SongDoor International Songwriting Contest

• Entry Form PDF • Rules PDF • FAQs • Judging Criteria

Qualifying Requirements

SongDoor is open to all amateur and professional songwriters and anyone regardless of nationality or origin. Employees of SongDoor, its families, friends, subsidiaries, sponsors and affiliates are not eligible. You must enter your own song; you may not enter a song on someone else’s behalf.

You must be 18 or older, have a valid credit card and e-mail address.

By submitting an entry form to SongDoor, you are agreeing to be bound by the SongDoor Rules established on this page.

Song Categories

You MUST assign a category on the entry form or the song will not be accepted. If you’re not sure, please make your best guess.

<< The categories are listed to the immediate left.

Languages

Songs may be sung in a language other than English, but the lyric sheet must be translated to English.

Number of Songs Permitted

You may enter as many songs as you like. You may enter multiple songs in a single category (e.g., 4 songs in the Country category, which counts as 4 entries) or you may enter the same song in multiple categories (Fall Out Boy’s “Dance, Dance” could be entered in both Alternative and Pop, which would count as 2 entries). Each form allows for 3 entries.

What You Need to Enter by Snail Mail:

1. A completed, signed entry form (or forms). Photocopied signatures are

not accepted. You can download an entry form here. Having

trouble downloading the form? Please e-mail us.

2. Your song(s) in .mp3 format ONLY - no .aiff files - on CD or recorded

on audio cassette. Please listen to the CD after you burn it to make sure

it recorded correctly. We cannot be responsible for improperly burned

CDs. If you are submitting multiple songs, please put them all on one

CD or tape, if possible. If submitting a CD, please put it in a jewel case

or paper sleeve and label both the case/sleeve and CD itself with:

• your full name and e-mail address

• a track listing of the songs in the right order

Label an audio cassette the same way.

3. A typed lyric sheet for each song (please translate into English).

4. Your PayPal receipt, showing that you have paid the correct amount for
the number of entries you submitted. When you know how many
entries you’re going to have, you can pay the appropriate fees here.
Each entry is still just $10.

When are ready to package up your submission, follow these instructions. Your entry will be confirmed via e-mail upon its receipt.

Mail entries to:

SongDoor 2008

PO BOX 159345

Nashville, TN 37215

Entry materials (CDs, tapes, lyric sheets) will not be returned. If it’s your only copy, have another one made before you mail it to us!! Even if you send a return postage voucher, we cannot return your submission materials. SongDoor is not responsible for late, lost, damaged, misdelivered, postage-due, stolen or misappropriated entries. Mail early and double-check your postage!

What You Need to Enter Online:

Your songs need to be in .mp3 format, NOT .AIFF, and no larger than 10MB

each. Your matching lyric sheets need to be in either .doc or .txt format ONLY, NOT .WPS. Find out more about entering online here.

Entry Fees

Each entry is $10. For example, if you enter one song in two categories, your fee is $20. If you enter two songs in two categories each, your fee is $40. If you submit more entries than you paid for, we will delete entries beginning with the last one, then second-to-last, etc. until the number of entries matches the payment. Entry fees are non-refundable.

Payment

We only accept credit card payments through this website, which is partnered with PayPal; checks and money orders are not accepted. This system keeps our entry fees low. Payment from countries outside the US must be in U.S. dollars (conversion can be made for many currencies at the time of payment). We accept all major credit cards (payments are secure and encrypted). You do NOT have to have a PayPal account to submit your entry fee; when you get to the payment page, just click on the box that says “if you do not currently have a PayPal account, click here.”

Copyright

You retain all ownership rights to the submitted song(s). All entries submitted must be original songs and shall not infringe any copyrights or any other rights of any third parties. Songs may have multiple co-writers, but only one name should be designated as the entrant. As the entrant, you shall, by entering, indemnify and hold SongDoor harmless from and against any claims inconsistent with the foregoing.

Judging

Entries will be screened by the SongDoor Advisory Board, and the finalists will be sent to the judges, who will decide on the winners.

Songs are judged equally on originality, melody, composition/structure and lyrics (except in the instrumental category). The performance and recording quality will not be considered; this is all about songwriting.

Song Evaluations

Professional song evaluations will be provided for every entrant who supplies a valid e-mail address. The evaluations will be sent via email after the completion of the 2008 competition. At that time entrants will also receive instructions as to how to claim their free self-paced songwriting course from SongU.com. We are not responsible for undeliverable e-mail addresses, so make sure you tell us if your e-mail address changes after you submit your entry form.

Online Announcement of the Winners

Finalists will be announced January 8, 2009 and the Category and Grand Award winners on January 22, 2009. We will make every effort to adhere to these dates, but will not be liable for unanticipated delays. The Grand Award Winner and all Category Winners will be notified by email and/or phone, and their names and song titles posted on this website. All winning songs will be also available for listening only. Downloading will be blocked.

