Frequently asked questions
About Publishers
Can I search for industry professionals?
Songwriters cannot search for industry professionals. But they can search for you.
Can a songwriter also sign up as a publisher?
Our community guidelines ask that you only have 1 type of account. Here's some guidelines to help you decide:
Publisher accounts are for companies that focus on licensing music and getting songwriters to publishers and record labels.
If you are a songwriter and a publisher and want to have your music represented on this site, and pitch songs to publishers, please sign up as a songwriter.
If you have circumstances that you feel make having both types of accounts important, contact us to discuss.
What happens when a publisher "follows" me?
You get a notice that a professional is following you and the industry counter on your profile increases by 1.
What happens when a publisher "connects" with me?
You can see the publisher's profile and can accept or decline just like any other connection request.
Referral Process
Overview of the referral process
Our Review Team members are publishers, performing rights representativesand songwriting organization representatives who know from years of experience what publishers are looking for. The names of the industry professionals on our Review Team remain private so they can be free of any kind of pressure.
When you request a referral, we verify your profile's data and circulate it to our industry professionals in your genre. Our review team listens to your music and considers your career progress. Getting "referred" means the majority of our reviewers believe industry professionals will want to connect with you.
You will hear back from us in 10-15 days by inMail message. Whatever feedback the Reviewer may give is sent to you with their "Yes" or "Not this time".
If is the answer is "Not this time", we encourage you to continue to expand your co-writing network, focus on writing and try again in 6 months with new songs.
Why is it important to get referred?
Next to writing great music, getting referred by industry professionals is the single most important thing you can do for your career.
"Referred" writers gain Sooner's most powerful tools, a "referred" a badge on your profile and can be found under industry professional's favorite search filter "referred" writers.
I requested a referral but the answer was "not this time". Now what?
If you didn't get the referral you hoped for, you probably just need to spend more time writing and if you're not already, you need to write with others.
Everybody says "write-up", and we immediately think "hit songwriter". From our experience, if you get in the room with someone who's too far ahead of you, you end not having much to add and getting locked out of the creative process. Not fun.
Look for co-writers that have strengths that you don't. Be patient (and determined) enough to spend the time needed to grow your craft.
If you want to hurry things up, get a songwriting coach or mentor. Lots of songwriting organizations like NSAI, Global Songwriter Connection and Songtown offer this.
Go write 200 more songs, record the best 5, and request a referral again. We sincerely want you to succeed. There's enough room for everyone.
How do I request a referral?
Sign up for the Career Plan and the "Request A Referral" icon will appear on the left menu.
Click the link below for the video on how to request a referral!
https://www.discoversooner.com/how-to-videos
Prepare your profile for the review team
Between your playlists and Splashes, post at least 5 songs on your profile. Songs should have a consistent quality that reflect your unique finger-print. Songs don't need to be fully produced but should be at least a guitar/vocal or keyboard/vocal. Use phone recordings (work tapes) at your own risk.
Use your bio, music playlists and Splashes to highlight your best songs, co-writer relationships and professional relationships that you may have.
Here's some examples:
Songs you've written that have been cut, placed in tv/film, or made it onto a chart.
Songs that songpluggers or tv/film sync agents have picked up and are pitching on your behalf.
Songs you co-wrote with signed writers and hit songwriters.
Splash awards and accolades you've received.
If you're an artist, highlight the team helping your career move forward. Include your music's streaming numbers, social media goals you've reached, duets/collabs, significant shows you've played, and touring goals you've hit.
Publishing Fields
What are the fields in the Publishing section?
CURRENT PUBLISHER(S)
Publisher name
PREVIOUS PUBLISHER(S)
Publisher name
SEEKING PUBLISHING DEAL?
Yes/No
TOP 40 BILLBOARD SONG
If yes, add hit song titles in drop down field
CATALOG FOR SALE
Yes/No If yes, add hit song titles in drop down fields
Songwriter Sign Up
Publisher Sign Up
