- Publishing is about the song itself, meaning the lyrics and melody, and not the recording.
- A publisher helps collect and grow songwriting income in return for a share.
- Read every publishing agreement carefully, and ask a music lawyer to check it.
The short answer
When a song is played, two different things are being used: the recording of the performance and the song that was written. Publishing deals with the second. It means looking after the rights to the lyrics and melody, collecting the money they earn and finding new places for the song to be used. Songwriters who understand publishing keep more control of their income.
Song versus recording
| The song (composition) | The recording (master) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Lyrics and melody | The recorded performance |
| Usually controlled by | Songwriters and publishers | The artist, producer or label |
| Income side | Publishing | Master or recording |
One person can own both, or different people can own each. A producer who writes a melody, for example, may be a songwriter on the song as well as the producer of the recording.
What a publisher does
- Registers your songs with the right collecting societies and databases.
- Collects royalties from around the world and passes your share to you.
- Looks for opportunities, such as films, adverts, games and cover versions. See sync licensing.
- Handles licences and paperwork.
- Sometimes pays an advance and offers creative support, such as arranging writing sessions.
Types of publishing income
| Type | When it is earned |
|---|---|
| Performance | When the song is played on radio, TV, streaming, in venues or on stage |
| Mechanical | When the song is reproduced, such as in a stream or a download |
| Synchronisation | When the song is used with video, such as a film, advert or game |
| Print and other | Sheet music and other uses |
Collecting societies in different countries gather much of this income. See how independent artists earn royalties in Nigeria for how it works for independent artists.
Common deal types
- Self-publishing: you register and collect for yourself. You keep control but must do the paperwork.
- Administration deal: a company handles collection for a fee, and you keep ownership.
- Co-publishing deal: you share ownership and income with the publisher in return for more services or an advance.
- Full publishing deal: the publisher takes ownership of the songs for a period or permanently.
How shares are usually described
Publishing income is often described in two halves: the writer’s share and the publisher’s share. A songwriter with no publisher normally receives both halves. When a publisher is involved, the split depends on the agreement. Terms vary widely, so never assume what is standard. Compare offers and read the contract to see how long it lasts, which songs it covers and what happens to unrecouped advances.
Questions to ask before signing
- Which songs does the deal cover, and for how long?
- What percentage do I keep, and what costs can be deducted?
- Is there an advance, and how is it repaid?
- Can I still collaborate with other writers and keep my own projects?
- What happens to the rights if the publisher does not promote my songs?
- Can I get out of the contract, and under what conditions?
Protect yourself
- Put writer splits in writing before a song is released.
- Keep dated records of drafts and recordings. See how to protect your music copyright.
- Fill in credits correctly. See music metadata.
- Read record label deals explained to understand label contracts, which often interact with publishing.
- This guide is general information and not legal advice, so ask a qualified music lawyer to review any contract.
Quick checklist
- Understand song versus recording
- Know the main income types
- Register your songs with the right organisations
- Compare deal types before signing
- Ask a lawyer to review contracts
- Keep written splits and records
Key points to remember
Publishing is the quiet engine of a songwriting career. Learn the basics early, even if you start by self-publishing, and your catalogue will be easier to protect and grow.
