Editorial Guidelines for Manuscript Submission
Acceptable Works
As a liturgical music publisher, we are willing to consider anything suitable for Christian worship. This includes music for the assembly, cantor, choirs of various descriptions, and instrumental music.
We will assume that anything submitted to us is written by you and not currently published or held under copyright unless you inform us to the contrary. Please cite any additional writers or copyright holders directly on the scores. We will also assume that the music has not been simultaneously submitted to other publishers.
Format
Our primary interest is in examining a complete score of all works. Lead sheets without keyboard accompaniment or vocal harmonies are insufficient.
Because it is not our policy to return your materials (unless you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope), we ask that you not send originals. A clear copy is all that is required—computer typesetting is not necessary. Please use paper clips or a single staple as opposed to a more complicated binding.
Recording
If you have recorded a performance of the work—especially more complex works—we appreciate receiving a CD or cassette with the score. A recording is not necessary, however, and one of a single vocalist with piano accompaniment, or a recording of a MIDI file, is not usually helpful.
Submitting
You may send as many scores as you wish. However, if you intend to submit multiple titles, we recommend that you send five or six of your best. Send your scores to:
Submissions
Editorial Department
GIA Publications, Inc.
7404 S. Mason Ave.
Chicago, IL 60638
It is not necessary to address them to any one individual. Presently, we do not accept submissions via email. Due to the nature of our review process, we do not invite writers to make a personal presentation of their works or deliver the scores in person.
Finally…
We will acknowledge receipt of your scores via postcard. First review takes up to 90 days, after which you will hear from us. You are free to withdraw your work from consideration at any time.
If we are interested in publishing your work, we will extend a letter of intent, which will inquire about source material, if applicable. From there, we will offer you a contract, which assigns the copyright to us and stipulates our obligation to you and your estate for the life of the copyright (copyright lasts until 70 years after the death of an author). In general terms, we pay writers a royalty of 10% of the retail selling price on all copies sold and 50% of our net receipts from all further licensing of the work to another publisher or for private reprint.
If we are not interested in your work, you will receive notification via postcard. As stated above, we will not return your materials—unless you send a SASE—so please do not send originals. Please be assured that every submission is given individual attention, although the large number of works we receive prevents us from sending a personal report.