How to Take a Publisher Meeting
Humbleness, Honesty and Humility
By: Jimi Heath Whitelaw

Ok, instead of rambling on and on like I tend to do... let's just go over the main points of the meeting and I'll give you some tips that I've learned the hard way:)

Walking in to the Publisher's Office
Jimi Tip 1:
Don't arrive early-make you look too eager.  Don't arrive late - Makes you look like a loser.

Jimi Tip 2:
Be nice to the receptionist.  This is very important.  That receptionist is your first connection in the building and will also decide if they want to put your call through next time you want to schedule a meeting.  Be patient if he/she is on the phone.  Once they are off, let them know who you are and who you are there to see, then have a seat and wait.  I always ask the receptionist how her/his day is going, make small talk and smile.

Jimi Tip 3:
Don't dress up.  Nothing screams GREEN than coming to a pub meeting wearing a suit.  Just wear what you normally do. Jeans and a shirt work just fine. 

Introductions During the Meeting
Jimi Tip 1:
Keep your answers brief.  Nobody wants to hear about how you made a promise to your mama on her deathbed that you would one day make it big in the music business, or about how you can't pay your rent, your back hurts, etc.  If they ask you about yourself, answer like this: "I've been writing (___) years, I've built up my catalogue, been co writing, feel that my writing has progressed to a commercial level and thought it was time to take some meetings and see what others think of my work".

Jimi Tip 2:
Do NOT talk about what kind of deal you want.  If the publisher doesn't mention it, neither should you. Remember, this is a "get to know ya" type of meeting.

Jimi Tip 3:
Ask the publisher about his company, what he does, etc.  Be interested.

Jimi Tip 4:
Don't talk smack about other people in the industry.  This is a close-nit community, everybody knows everybody.

Playing Your Music
Jimi Tip 1:
Do NOT make excuses of any kind when you hand over your CD.  Just hand it over and let him/her listen.  Making an excuse tells the publisher that the material isn't ready and neither are you.

Jimi Tip 2:
For the love of God, DON'T talk while the song is playing.  You don't want to distract the publisher from hearing your song.  Just sit back, relax and shut up.

Jimi Tip 3:
If the publisher stops your song before the end, don't say a word.  Don't say, "Hey!  You didnt even hear the chorus!"  If they move to the next songs, that means they didn't think they heard a hit.  No big deal, that's his/her opinion.  Let it lie.

Wrapping Up the Meeting
Jimi Tip 1:
Don't start asking for opinions and suggestions as soon as the CD stops.  He or she will tell you what he/she thinks, trust me.  Don't ask things like, "So will you set me up on a co write?" if they think you are ready for that, they will pony up the offer.

Jimi Tip 2:
Don't argue with the publisher.  If they say they can't do anything for you now, THANK THEM for taking the time out of their busy schedule to meet with you and ask them if you could bring them more material once you've had some time to do more writing.

Happy Meetings!