For your Consideration: The Art of Standing Out and Standing Apart from Others in your Field

How many “For Your Consideration” emails have you received?

How many “For Your Consideration” emails have you received from people you actually know?

Are your Social Media pages dominated right now by “For Your Consideration” posts?

What happens when we’re barraged by this type of message?

They all tend to blur together. We ignore them and click delete without really seeing who’s making the request. At some point, you’re on autopilot. Click delete and poof(!), it’s gone.

To avoid triggering the recipient’s delete action, I suggest you consider not beginning your message or subject line with, “For Your Consideration.”

Instead…find one track to promote and send out a link. Or, mention the primary performer or special guest performer.

That’s your subject line or the first line of anything you send out.

I searched “for your GRAMMY® consideration” on Facebook, going through about 300 posts, to find posts with a different opening.

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“Steps for Justice,” composed to commemorate Justice (Ruth Bader) Ginsburg’s life, beliefs, and legacy was a wonderful challenge to create (narrated by NPR’s brilliant Nina Totenberg).”

(What follows is something personal, a story, from the composer – Jennifer Higdon).

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Curtis Stewart

THIS is what 40 looks like. Choosing to CELEBRATE my bday with this project, a lifetime’s work. I refuse to let this down for any reason.

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A commanding, emotionally charged performance from Marta Aznavoorian, recorded with Chicago Philharmonic and Artistic Director Scott Speck on Cedille Records. Invictus captures her extraordinary clarity, fire, and nuance.

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How do you feel about this one from Rebecca Dupas?

I’m doing something scary and vulnerable by submitting my album for Grammy consideration. It’s one of those journeys where you have to be all in or nothing. Sometimes asking for consideration or gently asking (though that’s basically the rule) isn’t enough, so I have to be consistent and persistent.

Sometimes, when people see you doing something scary, vulnerable, and persistent, they taper off to watch from a safe distance. Some are praying for you. Some want it to be but don’t know if it’s possible. Some feel sure that it isn’t. Some don’t want to get too invested. Some think the silence helps you process. Some are waiting to celebrate later.

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Regardless of what I wrote, the work you’re doing is important. People miss it if you don’t create it – or know where to find it.

I do wish that your Grammy® dreams come true.

 

P. S. On another note, I love this from Matilde G. (There are a few others.)

I’d love to hear what you’re submitting for GRAMMY® consideration this year. Send me your FYC releases at info@MatildeG.com.

Looking forward to discovering your music and supporting the incredible work within our community.

 

P. S. This also applies to you end of the fiscal year and end of the year posts and emails.