Music Publishing 101

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WHAT IS MUSIC PUBLISHING WHAT IS MUSIC PUBLISHING??

We will define what We will define what music publishing is music publishing is

and some of the common and some of the common terms used in the terms used in the music publishing music publishing busisiness. busisiness. WHAT DO THEY DO WHAT DO THEY DO??

We will explain the We will explain the different things that different things that music publishers do music publishers do for songwriters and for songwriters and explain how they help explain how they help your songwriting your songwriting career. career. BASICS OF PUBLISHING BASICS OF PUBLISHING AGREEMENTS AGREEMENTS We will describe the We will describe the different types of different types of publishing agreements publishing agreements and how they work. and how they work.

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Music Publishing Fact: Music Publishing Fact:

Songs are typically split up into Songs are typically split up into two parts. A writer’s share (50%), two parts. A writer’s share (50%), and a publisher’s share (50%). A and a publisher’s share (50%). A usual publishing agreement assigns usual publishing agreement assigns the publisher’s share to the

the publisher’s share to the

VYRAL MUSIC

Vyral University

_::

Music Publishing 101

A A PublisherPublisher...

•Collects Royalties •Collects Royalties •Licenses Songs •Licenses Songs •Helps Protect Your •Helps Protect Your Music

Music

•Sets up co-writes •Sets up co-writes •Helps get a record •Helps get a record deal deal •Register’s •Register’s copyrights copyrights •Is your best •Is your best friend in the biz! friend in the biz!

IN THE BEGINNING THERE WAS THE SONG...

And then came the

And then came the music publishermusic publisher. Maybe the most i. Maybe the most important entity in the mportant entity in the entire music business, musicentire music business, music publishing is the one area of the i

publishing is the one area of the industry that has been the least understood by songwriters and artists.ndustry that has been the least understood by songwriters and artists.

So what exactly does a

So what exactly does a music publishermusic publisher do? Publishers are responsible for collecting all do? Publishers are responsible for collecting all money owed from the use of the songs in their money owed from the use of the songs in their catalog, and to ﬁnd

catalog, and to find opportunities throughopportunities through licensing and recordings to generate income licensing and recordings to generate income from their catalog. In simpler terms. a music from their catalog. In simpler terms. a music publisher helps you pitch your music to other publisher helps you pitch your music to other artists, helps you place your songs in TV and artists, helps you place your songs in TV and film, and also aids in helping you get a film, and also aids in helping you get a recordrecord deal. Once one or many of these have been deal. Once one or many of these have been accomplished, the publisher then assumes the accomplished, the publisher then assumes the role of collection agent. They make sure that role of collection agent. They make sure that allall money earned from the use of a song is money earned from the use of a song is collected, and that your songs are protected collected, and that your songs are protected from unlawful use or infringement. So how do from unlawful use or infringement. So how do music publishers get paid for their work” Simple. music publishers get paid for their work” Simple. By taking a percentage of ownership from every By taking a percentage of ownership from every

of your song to a music publisher. Well, there of your song to a music publisher. Well, there have been many debates about this

have been many debates about this in recentin recent history

history. I for . I for one believe that a music one believe that a music publisher ispublisher is a valuable asset to any songwriter or artist, if a valuable asset to any songwriter or artist, if only for the simple fact that they open doors only for the simple fact that they open doors that would otherwise be closed. But even hit that would otherwise be closed. But even hit songwriters and artists have publishers, and its songwriters and artists have publishers, and its not like they don’t have enough open doors not like they don’t have enough open doors available to them. Well this brings up

available to them. Well this brings up the otherthe other reason i believe a music publisher to be a great reason i believe a music publisher to be a great asset to you. They help you take care of the asset to you. They help you take care of the publishing aspect, so that you

publishing aspect, so that you can concentratecan concentrate on what you do

on what you do best, creating great art. There isbest, creating great art. There is a way to do it yourself, and i suggest that even if a way to do it yourself, and i suggest that even if you ﬁnd a

you ﬁnd a great publishergreat publisher, that you never stop, that you never stop self-promoting. But there will come a time when self-promoting. But there will come a time when you will be thankful that you do not have to deal you will be thankful that you do not have to deal

