Official Rules and Instructions

1. One entry packet per song. Entrants may enter as many SIBLs in as many categories as desired, but each entry requires a separate entry packet or on-line entry process including separate registration fee.

2. Each entry packet should include:

a. Official SIBL entry form
b. Official SIBL release form
c. A recording or your original song on CD. Only CDs will be accepted and all CDs must be labeled with songwriter's name, SIBL title, source and author of literary inspiration, phone number, and email address. CDs will not be returned therefore please do not send Masters.
d. Three (3) copies of the lyrics of original song. Lyric sheets should be typed in English, and should include the songwriter�s name and address, phone number, email, SIBL title, and literary inspiration, including author and literary title.
e. The entry fee of $20 per entry (in US funds). Your check or money order (US$) should be made out to The SIBL Project.

3. If entrant is under 18 years of age, the signature of a parent or legal guardian is required on the entry form and on the release form. All signatures must be original.

4. Our mailing address is:
The SIBL Project
2601 Mariposa Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

Definitions and Perimeters

1. What is a SIBL?

A "SIBL" (Song Inspired By Literature) is an original creative work, NOT an author's words put to music. SIBLs must be inextricably linked to their sources of inspiration, connected though story-line, theme or character use. See "famous SIBLs" for examples.

2. Songs must be under five minutes in length. Please do not send music sheets and or scores.

3. SIBLs need not be in publishable form. Judges are advised to judge a song solely on the content of the lyrics and the strength of the musical composition itself. Recording quality is not to be considered, however, you should make sure the lyrics and music may be clearly heard.

4. Entrants may elect to submit their SIBL as a general category submission, or for consideration for one of the five specific category prizes. Specific category prizes will be awarded for best songs inspired by African American, Latin American, World, Women and Children�s Literature.

5. Five (5) finalists from each of the five specific categories and the general category will be selected by the Judges from qualified entries. These SIBLs will be converted to MP3s and placed on The SIBL Project Website. These songwriters will be eligible for promotional prizes furnished by The SIBL Project�s partners. Finalists from all categories will then compete for the final ten (10) winning spots on the CD.

6. Ten (10) winners will be selected from the group of thirty finalists. These winning SIBLs will be included on the compilation CD "Chapter Two", along side five SIBLs from well-known musical recording artists invited to participate by the SIBL Project (this year including Tom Waits and others). These winners will also be eligible to receive promotional prizes from the SIBL partners.

7. A Grand Prize winner will be selected from the group of ten (10) winners who will be awarded a grand prize worth $2500.

8. SIBLs will be judged by a qualified group of music industry professionals for originality, lyrics, melody, and composition. The decision of the judges is final. Winners will be notified by mail, by email, or by phone.

Timeline

Submissions - on-line and through mail delivery - must be received by September 6th, 2002 at 5:00 p.m., PST. Winners will be notified by November 15th, 2002.

Rights and Indemnification

1. Although not required, SIBLs should be copyrighted. Works shall not infringe upon copyrights or any other rights of any third party. The SIBL Project assumes no responsibility for lyrics that are not copyrighted.

2. Writer(s) retain all rights to submitted SIBLs. However, if your SIBL is selected for the compilation CD, you agree that all proceeds of the sale of said CD will be donated to The SIBL Project. The SIBL Project reserves the right to use winning SIBLs for promotional purposes.

3. All contestants hold harmless and hereby indemnify The SIBL Project, its principals, employees, agents, and affiliates against all first, second, and third party claims arising from entries violating any contest rules and regulations. The SIBL Project is not responsible for late, lost, damaged, or postage due entries. The SIBL Project reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not meet the rules herein outlined, and is not obligated to return any entry fee.

4. Employees of The SIBL Project, their immediate families, subsidiaries, and affiliates are not eligible to enter. .

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