Responsibilities of the Grand Award Winner

The Grand Award Winner will be required to sign and notarize an affidavit confirming that the winning song is original and that he/she/co-writers hold all rights to the song. Failure to sign and return the form within 14 days, or provision of false information, may result in disqualification and an alternate winner will be selected. Affidavits are subject to verification by SongDoor and its agents. Entry constitutes permission to use winner's name, endorsement and likeness for future publicity purposes without additional compensation. The Grand Award winner will be sent an IRS 1099 form or equivalent as the Award exceeds $600 in value. The winner’s taxes are not the responsibility of SongDoor under any circumstance.

Responsibilities of the Category Winners

By entering this competition, all Category Winners who entered by snail mail agree to the terms of the online submission agreement. In essence, this gives SongDoor permission to play your song online if it wins.

Awards

All awards will be given to the primary entrant on the entry form; the division of awards amongst co-writers is up to the winner. Multiple awards are not given to winning songwriting teams.

The Grand Award winner will receive merchandise and/or services valued at up to USD $5,271 depending upon the extent to which the winner avails him/herself of the SongU membership. Each Category Winner will receive merchandise and/or services valued at up to USD $2,895, depending upon the extent to which the winner uses the SongU membership. There will be no transfer and substitution of awards except as necessary due to availability, in which case an award of equal or greater value will be given.

Awards will be sent out promptly after the announcement of the winners and the demo will be scheduled for the earliest possible date at Jay’s Place in Nashville; the winner may participate in the demo if it is within the parameters of the studio process and the time allotted for the session. If the winner chooses to participate, he/she is responsible for all expenses pertaining to travel, accommodations, meals, etc. The winner’s attendance at the demo session is strictly voluntary. If the winner does not participate, the demo master, along with 10 copies on CD, will be mailed to the winner.

If a winner has not received any portion of his/her award within 45 days and has not responded to SongDoor attempts to confirm delivery, SongDoor will no longer be responsible for the delivery of the award.

All winners agree to release sponsors from all liability regarding awards won. All federal, state, and local taxes, and customs fees, when applicable, are the sole responsibility of the winner. SongDoor will not pay any winners' taxes or fees and is not liable for any damages sought by entrants or third parties.

Questions? Please e-mail us.