Writer’s Writer’s Share Share Publisher’s Publisher’s Share Share

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A Quick History of Music

Publishing

Music publishing has been around in one form or another for hundreds of years. It arose around Music publishing has been around in one form or another for hundreds of years. It arose around the time that published music (sheet music) became available for purchase. At the time, the only the time that published music (sheet music) became available for purchase. At the time, the only music that was printed was created by the Catholic church. The monks would sit down and write out music that was printed was created by the Catholic church. The monks would sit down and write out the sacred chants for each day of the year.

the sacred chants for each day of the year.

King Henry VIII passed a law which required all copies of printed matter to be sent to him, and in King Henry VIII passed a law which required all copies of printed matter to be sent to him, and in return, offered protection to the printers in the form of licenses. The king used this to generate

return, offered protection to the printers in the form of licenses. The king used this to generate revenue, and in exchange the music printers gained access to the distribution networks developed revenue, and in exchange the music printers gained access to the distribution networks developed by the church. In 1662, England passed the licensing act of 1662, which required the printer of every by the church. In 1662, England passed the licensing act of 1662, which required the printer of every book to print a “certiﬁcate of the licensor” which was basically a statement that assured the reader book to print a “certiﬁcate of the licensor” which was basically a statement that assured the reader that this work contained no writing “contrary to the christian faith, or the doctrine or discipline of the that this work contained no writing “contrary to the christian faith, or the doctrine or discipline of the church of England?

church of England?

In the United States, music was not initially protected under the ﬁrst federal copyright law. Not In the United States, music was not initially protected under the ﬁrst federal copyright law. Not until 1831 was music recognized as protected under the law. This term was 28 years plus a 14-year until 1831 was music recognized as protected under the law. This term was 28 years plus a 14-year renewal period.

renewal period.

The ﬁnal major step in the

The ﬁnal major step in the foundation of music publishinfoundation of music publishing is known as the g is known as the Berne Convention. InBerne Convention. In 1886, counties from around the world met in Berne, Germany to establish an international agreement 1886, counties from around the world met in Berne, Germany to establish an international agreement between its members in regards to copyright law.

between its members in regards to copyright law.

Before recorded music was invented, songwriters had only one source of income, sheet music. Before recorded music was invented, songwriters had only one source of income, sheet music. The original role of the publisher was to do simply that; publish the writer’s music in the form of The original role of the publisher was to do simply that; publish the writer’s music in the form of sheet music and then distribute that music to earn money.

sheet music and then distribute that music to earn money.

And Why Should You Care

_?

Well its not that you should care, but i ﬁnd that the more you understand about the history of Well its not that you should care, but i ﬁnd that the more you understand about the history of something, the less likely you are to repeat the mistakes, and the more likely you are to understand something, the less likely you are to repeat the mistakes, and the more likely you are to understand the broad picture.

the broad picture.

It’s not imperative that you remember the names of these laws, or that you know the dates of It’s not imperative that you remember the names of these laws, or that you know the dates of these events. The important thing is that you see where we came from. We are, as musicians, these events. The important thing is that you see where we came from. We are, as musicians, continuously ﬁghting for better laws, and more protection of our artistry. And as my history teacher continuously ﬁghting for better laws, and more protection of our artistry. And as my history teacher once said, you can’t change the future, unless you understand the past.

once said, you can’t change the future, unless you understand the past.

NOTE:

Copyright law provides the holder with

Copyright law provides the holder with the right to the right to collect revenue fromcollect revenue from

all

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Common Terms Used In Music Publishing

Copyright

-Copyright - The exclusive rights granted by law to the originalThe exclusive rights granted by law to the original

creator of the song

Staff Writer

-Staff Writer - A songwriter who writes exclusively for a musicA songwriter who writes exclusively for a music

publisher in exchange for a weekly advance and a share of the

royalties

Pitch

-Pitch - A term used to describe to process by which a song is A term used to describe to process by which a song is

played for recording artists or those seeking new material in order

to get that person to

to get that person to choose that particular song.choose that particular song.

