How to Sell a Song on ITunes

When I created an audiobook, I wondered how audio tracks of any kind, whether an album or an audiobook, get on iTunes. So I started querying about "How to Sell on iTunes". I found some confusing instructions that sounded like a lot of work. Then I met someone who had produced audiobooks before and she let me in on the secret. There IS an easy way to sell a song, or audiobook on iTunes. In fact, you can sell on iTunes even if you don't have a CD in hand yet.

Think for a minute about what this means. Your friends, family and fans can purchase your music and load it on their iPod. You get paid and it's easy for new people to hear your sound!

So here's how to get started.

Yes, CDBaby.com is the answer to your question about how to sell music on iTunes

CDBaby.com works with musicians and audio publishers large and small to sell their products online through iTunes and other music download sites (such as Amazon MP3). They have an easy to use interface and charge a very low setup fee (I think it's about $35 for an album). I know I probably sound like I work for CDBaby, but I don't -- but you can't believe what a great service they offer for anyone who wants to sell music online.

Here's how it works:

1) You sign up

2) You send them music and artwork -- either using their online interface, or mailing in a real CD. You can opt to sell a single selection. You don't have to have an entire album.

3) They do all the work. Okay, what I mean by this is they "digitize the music and artwork". They follow those complicated instructions from iTunes and Amazon and all the other resellers and put the files in the right format and figure out where to send them.

4) Your music is sold worldwide. Your songs will be listed on CDBaby.com and distributed to digital distribution partners (iTunes, Amazon MP3, Rhapsody, eMusic, and dozens more). And you have the option of supplying regular CD's for sale through CDBaby and associated bricks and mortar stores.

5) They pay you!!

Here are the audiobooks that I put on CDBaby ...

Yes, it doesn't take long to tell you how to sell a song on iTunes

I know there is not a lot of content on this web page. But that's the whole idea. It can be really easy to sell a song on iTunes. Sell your music, sell an audiobook, whatever you like.

And then stop back here and brag about what you've done. Go get 'em! Go get that song on iTunes, NOW!

Oops.... I did forget one thing....

Getting Paid

Not only is the money nice, but the most recent email telling me that they paid me, includes where the money came from (some from iTunes Europe, some iTunes USA, some Amazon MP3) and then it gives me a link to get still more details and then they say:

Yes it's good to get paid paid paid paid for making music!

We hope we write you a million more checks.

We hope you write a million more songs.

We hope you get a million more fans

who give you a million kisses.

Ciao!

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I just love that and I bet you will too. So now that you know how AND how easy it is.... get your music out there!

Bouncing around Squidoo here, I came across a lens (page) I liked Make Money as an Artist, as in performing artist. There are some ideas there about creating music videos, collaborating, etc that might help you build your following as a musician.

Also, even if you don't yet have a song ready to sell on iTunes, and are still working on getting to that point or maybe you just want to perform more as a musician, consider creating an account (really just a login id) as a publisher because they email a lot of tips about promoting your music online. Many of them don't apply to me, since I publish audiobooks, BUT.... you never know when one of them might be a turning point in your music career.

I wish everyone out there following their dreams, the best of luck. As you can tell from above, I'm not a musician. Closest I came to that was having a son who sang in a Rock Band. But I really cheer for everyone who, well.... puts themselves out there and gives it their best shot!