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Revised 3/14/08 • Entry Form PDF • Rules PDF • FAQs • Judging Criteria Qualifying Requirements SongDoor is open to all amateur and professional songwriters and anyone regardless of nationality or origin. Employees of SongDoor, its families, friends, subsidiaries, sponsors and affiliates are not eligible. You must enter your own song; you may not enter a song on someone else’s behalf. You must be 18 or older, have a valid credit card and e-mail address. By submitting an entry form to SongDoor, you are agreeing to be bound by the SongDoor Rules established on this page. Song Categories You MUST assign a category on the entry form or the song will not be accepted. If you’re not sure, please make your best guess. << The categories are listed to the immediate left. Languages Songs may be sung in a language other than English, but the lyric sheet must be translated to English. Number of Songs Permitted You may enter as many songs as you like. You may enter multiple songs in a single category (e.g., 4 songs in the Country category, which counts as 4 entries) or you may enter the same song in multiple categories (Fall Out Boy’s “Dance, Dance” could be entered in both Alternative and Pop, which would count as 2 entries). Each form allows for 3 entries. ______________________________________________________ What You Need to Enter by Snail Mail: 1. A completed, signed entry form (or forms). Photocopied signatures are not accepted. You can download an entry form here. Having trouble downloading the form? Please e-mail us. 2. Your song(s) in .mp3 format ONLY - no .aiff files - on CD or recorded on audio cassette. Please listen to the CD after you burn it to make sure it recorded correctly. We cannot be responsible for improperly burned CDs. If you are submitting multiple songs, please put them all on one CD or tape, if possible. If submitting a CD, please put it in a jewel case or paper sleeve and label both the case/sleeve and CD itself with: • your full name and e-mail address • a track listing of the songs in the right order Label an audio cassette the same way. 3. A typed lyric sheet for each song (please translate into English). 4. Your PayPal receipt, showing that you have paid the correct amount for the number of entries you submitted. When you know how many entries you’re going to have, you can pay the appropriate fees here. Each entry is still just $10. When are ready to package up your submission, follow these instructions. Your entry will be confirmed via e-mail upon its receipt. Mail entries to: SongDoor 2008 PO BOX 159345 Nashville, TN 37215 All entries must be postmarked on or before November 15, 2008. Attempts to send .mp3 files and/or entry forms via e-mail will be rejected, as will packages that are postage-due. Entry materials (CDs, tapes, lyric sheets) will not be returned. If it’s your only copy, have another one made before you mail it to us!! Even if you send a return postage voucher, we cannot return your submission materials. SongDoor is not responsible for late, lost, damaged, misdelivered, postage-due, stolen or misappropriated entries. Mail early and double-check your postage! ______________________________________________________ What You Need to Enter Online: Your songs need to be in .mp3 format, NOT .AIFF, and no larger than 10MB each. Your matching lyric sheets need to be in either .doc or .txt format ONLY, NOT .WPS. Find out more about entering online here. Entry Fees Each entry is $10. For example, if you enter one song in two categories, your fee is $20. If you enter two songs in two categories each, your fee is $40. If you submit more entries than you paid for, we will delete entries beginning with the last one, then second-to-last, etc. until the number of entries matches the payment. Entry fees are non-refundable. Payment We only accept credit card payments through this website, which is partnered with PayPal; checks and money orders are not accepted. This system keeps our entry fees low. Payment from countries outside the US must be in U.S. dollars (conversion can be made for many currencies at the time of payment). We accept all major credit cards (payments are secure and encrypted). You do NOT have to have a PayPal account to submit your entry fee; when you get to the payment page, just click on the box that says “if you do not currently have a PayPal account, click here.” Copyright You retain all ownership rights to the submitted song(s). All entries submitted must be original songs and shall not infringe any copyrights or any other rights of any third parties. Songs may have multiple co-writers, but only one name should be designated as the entrant. As the entrant, you shall, by entering, indemnify and hold SongDoor harmless from and against any claims inconsistent with the foregoing. Judging Entries will be screened by the SongDoor Advisory Board, and the finalists will be sent to the judges, who will decide on the winners. Songs are judged equally on originality, melody, composition/structure and lyrics (except in the instrumental category). The performance and recording quality will not be considered; this is all about songwriting. Song Evaluations Professional song evaluations will be provided for every entrant who supplies a valid e-mail address. The evaluations will be sent via email after the completion of the 2008 competition. At that time entrants will also receive instructions as to how to claim their free self-paced songwriting course from SongU.com. We are not responsible for undeliverable e-mail addresses, so make sure you tell us if your e-mail address changes after you submit your entry form. Online Announcement of the Winners Finalists will be announced January 8, 2009 and the Category and Grand Award winners on January 22, 2009. We will make every effort to adhere to these dates, but will not be liable for unanticipated delays. The Grand Award Winner and all Category Winners will be notified by email and/or phone, and their names and song titles posted on this website. All winning songs will be also available for listening only. Downloading will be blocked. Responsibilities of the Grand Award Winner The Grand Award Winner will be required to sign and notarize an affidavit confirming that the winning song is original and that he/she/co-writers hold all rights to the song. Failure to sign and return the form within 14 days, or provision of false information, may result in disqualification and an alternate winner will be selected. Affidavits are subject to verification by SongDoor and its agents. Entry constitutes permission to use winner's name, endorsement and likeness for future publicity purposes without additional compensation. The Grand Award winner will be sent an IRS 1099 form or equivalent as the Award exceeds $600 in value. The winner’s taxes are not the responsibility of SongDoor under any circumstance. Responsibilities of the Category Winners By entering this competition, all Category Winners who entered by snail mail agree to the terms of the online submission agreement. In essence, this gives SongDoor permission to play your song online if it wins. Awards All awards will be given to the primary entrant on the entry form; the division of awards amongst co-writers is up to the winner. Multiple awards are not given to winning songwriting teams. The Grand Award winner will receive merchandise and/or services valued at up to USD $5,271 depending upon the extent to which the winner avails him/herself of the SongU membership. Each Category Winner will receive merchandise and/or services valued at up to USD $2,895, depending upon the extent to which the winner uses the SongU membership. There will be no transfer and substitution of awards except as necessary due to availability, in which case an award of equal or greater value will be given. Awards will be sent out promptly after the announcement of the winners and the demo will be scheduled for the earliest possible date at Jay’s Place in Nashville; the winner may participate in the demo if it is within the parameters of the studio process and the time allotted for the session. If the winner chooses to participate, he/she is responsible for all expenses pertaining to travel, accommodations, meals, etc. The winner’s attendance at the demo session is strictly voluntary. If the winner does not participate, the demo master, along with 10 copies on CD, will be mailed to the winner. If a winner has not received any portion of his/her award within 45 days and has not responded to SongDoor attempts to confirm delivery, SongDoor will no longer be responsible for the delivery of the award. All winners agree to release sponsors from all liability regarding awards won. All federal, state, and local taxes, and customs fees, when applicable, are the sole responsibility of the winner. SongDoor will not pay any winners' taxes or fees and is not liable for any damages sought by entrants or third parties. Questions? Please e-mail us. These rules are subject to change at the discretion of SongDoor and its agents.






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