Song Plugger

-Song Plugger - The person(s) responsible for pitching theThe person(s) responsible for pitching the

songs in a publisher’s catalog and securing placements so that

those songs can earn money for the publisher/writer.

Cut

-Cut - A cut is a song that has been chosen to be recorded byA cut is a song that has been chosen to be recorded by

an artist for an upcoming release.

Royalties

-Royalties - This is used to refer to the This is used to refer to the money earned by amoney earned by a

song.

Exploit

-Exploit - To seek revenue for a song.To seek revenue for a song.

PRO

-PRO - An acronym used to refer to a Performance Rights An acronym used to refer to a Performance Rights

Organization, which is responsible for collecting all performance

royalties generated from the use of a song registered to that PRO.

Phono Record

-Phono Record - Any material on which sounds can beAny material on which sounds can be

recorded (i.e. CD, Cassette, MP3)

Sound Recording

-Sound Recording - Used to refer to the recorded performanceUsed to refer to the recorded performance

of a song.

Mechanical License

-Mechanical License - the authorization form a publisher orthe authorization form a publisher or

writer to record and distribute a song recording.

Blanket License

-Blanket License - A license that is issued by a PRO that A license that is issued by a PRO that

grants the use of any song in

grants the use of any song in their catalog for public performance.their catalog for public performance.

Synch License

-Synch License - A license granted by a publisher authorizing A license granted by a publisher authorizing

the use of a

the use of a particular sparticular song with ong with visual imagevisual images.s.

*See The Music Business Dictionary for

*See The Music Business Dictionary for a complete list a complete list

DIANE WARREN

HIT WRITERS

Jeffery Steele

BOB DYLAN

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Different Types of Publishing Agreements

There are many different publishing agreements between songwriters and music publishers. Most There are many different publishing agreements between songwriters and music publishers. Most of them are dependent on the size and structure of the publishing company, and the success of the of them are dependent on the size and structure of the publishing company, and the success of the songwriter involved in the agreement. There are however some standard agreements that you will songwriter involved in the agreement. There are however some standard agreements that you will encounter as a songwriter/artist. Here is a brief overview of the different types of songwriter

encounter as a songwriter/artist. Here is a brief overview of the different types of songwriter agreements.

agreements.

Staff Writer Agreement

This is an exclusive agreement where the songwriter assigns all songs written during a speciﬁed This is an exclusive agreement where the songwriter assigns all songs written during a speciﬁed term to the publisher. The publisher pays the songwriter an advance, (either weekly or monthly) term to the publisher. The publisher pays the songwriter an advance, (either weekly or monthly) which is recoupable from the earnings of the songs under the agreement.

which is recoupable from the earnings of the songs under the agreement.

Single Song Agreement

This is an agreement for one song between a publisher and a songwriter. Usually done between This is an agreement for one song between a publisher and a songwriter. Usually done between publishers and new or unknown songwriters, it basically gives the songwriter the opportunity to use publishers and new or unknown songwriters, it basically gives the songwriter the opportunity to use the services and resources from the publishing company for that song. In exchange, the publisher the services and resources from the publishing company for that song. In exchange, the publisher receives a percentage of the royalties. There are rarely any advances to the songwriter in this type of receives a percentage of the royalties. There are rarely any advances to the songwriter in this type of agreement.

agreement.

Co Publishing Agreement

Under a co-publishing agreement, A songwriter retains the ownership of his songs which are Under a co-publishing agreement, A songwriter retains the ownership of his songs which are usually placed under a self-operated publishing company owned by the writer. The standard usually placed under a self-operated publishing company owned by the writer. The standard co-publishing deal give the writer his 50% writer’s share plus 25% of the co-publishing share. These publishing deal give the writer his 50% writer’s share plus 25% of the publishing share. These agreements are made between writer’s with large catalogs or between two publishing companies agreements are made between writer’s with large catalogs or between two publishing companies who wish to partner and combine resources or leverage an opportunity.

who wish to partner and combine resources or leverage an opportunity.

