Publishing

1. What is music publishing?

2. What do music publishers do?

3. Do I have to get my music published?

4. Can I publish my own music?

5. Once my music is published do I still own it?

6. How do I make money from publishing?

1. What is music publishing? ^

Publishing refers to a specific set of rights that attach to an original creative work. Music publishing rights include the rights to market, value, and distribute your music. If you write a song by yourself, you automatically own the publishing rights. However, some musicians then agree to give up some of these publishing rights to a music publisher in exchange for publishing services and cash advances.




2. What do music publishers do? ^

Typically, music publishers carry out the administrative aspects of disseminating an original musical work. Music publishers are concerned with administering and protecting copyrights, promoting songwriting talent, licensing songs to record companies and others, and collecting royalties on behalf of the songwriter. Music publishers can be of great assistance to a songwriter by doing a lot of the “leg-work” in making contact with executives, recording artists, producers, and managers to secure placement of original works in television shows, movies, and commercials. In return, publishers usually demand a certain percentage of any income earned from the song and partial ownership of the copyright.




3. Do I have to get my music published? ^

No. You do not have to publish your music. The main reasons many consider a publishing deal are money and recognition. Some music publishers may be willing to pay a cash advance for a songwriter’s material and, in exchange, they will own a part of the copyright and be entitled to a percentage of the earnings. Many different publishing options are available; some publishers are willing to enter into limited “co-publishing” deals and others are willing to enter deals where they act as administrators, while the songwriter retains the valuable copyright. Before signing an agreement with a music publisher, be sure you understand which of your “bundle” of rights you will retain and which of them your music publisher will then own. For more information on your “bundle” of rights, see the Copyright FAQ.




4. Can I publish my own music? ^

Yes. Since you own all of the rights in your song from the moment you create it, you own the rights to publish it. It may be wise, however, to do some serious research before thinking about publishing your own music. You will want to thoroughly understand the copyright and business issues so as to make sure you are protecting your work. Some of these issues, such as managing licenses and collecting royalties can be tricky, and it is advisable to at least consult with an expert.




5. Once my music is published do I still own it? ^

The answer to this question depends on the nature of any contracts you have entered into. If you published the song yourself and have not signed any other contracts regarding your rights, you still own all of the rights to your music. If, however, you have a music publisher, chances are your rights are somewhat limited. Check any agreements you have signed regarding your music to determine what rights you have retained or will retain upon publishing.




6. How do I make money from publishing? ^

Songwriters (owners) typically earn money for a song when it is used on an album, in film, in television, in advertising or in any number of other media outlets. The initial payment for the right to use the song in such media outlets is called the “synchronization fee.” Each subsequent time the licensed song is used, the song owner may then earn “royalties.” How much money you earn depends on the popularity of your song, as well as the type of agreement into which you have entered. Generally, both the synchronization fee and future royalty streams are split with the song publisher. The type of split varies from publisher to publisher.