The Plain and Simple Guide to Music Publishing

Randall Wixon rose though the ranks of music publishers to become the largest independent in the business, known for his integrity, insight and sharp wit. Here he provides us with an easy-to read guide that makes common sense out of the seemingly complex financial side of the Music Business. No one could make this subject easy--Randall does as good a job as humanly possible to make it interesting and digestable. Anyone with a financial stake in a song, a lyric, a recording, will count this as must reading, even if they then go out to hire professional representation. I am a member of ASCAP with about 10 songwriting credits garnered over the years as a professional writer in Hollywood (Mostly at Disney Studios and Warner Bros), and yet I was embarrassed at how little I actually knew about my own rights. So anyone from a beginner to a semi-irregular song writer like myself to a prolific musician with hundreds of credits can and will profit from a careful reading of this book. John Klawitter writer/producer/director

Randall D. Wixen's book is packed full of valuable information for anyone with an interest in music publishing. I recommend this as a must-read no-nonsense guide for everyone from songwriters to music publishing executives. If I ran a large music publishing corporation, I would make this required reading for everyone at the company. Randall tells the basics about protecting and profiting from music copyrights. The forward by Tom Petty is a strong endorsement and from a songwriter's perspective says it all about this book in one line..."a book that could be the most valuable writing partner you'll ever hook up with".

Over the years I have conducted numerous lectures and workshops on the subject of music publishing. It's the only subject matter that I've tackled in a seminar environment that creates more questions with each answer. Randall Wixen, who has been in the business of music publishing for years, has thought of all the common questions and supplies answers to them by breaking down every aspect of music publishing (ownership, exploitation, profit splits, etc.) in detail and with clarity. This book articulates the purpose and role of music publisher and the mechanics and finances of their operation. It's also one of the few books that I've read that sheds light on how ASCAP & BMI collect, and distribute revenues among songwriters and publishers. Affordably priced to be a MUST HAVE reference book for all songwriters.

Music copyright is an important thing to protect - and also happens to be one of the least understood areas of the industry, though it holds potential for big profits and large losses if it isn't handled right. The Plain And Simple Guide To Music Publishing: What You Need To Know About Protecting, And Profiting From, Music Copyrights narrows the focus to music publishing and comes from an author who has administered publishing rights for hundreds of artists and companies, earning them big-ticket money in the process. Readers learn about the inner workings of the music industry, pitfalls and promises, licensing, co-writing and more. Musician Tom Petty provides an introduction recounting his own tale of woe for not paying enough attention to this essential area.

Randall Wixen has written an truly excellent book for someone wanting to learn the basics of Music Publishing & Administration. This whole area of the music business is much misunderstood and especially by young songwriters who need to know from day one just how important it is to understand and manage this side of the business. It's factual, no-nonsense and clear. A must read.