Administration Agreement

In an administration agreement, a songwriter gives the publisher the right

In an administration agreement, a songwriter gives the publisher the right to administer (orto administer (or

license his/her songs) in exchange for a small percentage of the royalty income. Many administration license his/her songs) in exchange for a small percentage of the royalty income. Many administration deals are done when a songwriter is looking for more opportunities for their songs, or as a means to deals are done when a songwriter is looking for more opportunities for their songs, or as a means to aid in the collection of royalties for a particular song.

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Basics of the Staff Writer Agreement

The basic staff writer agreement is a 50/50 split. Sometimes you will hear the term writer’s share The basic staff writer agreement is a 50/50 split. Sometimes you will hear the term writer’s share and publisher’s share. This refers to the half of the song that is owned by each. Also, i have

and publisher’s share. This refers to the half of the song that is owned by each. Also, i have

encountered many people using a 200% system to describe the ownership of a song, where there is encountered many people using a 200% system to describe the ownership of a song, where there is a 100% writer’s share, and 100% publisher’s share. I would advise you to not use this system when a 100% writer’s share, and 100% publisher’s share. I would advise you to not use this system when you are referring to your songs, because you could make a very bad mistake when negotiating a you are referring to your songs, because you could make a very bad mistake when negotiating a contract that you believe is based on a 200% system when it is actually based on 100%.

contract that you believe is based on a 200% system when it is actually based on 100%.

For example, I sign a single song publishing agreement that gives 25% to the

For example, I sign a single song publishing agreement that gives 25% to the publisherpublisher. If i am working on . If i am working on the 200% system, i the 200% system, i assume that i am

assume that i am giving away 12.5 percent of my giving away 12.5 percent of my song to the song to the publisherpublisher, when in actuality, i just gave away 1/4 , when in actuality, i just gave away 1/4 of my song of my song unknowinglyunknowingly..

Most staff writing agreements provide the songwriter with a monthly advance. This advance is Most staff writing agreements provide the songwriter with a monthly advance. This advance is given to the songwriter in order to allow them to be

given to the songwriter in order to allow them to be able to write songs for the publisher full time.able to write songs for the publisher full time. Notice that i use the term advance instead of the word salary. The reason for this is that all money Notice that i use the term advance instead of the word salary. The reason for this is that all money paid to the songwriter can and will be recouped by the publishing company before any money is paid to the songwriter can and will be recouped by the publishing company before any money is paid to the artist from their royalty earnings. What this means for you is that you will not earn any paid to the artist from their royalty earnings. What this means for you is that you will not earn any money from your songs until all advances are paid back to the publisher. However, the advance is money from your songs until all advances are paid back to the publisher. However, the advance is only recoupable through royalty earnings.

only recoupable through royalty earnings.

The publishing company also provides you with money to record demos, which are used to The publishing company also provides you with money to record demos, which are used to “pitch” your music. These costs will most likely be recoupable as well. Your demos are the single “pitch” your music. These costs will most likely be recoupable as well. Your demos are the single most important element in your songwriting/artist career. Most demos done today are produced to a most important element in your songwriting/artist career. Most demos done today are produced to a quality that sometimes matches or exceeds some ﬁnal recordings.

quality that sometimes matches or exceeds some ﬁnal recordings.

Songwriters under a staff agreement are usually required to submit a certain number of songs Songwriters under a staff agreement are usually required to submit a certain number of songs each year. This is usually referred to as the delivery requirement, and is typically between 10 to 15 each year. This is usually referred to as the delivery requirement, and is typically between 10 to 15 songs per year. 1 song is counted based on the percentage that your publisher gets for each song. songs per year. 1 song is counted based on the percentage that your publisher gets for each song. So if you co-write a song with one other writer, your publisher will count this as 1/2 of a song,

So if you co-write a song with one other writer, your publisher will count this as 1/2 of a song, because they are only getting half of the publishing which is split between you and your co-writer. because they are only getting half of the publishing which is split between you and your co-writer.

