Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
Songburd Connect is a complete self-publishing platofrm that allows composers to professionally print their sheet music with a variety of options, and distribute their work to retailers around the world.
Songburd Connect offers print-on-demand, distribution in print and digital, editing, design, and consultation services.
Songburd Connect provides free and paid publishing that are flexible based on how you want to distribute your music. See our publishing here.
Yes! You retain 100% of your copyright with all of our publishing options.
Pricing FAQs
We offer three self-publishing options (basic, standard, professional) and one print publishing administration option. Pricing is based on per titles uploaded and can be changed at anytime depending on the type of distribution you are looking for.
Self-Publishing Basic – Our free option that lets you sell your music in digital formats through Songburd Music. This options gives you the chance to sell your music in digital before trying it in print.
Self-Publishing Standard – Gives you more expansive option by providing you with print-on-demand for your music or books. Sell in print and digital through our marketplace or order copies to sell through your own website.
Self-Publishing Professional – Our full service option for the independent publisher. Get access to print-on-demand, order fulfillment (we ship directly to your customers), and complete distribution through third-party retailers like Amazon, Walmart, JW Pepper and more! We will also manage licensing others to arrange or any rentals/hire materials to ensembles on your behalf.
Print Administration and Licensing – For independent composers who need help administering additional rights and royalties associated with their music such as performance and mechanical. Songburd Music will retain licensing and distribution rights for an initial term of two years, with an automatic renewal for one additional year unless otherwise agreed.
The standard fee of $55 per score will be waived if Songburd Music provides editorial and engraving services; in such cases, a separate fee for those services will apply in place of the standard fee
For information on print licensing or any of our other self-publishing options, contact support@songburdmusic.com for more information.
We can stop production and sales of your score within 45 days of you submitting a request. Some channels may change your listing as “out of print.”
To make this request email us at support@songburdmusic.com.
Songburd Marketplaces includes out direct store and distribution channels:
- Songburd Music (www.songburdmusic.com)
- Ars Nova Sheet Music (www.arsnovasheetmusic.com)
NOTE: Ars Nova Sheet Music currently distributes in print formats only. Digital format will be available on this platform in the near future.
Wholesale Distribution is the process of making your titles available at third-party retailers, brick and mortar stores, schools, and eCommerce stores. Learn more about distribution here. This option is only available for the Publisher tier.
Self-Publishing Standard
- Order copies right to your door to sell on your personal site or at conferences.
- Copies under this option can only be shipped to the composer address.
Self-Publishing Pro
- Order copies right to your door, or have them shipped to your customer.
- Copies ordere under this option can be shiped to the composers or customers address.
Yes. We are a non-exclusive distributor. This means you can use our service as well as another printing service. However, we will aggregate and sell your score to all relative distribution channels we offer. If another service has posted your music to a specific channel, then this may create a duplicate of that same title. Other distributors may require exclusivity which would prevent you from using this service. Let us know if you would like to sell your score in a place we do not have direct relationship with and we can work to set that up on your behalf.
Note: Our Print Music Administration service is exclusive for two years, with an automatic one year renewal. Please contact support@songburdmusic.com for additional information.
Yes! We review all scores to make sure they meet industry standards for printing. Once your score is approved, we recommend ordering a copy before submitting a distribution request.
Maybe. Songburd Connect will allow the distribution of original compositions and arrangements of public domain works. Due to varying copyright laws, public domain time frames may be different in some countries. If you are not sure whether a work is in public domain, we recommend consulting a legal expert. A good rule to follow is life of author, plus 70 years from death, to see if a work is in public domain.
If you are found infringing on copyright, a $100 USD fee will be charged for the removal of your work from our print and distribution network.
Yes! You have the option to request file replacements at any point. However, it’s important to note that modifications to either the metadata, or the files themselves, will be regarded as a new distribution request, subject to the appropriate fees.
Some retailers may not change metadata info after posting your music on their site. so it is important to ensure your titles are finalized before distributing.
Distribution FAQs
Yes. We are a non-exclusive distributor. This means you can use our service as well as another printing service. However, we will aggregate and sell your score to all relative distribution channels we offer. If another service has posted your music to a specific channel, then this may create a duplicate of that same title. Other distributors may require exclusivity which would prevent you from using this service. Let us know if you would like to sell your score in a place we do not have direct relationship with and we can work to set that up on your behalf.
Yes! We review all scores to make sure they meet industry standards for printing. Once your score is approved, we recommend ordering a copy before submitting a distribution request.
How much you earn per sale will depend on variety of factors such as retail price, print cost, and wholesaler fees.
You can view our How to Self-Publish page to read more about pricing and selling your music.
Songburd Connect requires that composers and publishers maintain a Quality Industry Standard when using our distribution service. This reduces the risk of returns from customers, wholesalers and distribution partners. This rating is assigned to each new title and can be viewed through your Songburd Connect account.
Songburd Connect maintains its own rubric for quality standards based on the following:
- Music Engraving and Presentation: Music is clear and easy to read, there are a balanced number of systems across all pages.
- Graphic Presentation: Cover content is balanced and meets our resolution standards for printing (300 dpi). Cover displays correct metadata including title, contributors, publisher, and other necessary content based on the edition. Images on interior pages meet resolution standards for printing.
- Written Content and Copy: Score or book contains minimal spelling errors and copy clearly pertains to the content of the score or book.
- Pricing: Editions should be priced at a reasonable rate that can allow wholesale discounts (minimum 40% wholesale discount required).
- Printed Material: Content follows standards (size and binding) provided by Songburd Music and is of a high enough resolution so that content is clear and readable.
NOTE: This standards rating is intended to be general feedback, and will not prevent you from selling your music through our distribution channels.
Maybe. Songburd Connect will allow the distribution of original compositions and arrangements of public domain works. Due to varying copyright laws, public domain time frames may be different in some countries. If you are not sure whether a work is in public domain, we recommend consulting a legal expert. A good rule to follow is life of author, plus 70 years from death, to see if a work is in public domain.
If you are found infringing on copyright, a $100 USD fee will be charged for the removal of your work from our print and distribution network.
Yes! You have the option to request file replacements at any point. However, it’s important to note that modifications to either the metadata, or the files themselves, will be regarded as a new distribution request, subject to a fee of $30. If you have not requested distribution on a title, then you will only be charged the $8 fee.
We can stop production and sales of your score within 45 days of you submitting a request.
To make this request email us at support@songburdmusic.com.
Printing FAQs
Yes. Our printers offer full color and black & white printing options.
Our printers offer saddle stitch (stapled), folded, coil, folio, and perfect bound options.
NOTE: Perfect bound is only offered for books and is not available to mix and match with sheet music unless created as a separate title.