Copyright Information Page

     for poets and songwriters

If you are a seasoned writer with lots of copyright experience, you probably don't need to read this page.

If you are new to copyrighting, then read on. I will start with some basic information and a few tips along the way.

1. If you are a poet, and have never copyrighted your work, you need to start by downloading and printing the

    "form TX with instructions", available on our links page, or by clicking here. download link 

       TIP: This document is a PDF file, if you open Adobe Reader before going to the link, it will load faster.

2. Like most government forms, it is kind of a pain to fill out. Just take your time and read the instructions

    carefully. Fill out all the areas that are asking for information from you and don't leave any blank.

     TIP: If you have one poem, it will cost you $45 dollars. If you have many poems, simply submit them all using just the one form.

            Simply call them, for example: "THE POETIC WORKS OF JANE DOE VOLUME ONE", it's still $45 dollars.

     TIP: It is a good idea to send your work with a delivery confirmation. Technically your work is protected once it is received by the

            copyright office. It can take 3 to 6 months to receive your copyright, depending on the work load at the copyright office. 

3. When you decide to use our services to compose music for your lyrics, you will then need an additional copyright

     for what will then be, "Your Song". Yep, unfortunately you will have to fill out another form (form PA this time) and

     pay another $45 to "Uncle Copyright". (see item #5)

4. At this point I should mention, I have composed quite a few pieces of music for people who could care less

    about copyrighting their work. For example, I have turned family poems into songs just for the family members,

    who had no intentions of ever publishing or giving them to a band to put on an album. I also have turned love

    poems into songs for weddings, engagements, or special occasions. These people wanted their songs only for

    their own use. Though I don't encourage it, if your work falls into those categories, then we will be happy to work

   with you, be it at your own risk. That said, I still urge you to use the copyright for your material.

5. Now, once your have a CD of your song in hand from us, you will then need to use "form PA with instructions".

    Available, again either from our links page, or by clicking here. download link

6. Basically, follow the same steps and tips stated above, except make sure to send only a copy of the CD along

    with your form when you send it in. Make sure you keep the original CD for yourself. The CD you send in will not

    be returned to you!

7. Keep in mind, the copyright is for your protection. If your song is going to Aunt Sally for her birthday,

    well, you may not decide to copyright it after we have sent it to you. That's your decision. If you plan to pitch your

    songs to Nashville publishers or artists, then you MUST get a copyright!  If you have doubts and questions, there

    are many great links on the net, including the copyright office itself. Click here.  copyright office FAQ's

8. To close I would like to wish you the best of luck with your new song. If you get it demoed at a big fancy studio,

    shoot us a copy. We love nothing more than hearing the final cut. If you would like to give us a short endorsement

    and would like a sample of your song used here on our site, just drop us a line, we'll be happy to consider it.

                                                                  Brian and I thank all of you for your business.