NOTE:

Y

You should not ou should not ever be required to pay back an ever be required to pay back an advance with anythingadvance with anything

other than your royalties, and any contract that states otherwise should be

viewed at with extreme caution.

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Basics of the

Single Song Agreement

A single song agreement is the

A single song agreement is the most basic of most basic of all the publishing agreements. Usually thisall the publishing agreements. Usually this agreement is used when a songwriter has a particular song that interests a publisher, but the agreement is used when a songwriter has a particular song that interests a publisher, but the publisher does not wish to commit to a long term staff writing agreement.

publisher does not wish to commit to a long term staff writing agreement.

A single song agreement gives the publisher the right to pitch the song for a speciﬁed term, A single song agreement gives the publisher the right to pitch the song for a speciﬁed term, (usually 1-2 years). If the publisher successfully places the song, then they receive a percentage of (usually 1-2 years). If the publisher successfully places the song, then they receive a percentage of the earnings of that song. Usually the percentage is 25%, but can be the entire 50% of the

the earnings of that song. Usually the percentage is 25%, but can be the entire 50% of the

publisher’s share depending on the type of agreement. In the event that nothing happens within the publisher’s share depending on the type of agreement. In the event that nothing happens within the allotted time frame, the songwriter is released from the contract and retains full ownership of the allotted time frame, the songwriter is released from the contract and retains full ownership of the song once again.

song once again.

Most single song agreements are used by publishing companies as a way to “test” out a Most single song agreements are used by publishing companies as a way to “test” out a prospective writer. They can enter into these agreements with little or no risk. Many single-song prospective writer. They can enter into these agreements with little or no risk. Many single-song agreemen

agreements turn into ts turn into staff writing deals for the staff writing deals for the songwriter if the publishing company is able songwriter if the publishing company is able to placeto place the song.

the song.

Another type of single song agreement happens when a writer has already successfully placed a Another type of single song agreement happens when a writer has already successfully placed a song on their own, and that song becomes a hit. The songwriter might wish to enter into a single song on their own, and that song becomes a hit. The songwriter might wish to enter into a single song contract in exchange for an advance on the future earnings of the song. This is

song contract in exchange for an advance on the future earnings of the song. This is typically donetypically done when a writer is in need of immediate money, and the song has shown that it will earn that money when a writer is in need of immediate money, and the song has shown that it will earn that money over a period of time.

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Basics of the Co Publishing Agreement

A co-publishing agreement is made between a writer (his publishing company) and another A co-publishing agreement is made between a writer (his publishing company) and another publishing company. Usually this agreement is reserved for writer’s with a successful catalog or a publishing company. Usually this agreement is reserved for writer’s with a successful catalog or a track-record of producing high value songs.

track-record of producing high value songs.

In this agreement, the writer transfer’s only a portion of the publishing share to the publishing In this agreement, the writer transfer’s only a portion of the publishing share to the publishing company, (usually 25%) This means that the writer retains all of his writer’s share plus half of the company, (usually 25%) This means that the writer retains all of his writer’s share plus half of the publisher’s share (i.e. 75/25)

publisher’s share (i.e. 75/25)

There are a few different situations in which a co-publishing agreement occurs. The ﬁrst is when There are a few different situations in which a co-publishing agreement occurs. The ﬁrst is when a writer has a number of hit songs with a publisher, and is getting ready to be at the end of his

a writer has a number of hit songs with a publisher, and is getting ready to be at the end of his

contract. The writer could enter into a co-publishing agreement with his publisher for all future songs contract. The writer could enter into a co-publishing agreement with his publisher for all future songs as an incentive to re-sign with his current publisher.

as an incentive to re-sign with his current publisher.

