5 Things Every Songwriter Should Know About Music Publishing
Music publishing is one of the most important—and often most confusing—parts of a songwriter’s career. Whether you're writing for yourself, collaborating with artists, or pitching songs for sync, understanding publishing is essential to making sure you get paid and retain control of your work. If you’re a songwriter looking to build a sustainable income and protect your rights, here are five key things you need to know about publishing.
1. Publishing Royalties Are Different From Master Royalties
Many songwriters mistakenly think that they’ll get paid from streaming royalties. In reality, most songwriters receive no master royalties so the main way for songwriters to get paid is through publishing royalties. Music publishing is a completely separate income stream from the master recording and is a revenue stream that the label doesn’t pay you. As a songwriter it is your responsibility to go and collect your publishing royalties. Here's what that includes:
Performance Royalties – Earned every time your song is played on radio, streaming services, live concerts, TV, or in public spaces.
Mechanical Royalties – Paid out when your song is streamed, downloaded, or sold on CD/vinyl.
Sync Licensing Fees – These are paid when your song is licensed for TV, films, ads, trailers, or video games.
If you're only focused on upfront checks, you’re missing out on long-term earnings that come from publishing.
2. You Must Register Your Songs to Collect Royalties
To collect the publishing money you’re owed, you must register your songs with the appropriate organizations.
If you don’t register your songs properly, you’re leaving money on the table—especially from international use and digital platforms.
3. Always Use Split Sheets
As a songwriter, you often collaborate with producers, other writers, or artists. A split sheet is a document that outlines how the publishing rights are divided. Without one, you could end up in disputes, or worse—miss out on royalties.
Make sure to:
Discuss splits before the song is released.
Put everything in writing.
Have all parties sign the agreement.
This step not only protects your earnings but shows that you’re serious and professional about your career.
4. Get Publishing
Many songwriters are tempted to agree to low or even zero publishing splits on placements because they believe that just getting their song placed is enough to build momentum for their career. They often see it as a necessary trade-off for exposure or future opportunities. However, undervaluing their publishing share can lead to missed long-term earnings and less control over their catalog—two things that are essential for building lasting success in music.
5. Work With a Global Publishing Administrator
One of the smartest moves you can make is partnering with a global publishing administrator like Elizabeth Music Group (EMG).
Worldwide royalty collection so you won’t miss income from foreign markets.
Sync licensing opportunities, increasing your chances of placements in TV, film, and ads.
With EMG, you get transparency, flexibility, and the confidence that your publishing is handled by a team that’s built by songwriters, for songwriters.
Final Thoughts
If you want to build a sustainable career as a songwriter, understanding music publishing is non-negotiable. By learning how royalties work, registering your songs properly, securing your splits, keeping ownership, and working with a publishing admin like Elizabeth Music Group, you set yourself up for lasting success.
Take control of your songs, your rights, and your future—your catalog deserves it.
