5/25/07

Book with CD?

I have created a soundtrack for my book. Would it be useful to send in a CD of the soundtrack with the book? Should I list the songs and artists at the end of my book as notations for inspiration?

I thought this would make a Funny Friday question. But let's pretend for just a minute that it's serious.

I had to think about this for awhile. I've never had this happen with a submission (which is why it won the Never Heard That One Before question in last month's question contest). I have, on occasion, talked with people who had self-published a book and a CD of original music to go with it. The concept was good, but the marketing created problems.

For a manuscript submission, my answer is: No.

If you're talking about original music that you've created yourself, unless you are a professional musician with a studio, chances are your soundtrack would not be the level of quality that we'd want. If we'd even want a soundtrack with the book. So, no.

If you're talking about songs you've collected that are already in existence and you've put them on a CD intending the reader to listen as they read, to help create the mood--sort of like a movie soundtrack--then again, no. THIS IS AGAINST COPYRIGHT LAWS!!

And no, do not put the list of songs and artists at the end of the book.

Submit your book as a stand-alone product. After it's accepted, you can mention you have a CD (of original music) to go with it. If the publisher is interested, they'll let you know.

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