Another way this occurs is when a writer owns a successful publishing company and wishes to Another way this occurs is when a writer owns a successful publishing company and wishes to leverage the resources of a larger publisher. He would sign a co-publishing deal with that company leverage the resources of a larger publisher. He would sign a co-publishing deal with that company in order to generate more opportunitie

in order to generate more opportunities for placement of his songs, yet s for placement of his songs, yet still retain the majority of thestill retain the majority of the ownership.

ownership.

There are many different ways in which this can play out, but it is important to note that a There are many different ways in which this can play out, but it is important to note that a co-publishing agreement is most often made between a “HIT” writer and a co-publishing company of a publishing agreement is most often made between a “HIT” writer and a publishing company of a larger stature.

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Basics of the

Administration Agreement

An administration agreement is an agreement between the writer/publisher and the publishing An administration agreement is an agreement between the writer/publisher and the publishing company where the songwriter self-publishes the songs, and grants the publishing company company where the songwriter self-publishes the songs, and grants the publishing company

licenses of the songs for use. In this deal, the publishing company would most likely receive a small licenses of the songs for use. In this deal, the publishing company would most likely receive a small percentage of the royalties generated (between 10% - 20%)

percentage of the royalties generated (between 10% - 20%)

The publishing company basically acts as a song plugger for the artist/songwriter. They would The publishing company basically acts as a song plugger for the artist/songwriter. They would seek opportunities for the songs under the agreement in exchange for a percentage of any money seek opportunities for the songs under the agreement in exchange for a percentage of any money generated by a

generated by a successful placement.successful placement.

This agreement is reserved for the most successful writers and is not an agreement that one This agreement is reserved for the most successful writers and is not an agreement that one would encounter during the early stages of their career.

would encounter during the early stages of their career.

Other Types of Agreements

₍

less common

₎

Sub Publishing Agreement

These agreements are made between publishers in the US and publishers in foreign territories. These agreements are made between publishers in the US and publishers in foreign territories. Usually similar to administration deals, they allow the foreign publisher access to license the songs Usually similar to administration deals, they allow the foreign publisher access to license the songs in their respective country in exchange for a small percentage of the revenue generated.

in their respective country in exchange for a small percentage of the revenue generated.

Collection Agreement

A collection agreement assigns the administrative duties to a publisher in exchange for a A collection agreement assigns the administrative duties to a publisher in exchange for a

percentage of the revenue. This is common between publishers and writers who are self-publishing percentage of the revenue. This is common between publishers and writers who are self-publishing their songs, but do not have the ability or time to collect and pay their royalties properly.

their songs, but do not have the ability or time to collect and pay their royalties properly.

Purchase Agreement

This is where a publisher will acquire a large number of songs or “catalog” for a set purchase This is where a publisher will acquire a large number of songs or “catalog” for a set purchase price.

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Music Publishers can be your most Music Publishers can be your most valuable asset as a songwriter looking to earn valuable asset as a songwriter looking to earn money from your songs and prosper from a money from your songs and prosper from a career as a songwriter. There are many different career as a songwriter. There are many different things that publishers do for songwriters. things that publishers do for songwriters.

Song Placement Song Placement

The single most important aspect of a The single most important aspect of a publishing company is its ability

publishing company is its ability to generateto generate revenue from its catalog. This is done by revenue from its catalog. This is done by pitching songs for placement either with pitching songs for placement either with recording artists or for TV and Film

recording artists or for TV and Film throughthrough synchronization licenses. A publishing company synchronization licenses. A publishing company has the connections to get your music into the has the connections to get your music into the right hands, and the power to see that your right hands, and the power to see that your songs are placed and generate money songs are placed and generate money

Song Critique Song Critique

Another great aspect of a publishing Another great aspect of a publishing company is the feedback it gives

company is the feedback it gives to its writers.to its writers. Y

Your publishing company our publishing company will provide you will provide you withwith perspective on your songs

perspective on your songs from a publisher’sfrom a publisher’s standpoint. This will help you to craft better standpoint. This will help you to craft better songs, and understand what people look for in a songs, and understand what people look for in a “hit” song.

