How the readiness check works
What the check looks at
The check asks about the things that decide whether a catalog can move quickly toward an advance, a licence or a sale: what you own, how it is documented and how clearly the income can be traced. It covers ownership of masters and publishing, contracts that are still active, split agreements with co-writers and featured artists, registrations with collecting societies, the ISRC and ISWC codes attached to each track, and the royalty statements you can access.
It does not look at the quality of the music or try to guess what the catalog is worth. Two catalogs with similar income can be ready in very different ways, and preparation is usually what makes the difference between a quick process and a slow one.
How to read your result
Your checklist groups the items that need attention and explains why each one matters to a buyer or capital partner. A short list usually means your catalog is well organised and you can start conversations soon. A longer list does not mean a deal is out of reach. It means there is work to do first, and most of it is administrative: collecting statements, confirming splits, registering songs or finding a signed contract.
Items about ownership and active contracts deserve priority, because they decide which structures are possible at all. For example, if a label still owns your masters, a sale of those recordings is not an option, but a royalty advance or an unrecouped buyout may be. The checklist is a starting point for that conversation, not a verdict.
What to prepare next
Start with your royalty statements. Most buyers and financiers want two to three years of statements broken down by track, platform and territory, because they are the basis for any range. Then gather your contracts, split sheets and a single list of your tracks and songs with their codes.
Our guide on preparing royalty statements for a catalog deal explains what to download, from where, and how to organise it. When you are ready, book a confidential call and we will review the result with you. Success-fee only, no upfront costs.
Frequently asked questions
Does this tell me what my catalog is worth?
No. It is a preparation checklist, not a valuation. For a confidential value range, book a call with our team.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. Your answers are only used to prepare your checklist and to contact you if you ask us to. We never share them.
How much does it cost?
It is free, with no obligation.