Self releasing a CD

[marc61]

I'm trying to budget self releasing a four song CD, hopefully in the fall. The goal will be to sell the 4 song disk for $4 a piece

I found a place that will master for about $400
They will also produce 1000 cds in jewel cases for about $1000
My son will be doing the artwork

What other costs should I expect?copyrighting is done, but what about publishing? I don't know how to set up. I know it'll need to be bar-coded for sale on download sites as well

About getting the ball rolling, obviously I will have to give away a certain amount of discs to radio stations and for general promotion. Of the original pressing, what percentage do you think that should be?

Anything I am forgetting?

All advice appreciated.

[tennis_nick]

Marc, shoot me a PM with your email address, I've got a pdf file that covers all of this in a very understandable and complete manner.

[sloop_john_b]

Heck, I'll take it too Nick.

[marc61]

Excellent info Nick, especially since most of it agrees with my line of thinking.

I guess I still don't understand publishing, and what it does,as well as other costs I could be looking at. The reason why I ask this is, we won't be oooking for a label but would rather have silent investors, and want to be able to offer a reasonable return.

[whojamfan]

Have you tried going to CD Baby? They supposedly do all that and market it for you on the web. Nick, I'd love a copy as well.

[kiramdear]

Thanks, Nick. Looks like a lot of good advice there.

[rikk]

Join BMI, ASCAP, SECAM or a performance rights organization in your country as a publisher and as a musician if you already haven't. If you are an individual it's usually free. It you are a corporation there are fees. You register your UNIQUE name with them and they collect any royalties owed you. You should also join SoundEchange as they collect internet royalties.