“hit” song.

Demo Recording Demo Recording

Most Publishing companies either have a Most Publishing companies either have a studio or outsource their demo recording to a studio or outsource their demo recording to a well-respected studio in-town. Usually the well-respected studio in-town. Usually the publisher will pay for any demo costs (which are publisher will pay for any demo costs (which are generally recoupable) and help you locate generally recoupable) and help you locate musicians, singers, and engineers to make your musicians, singers, and engineers to make your

songs stand

songs stand out out and in turn and in turn givegive you more opportunities for you more opportunities for placement.

placement.

Set Up Co-Writes Set Up Co-Writes

One of the aspects most One of the aspects most overlooked, your publishing overlooked, your publishing company will help you set up company will help you set up co-writing opportunities with co-writing opportunities with other songwriters from their other songwriters from their roster, and from other roster, and from other publishers. On top of that, publishers. On top of that,

publishing companies will place an publishing companies will place an

emphasis on setting up co-writing opportunities emphasis on setting up co-writing opportunities with artists as well.

with artists as well.

Administration Administration

Publishers will help you with the Publishers will help you with the registration of your songs

registration of your songs with PRO’s, with thewith PRO’s, with the US Copyright Ofﬁce, and with the

US Copyright Ofﬁce, and with the Harry FoxHarry Fox Agency

Agency. They will also . They will also help you in help you in organizingorganizing your schedule, collect and pay

your schedule, collect and pay royalties, and inroyalties, and in most cases, provide you with a solid legal and most cases, provide you with a solid legal and accounting team.

accounting team.

Advances Advances

In many staff writer deals, the publishing In many staff writer deals, the publishing company will provide the songwriter with a company will provide the songwriter with a weekly or monthly advance (which is weekly or monthly advance (which is recoupable) so that the songwriter can recoupable) so that the songwriter can concentrate on writing songs full time. I concentrate on writing songs full time. I n manyn many cases, however, the songwriter’s stipend will not cases, however, the songwriter’s stipend will not be sufﬁcient to live off of and will require the be sufﬁcient to live off of and will require the songwriter to seek part time work on the side. songwriter to seek part time work on the side.

Protection Protection

Your songs are the only source of income Your songs are the only source of income you have as a

you have as a songwritersongwriter. One of the . One of the beneﬁts ofbeneﬁts of working with a publisher is that the publisher will working with a publisher is that the publisher will work to protect your songs from unauthorized work to protect your songs from unauthorized use, including plagiarism. Since the publisher use, including plagiarism. Since the publisher has a vested interest in your songs, it is in the has a vested interest in your songs, it is in the best interests of the company to insure that best interests of the company to insure that there are no unauthorized uses of the songs there are no unauthorized uses of the songs inin their catalog. (which includes you!)

their catalog. (which includes you!)

Recording Contracts Recording Contracts

Publishing companies often try and secure Publishing companies often try and secure record deals for their writers. This is beneficial record deals for their writers. This is beneficial for you as a writer as it opens the door to for you as a writer as it opens the door to manymany more opportunities, and it is beneficial for more opportunities, and it is beneficial for thethe publisher in that if you are signed as an artist, publisher in that if you are signed as an artist, then your songs will naturally be used in the then your songs will naturally be used in the album, increasing the revenue generated by you. album, increasing the revenue generated by you. Its simple, if it helps generate more money, Its simple, if it helps generate more money, then the publisher has no choice but to pursue then the publisher has no choice but to pursue that opportunity.

that opportunity.

WHAT CAN A PUBLISHER

DO FOR ME

?

NEED MORE INFO

_??

For more detailed information on music For more detailed information on music publishing i reccomend checking out our publishing i reccomend checking out our

bookstore for some great guides to bookstore for some great guides to

publishing! publishing!