A Beginner’s Guide to Music Publishing

If you’re a songwriter, producer, or artist, you’ve probably heard the term “music publishing” tossed around but what does it actually mean, and why do you need it? Music publishing is one of the most important aspects of building a music career, and understanding it can make the difference between leaving money on the table and creating long-term, sustainable income.

This guide will break it all down for you and explain how Elizabeth Music Group can help you get paid, grow, and take your career to the next level.

What Is Music Publishing?

Music publishing is the business of managing your compositions (the underlying song: melody, lyrics, chords), making sure they’re registered with the right collection societies, collecting royalties from around the world, and finding new opportunities to make money from your music.

When you write a song, there are two copyrights created:

  1. Master – The sound recording (the actual recording of the song)

  2. Composition – The underlying music and lyrics

Music publishing focuses on the composition side. Helping you get paid every time your song is streamed, sold, performed live, played on radio, used in film/TV, or covered by another artist.

Why You Need a Music Publisher

A good publisher doesn’t just collect your royalties. They will also help open doors for you. Here’s why working with a publisher like Elizabeth Music Group is essential:

  • Global Royalty Collection – Without proper registration, you could miss out on international royalties. EMG registers your music worldwide so you get paid wherever your songs are played.

  • Admin Made Simple – No more confusing paperwork. EMG handles registrations with PROs and collection societies.

  • Unlock New Revenue Streams – Publishers pitch your songs for sync placements, and help you find collaborators.

  • Creative Development – A good publisher like Elizabeth Music Group supports your growth, gives feedback, and connects you with other writers and producers.

Elizabeth Music Group’s Publishing Deal

At Elizabeth Music Group, our mission is simple: help musicians collect every dollar they’ve earned and grow as creators. Here’s what makes our publishing deal perfect for you:

  • You Keep Your Writer’s Share – We don’t touch your writer’s share of publishing royalties. You keep full creative control over your career.

  • Transparent Administration – Your own royalty portal and login so you can see where every dollar comes from.

  • Sync Licensing Opportunities – We actively pitch music for film, TV, ads, games, and more. We’ve sent out over $400k in sync briefs in just the past few months.

  • Beat & Loop Submission Opportunities – Send your beats and melody loops to top artists and producers.

  • Education & Growth – Access to our educational resources, strategy calls, and a supportive community.

  • Exclusive Discord Community – A space to collaborate, access sync briefs, download and share loops, and connect directly with the EMG team.

We lead with transparency, education, and creative opportunity. Our deal is designed by musicians for musicians.

Getting Started with Music Publishing

Here are three steps to get started:

  1. Understand Your Rights – Know the difference between master and publishing rights.

  2. Join a PRO – Register with a performing rights organization (ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC).

  3. Partner with a Publisher – Choose a publisher who aligns with your goals, like Elizabeth Music Group.

Publishing can seem complex at first, but with the right partner, it becomes a powerful tool to grow your career and turn your songs into long-term assets.

Final Thoughts

Music publishing is how you get paid for your songwriting—not just today, but for decades to come. The right publisher will help you collect your royalties, open doors to sync opportunities, and empower you with education and transparency.

Elizabeth Music Group is here to be that partner. If you’re ready to stop leaving money on the table and start building a real publishing strategy, our team is ready to help you every step of the way.

Want to learn more about EMG’s publishing deal? Visit elizabethrecords.net and start your journey today.

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Why A Publishing Deal Could Be the Smartest Move You Make as a Musician