, and now you're ready to pitch your baby to the music world.  Are you really ready?  I’m going to give you a list of questions you should be able to answer if you’re truly ready.

1.   Have you had your song reviewed by a professional?

2.   Do you really know what kind of demo you need?  Most writers assume they do.

3.   Do you really understand the copyright process?

4.   Do you know where to pitch it?

5.   Do you understand publishing?

6.   Have you signed up with a PRO?

7.   Do you know what a pitch sheet is?

8.   Have you networked to make contacts in the industry?

If you have answered yes to all of the above then I think it would be safe to say, you may be ready.  If you could not answer yes to the above questions, then you need to back up, and regroup.  You may be thinking I don’t have time to learn all that stuff.  The reality is you don’t have time not to.  Remember, miss a step and it will bite you where?  Adolescent writers will get spanked in this business, and sent to time out, so put all the bullets in your gun before you shoot, it’s just safer that way.  I love mixed metaphors don’t you?  This book is not intended to do the work for you.  My intention is to point you in the right direction and send you off.  However, I would like to throw in a little basic songwriting jargon, and some professional songwriting shortcuts.