If you're a songwriter, crafting and recording your songs is just the start. To fully benefit from your creative output, it's essential to understand music publishing—the system that governs how your songs generate revenue and how your rights are protected globally.
Whether you're an aspiring writer or an indie artist with a growing catalog, this guide will help you unlock the full value of your music through smart publishing strategies.
What Is Music Publishing?
Music publishing is the process of managing the rights to a musical composition—ensuring the songwriter gets paid when their work is used in any form: streamed, performed, sold, or licensed.
Key Functions of Music Publishing:
- Copyright Protection – Your song is automatically copyrighted when you write it, but publishers formally register your work and monitor its usage, especially across international territories.
- Royalties Collection – Publishers collect royalties from different platforms, societies, and sources around the world, ensuring you get every cent you're owed.
- Licensing – This includes sync (film/TV), mechanical (sales/streams), and performance (radio/live) licensing.
- Global Registration – Music publishers or administrators register your song with Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) and mechanical rights agencies across various countries to ensure worldwide income.
For a deeper dive, check out Berklee Online, which offers a beginner-friendly breakdown of music publishing through its renowned music business courses.
Types of Royalties You Can Earn
Here are the four main royalty types you can earn as a songwriter:
1. Performance Royalties
- These are earned when your song is:
- Streamed on platforms like Spotify
- Played on the radio or TV
- Performed live at a concert, club, or event
- These royalties are collected by Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) such as ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers), which monitors song usage and distributes royalties quarterly. Other major PROs include BMI and SESAC.
2. Mechanical Royalties
- Generated when your song is reproduced—via physical formats (like vinyl and CDs) or digital streams and downloads. These are tracked in the U.S. by the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC), which administers blanket licenses and distributes royalties from streaming platforms.
3. Sync Licensing Fees
- Earned when your song is synchronized with visual content—TV shows, films, commercials, YouTube videos, or video games. Sync deals often require a one-time upfront payment and can also generate performance royalties on repeat airings.
4. Print Royalties
- Generated when your music is sold in print formats (sheet music, choral arrangements, music books). This revenue stream is more niche but essential for composers and artists whose works are frequently performed or taught.
- Want a full royalty breakdown? Visit Music Royalties Guide to learn how each stream works in real-world scenarios.
The Role of a Music Publisher
A music publisher acts as a business manager for your songs. Their job is to:
- Register songs with all relevant royalty collection agencies
- Pitch your music to media and recording artists
- Handle contracts and negotiations
- Monitor global usage and collect your earnings
In exchange, they usually take 25% to 50% of the publisher’s share (not your writer’s share, which remains yours).
Want to stay independent?
You don’t have to sign away ownership. Many artists now use publishing admin services to retain full control while still accessing global royalty networks.
Here are a few standout options:
- Songtrust – A leading publishing admin platform that registers your music with over 60 global royalty societies, including PROs and mechanical rights agencies. Songtrust takes a 15% commission with no upfront ownership stake, making it ideal for DIY songwriters.
- TuneCore Publishing – Offers royalty collection, song registration, and sync licensing opportunities with a one-time setup fee. Good for those with an existing TuneCore distribution account.
- CD Baby Pro – In addition to distribution, CD Baby Pro provides automated publishing administration, registering your music with global agencies and collecting royalties on your behalf.
How to Register and Protect Your Songs
To start making money from your songs, you need to officially register and protect your work.
Here's your step-by-step checklist:
- Join a PRO – If you're based in the U.S., register with ASCAP or BMI. International artists should use local PROs like PRS (UK), SOCAN (Canada), or APRA AMCOS (Australia).
- Sign up with the MLC – The MLC ensures U.S.-based songwriters collect mechanical royalties from digital streaming services.
- Register with a Publishing Admin – Platforms like Songtrust or CD Baby Pro will register your music globally and handle royalty splits.
- Protect Your Copyright – Register your songs with the U.S. Copyright Office for legal protection in court. This ensures that if someone infringes your song, you can pursue statutory damages and attorney's fees.
For deeper insights into copyright protection, explore Copyright Guide—although photography-focused, the principles are highly applicable to songwriters.
Publishing Deals: What Are Your Options?
There are several types of music publishing deals depending on your needs and leverage:
- Deal Type Ownership Best For Full Publishing Publisher owns 100% of publishing share Artists seeking upfront advances and full publisher support Co-Publishing You share publishing ownership Artists with some leverage or strong catalog Admin Deal You retain full ownership Indie songwriters wanting global royalty collection ⚖️ Pro Tip: Always consult a music attorney before signing any deal. Terms vary widely, and some contracts can last years or even decades.
Learn the Business Side
Understanding music publishing empowers you to:
- Track down every cent your music earns
- Retain control over your creative rights
- Make smarter, career-building decisions
Additional resources to explore:
- Music Business Toolbox – A collection of actionable tools, templates, and strategies designed to help independent artists manage their careers.
- Ari’s Take – Run by musician and author Ari Herstand, this blog explains complex publishing topics like royalty splits, sync fees, and licensing in plain language.
Want to grow as an indie artist?
Final Thoughts
Understanding music publishing is one of the most powerful tools a songwriter can possess. It helps ensure that:
- Your music is protected
- Your royalties are collected
- Your creative career becomes financially sustainable
Whether you're managing your catalog independently or exploring a deal, having a strategy for publishing is essential to succeed in today’s music industry.
Quick Action Checklist:
- Join a PRO (ASCAP/BMI or local equivalent)
- Register with the MLC
- Use Songtrust or CD Baby Pro for publishing admin
- Register copyrights for extra protection
- Learn and negotiate before signing publishing deals
