What is Music Publishing? (Part 1) Overview for Songwriters
Introduction: Beyond the Beat
You've written a killer song. The melody is catchy, the lyricWhat Is Music Publishing?s are powerful, and you're ready to share it with the world. But what happens next? How do you ensure your creative work is protected and—perhaps more importantly—that you get paid when people use or enjoy it?
Enter music publishing—the often misunderstood yet crucial aspect of the music business that can make or break a songwriter's career.
"Publishing is the invisible engine that powers the music industry. While fans see artists, songwriters who understand publishing see opportunity." — Diane Warren, Grammy-winning songwriter
In this first part of our two-part series, we'll demystify music publishing, break down the essential concepts, and help you understand why it matters so much to your songwriting career.
What Exactly Is Music Publishing?
At its core, music publishing is the business of promoting, protecting, and monetizing musical compositions. When we talk about compositions, we're referring specifically to the underlying song—the melody, lyrics, and structure—not the recording itself (which is a separate copyright entirely).
Music publishing is fundamentally about managing the copyright of compositions and collecting the royalties generated when those compositions are used commercially.
Think of it this way: your song exists in two distinct forms in the music business:
- The Composition: The song itself (melody, lyrics, chord progression) created by the songwriter(s)
- The Master Recording: The specific audio recording of that composition performed by an artist
Music publishing deals exclusively with the first part—the composition. This distinction is crucial because different rights and revenue streams are attached to each.
The Key Players in Music Publishing
Songwriters
As creators of musical compositions, songwriters are the foundation of the publishing industry. Whether you write for yourself or others, understanding publishing ensures you receive proper credit and compensation.
Music Publishers
Publishers act as business partners to songwriters, handling:
- Copyright registration and protection
- Royalty collection and distribution
- Song promotion and placement opportunities
- Administrative tasks and accounting
Performing Rights Organizations (PROs)
Organizations like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC in the US track when compositions are performed publicly and collect royalties on behalf of songwriters and publishers.
Mechanical Rights Organizations (MROs)
These entities (like the Harry Fox Agency in the US) collect mechanical royalties when compositions are reproduced as physical or digital copies.
The Core Functions of Music Publishing
Music publishing encompasses several key functions that directly impact how songwriters earn money and establish their careers:
1. Copyright Management
Publishers help register your compositions with the U.S. Copyright Office and relevant PROs. This creates the legal framework that enables you to collect royalties whenever your music is used.
"Copyright is the lifeblood of creativity. It ensures that those who create can benefit from their work and continue to create." — Jon Platt, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Publishing
Publishers also monitor for unauthorized uses of your compositions and take action against infringement when necessary.
2. Royalty Collection
One of the most valuable services publishers provide is tracking down money owed to you from multiple sources:
- Performance royalties: When your music is played on radio, TV, streaming services, or in public venues
- Mechanical royalties: When your composition is reproduced (physically or digitally)
- Synchronization fees: When your music is used in film, TV, commercials, or video games
- Print royalties: When your sheet music or lyrics are published
Without a publisher, tracking and collecting these royalties globally can be overwhelming, if not impossible, for individual songwriters.
3. Song Promotion and Placement
Publishers actively look for opportunities to place your songs with recording artists, in films, TV shows, commercials, video games, and other media—creating additional revenue streams.
Well-connected publishers can open doors that would otherwise remain closed to independent songwriters, potentially leading to career-defining opportunities.
4. Administrative Services
Publishing involves significant paperwork and accounting. Publishers handle:
- Registering compositions with PROs worldwide
- Monitoring usage and ensuring proper royalty payments
- Managing split sheets (documentation of ownership percentages)
- Processing licensing requests
- Handling international sub-publishing relationships
Types of Publishing Deals
Understanding the different publishing arrangements available helps songwriters make informed decisions about their careers:
Traditional Publishing Deal
In a traditional deal, the songwriter typically:
- Assigns copyright ownership to the publisher (often 100%)
- Receives 50% of royalties collected (the "writer's share")
- Gets an advance against future royalties
- Commits to a specific term length (often years)
Co-Publishing Deal
A more songwriter-friendly option where:
- Copyright ownership is split (typically 50/50)
- The songwriter receives 75% of total royalties (50% writer's share + 25% of publisher's share)
- Advances are typically smaller than traditional deals
- Term lengths vary but are often more flexible
Administration Deal
Best for established songwriters who want to retain control:
- Songwriter keeps 100% of copyright ownership
- Publisher only handles administrative functions
- Songwriter typically receives 85-90% of royalties
- Term lengths are shorter (often 1-3 years)
Self-Publishing
With digital tools and services available today, some songwriters choose to:
- Retain 100% ownership and control
- Register directly with PROs and digital platforms
- Handle all administrative tasks themselves
- Keep 100% of royalties (minus service fees)
Why Music Publishing Matters for Songwriters
Beyond the obvious financial benefits, understanding publishing impacts your career in several ways:
Financial Sustainability
Unlike recording royalties, which often must recoup production and marketing costs, publishing royalties flow more directly to songwriters. For many professional songwriters, publishing income provides the stable foundation that sustains their creative careers.
Career Longevity
A well-managed catalog of compositions can generate income for decades—long after recording careers may have ended. Successful songs can be recorded by multiple artists over time, creating new revenue streams from the same composition.
Creative Freedom
Understanding the business side of songwriting gives you more options. You can write for yourself, for others, or explore opportunities in film, TV, and other media. Knowledge of publishing empowers you to make career choices based on creative fulfillment rather than financial necessity.
Global Reach
Music publishing operates internationally. Your songs can generate income from uses around the world—often in places and ways you might never imagine. A song that never charts in the US might become a hit in Japan, Brazil, or Germany.
Common Misconceptions About Music Publishing
"I don't need a publisher if I have a record deal."
Record deals primarily concern the recording, not the composition. Without publishing representation, you may miss significant royalty opportunities even if your recording is successful.
"Signing with a publisher means giving up control of my songs."
While some deals include copyright transfer, many modern arrangements allow songwriters to maintain ownership while benefiting from a publisher's services. The key is understanding what you're signing.
"Publishing only matters for big hits."
Even songs with modest popularity can generate meaningful income through sync placements, covers, and global usage. Publishing ensures you collect everything you're owed, regardless of a song's commercial success.
"I can handle publishing myself in the digital age."
While digital tools have made self-publishing more viable, the global complexity of music rights and royalty collection means most songwriters benefit from some level of professional publishing support.
Your Publishing Foundation
Music publishing can seem intimidating, but understanding these basics provides the foundation for making informed decisions about your creative work. At Protect The Creatives Songwriters' Foundation, we believe knowledge is power, especially when it comes to helping songwriters protect and maximize the value of their compositions.
In Part 2 of this series, we'll explore the practical ways songwriters can exploit their compositions, including strategic approaches to licensing, collaborations, and emerging opportunities in the digital landscape.
Key Takeaways:
- Music publishing deals with the composition (lyrics and melody), not the recording
- Publishers help with copyright management, royalty collection, promotion, and administration
- Different types of publishing deals offer varying levels of ownership, control, and financial terms
- Understanding publishing empowers songwriters to make better career decisions
- Even without mainstream success, proper publishing management can create sustainable income
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll dive into practical strategies for maximizing the value of your compositions. In the meantime, check out our resources for songwriters or join one of our upcoming educational events.
