Self-Release Guide Book for Composers & Musicians

If you want to pre-order the book but missed the Crowdfunder you can on my website https://www.matthewwhiteside.co.uk/product/self-release-guide-book/

The aim is to have the book published September all being well so you will get a copy around then. 

Hello, I'm Matthew!

I'm a classical composer, have been composing for most of my life and self-releasing my music since 2015. I've recorded and released nine albums (with four more on the way)–along with numerous singles and three film scores. I record and release my compositions to increase reach, potential for repeat performances, and to generate income. For me self-releasing is really important to keep control over my art and career. You can find out more about me and my work on my website www.matthewwhiteside.co.uk

When I started learning about how to release my own music, it felt like a minefield of timelines, rights, registrations, legal jargon, and acronyms. Few–if any–resources were available to guide me through the process. After talking to other musicians, I realised I was not alone. 

In 2020 I started giving webinars for Universities across the UK and the Musicians Union, teaching composers and musicians how to self-release their music. These seminars have been in high demand, always gain positive feedback and, importantly, have helped numerous musicians self-release their music! But I want to help more people understand the process and to dive into more detail than the webinars allow. 

That is where my book comes in. 

Why am I crowdfunding?

The first draft of the book is nearly finished, but I need help finalising it and getting it out into the world. Your donation will enable me to develop, publish and distribute the book. I can’t do it without your support. This crowdfunder is will also act as a way to pre-order the book. 

The book will be self-published (because conceptually it feels like the right thing to do!) and will cover:

• A general introduction to releasing music, digital distribution, and streaming.
• How to set a realistic budget (income and expenditure). 
• How to fundraise to cover costs.
• How to prepare for and run recording sessions.
• How to get your music on major streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, etc).
• Rights and registrations
• How use the artist analytics dashboards.
• How to market your music.
• How to get your music used in film and television (sync licensing).

Creative Scotland Crowdmatch

I am delighted that my book is part of the 2023 Creative Scotland Crowdmatch competition. Creative Scotland will match pound-for-pound individual pledges from the crowd up to £10,000. So if you donate £20 to the book, your donation will be matched with a £20 pledge from Creative Scotland, effectively doubling your donation!

Your support will go toward:

- Working with an editor to hone the text into the most clear and useful form. I am working with with Laura Pearson, a freelance editor with years of experience in all aspects of publishing and editing.

- Book cover design and graphics. Hlavi has worked with me since 2015 on my album artwork and design. He will design the cover and infographics needed throughout the book.

- Printing and distribution. I’m going to use IngramSpark who do print-on-demand and distribute both physical and digital copies. Print-on-demand means I won’t need to hold physical stock of the books. The books can be printed on an as-needed basis in a location closer to the person who bought them, reducing both shipping time and environmental impact. 

Rewards

Most of the rewards involve a copy of the book in some form. There are other rewards that include a copy of one of my CDs, a group webinar, a one off one-on-one mentoring session or more long term support in your journey. Most of the rewards include the option for your name to be on a 'thanks' page. I will contact everyone to find out if you want to be credited and if so, how. 

If you feeling especially generous you could even have the book dedicated to you. 

By supporting this final part of the project you will get a resource that includes information and experience that I've spent almost 10 years learning, developing and refining.

Whether you are recording your own songs, working with a band, producing beats, or recording the music of living (or dead!) composers, my goal in writing this book is to help you understand how to generate income from commercially releasing your art. After all, your art is your business!

Thank you for your consideration, 

Matthew.