What prompted the writing of my book "SELL YOUR MUSIC"  was my discovery that very little had been written about specific strategies and methods of direct marketing independent music through the internet. I knew that with the growth of such direct music marketing sites as MP3.com the amazing popularity of the MP3 format among the general web populace, that the time had come for such a book.

Thus began a long period of research and practical application.

Success in the creative arts has always boiled down to the economics of distribution. The cost of distribution forces the distribution entity to become highly selective when choosing artists to fill the pipeline.

This has left over 99% of the artists creating product without a distribution entity. Sadly, much of the world's greatest music has been left unheard. Then the internet arrived, and the weakest link in the chain has been fixed by technology.

It is now possible for the independent musician to take control of his own destiny, to distribute his own product.

Now it is possible to produce master quality demos in the home, and market them directly to the consumer, for next to no cost. This simple fact has one of the largest industries in the world up in arms, and has created shock waves in every aspect of the business. This is, as it should be, because innovations in popular music have always shaken up the status quo.

This book came about as a result of my experiences in marketing my own music directly to consumers, as well as the experiences of others who have done it successfully.It is here for you to take advantage of, but I must issue one simple but essential caveat:

None of the marketing methods described in my book will work unless they are applied, and done so on a consistent basis. If treated and worked like a business, the independent musician can use these methods as building blocks to a satisfying and profitable career as a self-employed musician.

But all things of value come at a cost.

It takes a great deal of time and hard work to make any business work, and direct distribution over the internet is no exception. Give up the idea of instant wealth and easy money now , and you will not be disappointed later.

The bottom line is that it takes motivation, sweat, hard work, persistence, and a certain measure of luck to make it in the music business. The competition is staggering. The odds of great success are overwhelming.

What is needed is a well-defined marketing plan, and the daily application of it. Armed with the proper tools, you will be well equipped in your journey of spreading your music to the world.

Use this book as a toolkit, a weapon in your arsenal to achieve your musical dreams. Experiment with and test your own methods.

If the task appears overwhelming to you, remember that the journey of a thousand miles consists of each small step.

Nobody can market your music like you can, because nobody else cares as much about it, and nobody else will take the time and care to do it like you can. Unless you are wealthy, resist the temptation to hire others to do the job you can do yourself, at least at the beginning.

This may sound crazy coming from a consultant who makes his living doing the job for others, but it is a truth I make clear to all of my clients. Learn how to do it yourself, then you will be in a position to hire others to do it for you.

The internet makes it possible to sell your music to millions of people all over the world.

Helpful Products • Sell Your Music Online • NMD Books More Articles • Breaking A Hit On MP3 • Music Marketing In The Age Of Electronic Delivery • How-To Guide: Marketing Music On The Net Helpful Web Sites • Bob Baker's The Buzz Factor • Online Promotion Resources On the Message Boards • Indie MusicForum: SongSpyder iMessage Board

About the Author

Mark W. Curran is a recognized expert in online music marketing, and author of the book "Sell Your Music: How To Profitably Sell Your Music Online" He has authored many articles on the subject, and currently runs a music marketing consulting company in Los Angeles.