If you send a song demo without it being requested or solicited, you run a high risk of having it returned unopened. The record industry seems to be particularly vulnerable to lawsuits, so whenever someone listens to a song they have received unsolicited in the mail, they're leaving themselves open to possible copyright infringement litigation. If you can't hire a music attorney to solicit your song, send a letter to the record company, artist, and others requesting permission to send a song to them for a specific purpose.

Also, ask if the recipient uses or requires a code word or an identifying mark on the outside of an approved submission package.

As soon as you get an okay and you're ready to send your material, be sure to write on the envelope "Requested Material" or any code or identifying mark, if required. Make sure you have your name or company prominently displayed along with your return address on the package.

A little protocol can go a long way. As a songwriter, you need every advantage you can get.