Melissa,
The thing to remember about single song or any deals, are "what do you have to lose?" Almost all of them are very basic and rarely ever go anywhere. It is one song. You will write more. They are just exploring how the relationship develops, more of an exploritory thing than anything else. Just feeling out how everyone feels about each other and seeing if you continue on writing and networking or sit around waiting on them to do something.
That is kind of a real part of the deal. If I am working with an artist or writer, and they kind of fade out into obscurity, never stay in touch, or don't do what I suggest they do, I pretty much write them off. If they continue along, send me updates, continue to write songs, do shows, move forward, I keep an interest in them. I don't have to tell you that it is much more of the former than the latter. Most people just plain quit. They get overwhelmed, realize it is not as easy as they thought and find out it is more about luck than anything. Oh yes, that it is ALSO VERY EXPENSIVE.
So if you get this relationship going, you need to keep up with it. Ask if you can send in other material. Ask for suggestions with co-writers. Keep the lines of communications going.
Single song deals are just the first step. Most never go to the second step.
MAB
Yes, what you said about the relationship is really what I'm trying to get at. If I ever get a royalty check for .39 on this song, I will be happy!! Of course we can all dream there will be more, but I just want to make sure that the first deal being presented isn't shady because I obviously do not want to waste time and energy on establishing/maintaining a relationship that wasn't worth it in the first place! So everything you said helped me understand more about how it's supposed to work, and that helps me figure out whether or not the people involved are legit. Thank you!! 