Music Publishing FAQs: Everything Musicians Need to Know

Whether you're just starting to write songs or already releasing music, music publishing is one of the most misunderstood—and most important—parts of the music business. Here's a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to help you understand how publishing works and how a company like Elizabeth Music Group can support your career.

General Music Publishing Questions

1. What is music publishing?

Music publishing is the business of managing, licensing, and collecting royalties for musical compositions (not recordings). It ensures that songwriters, producers, and composers get paid when their work is used.

2. What's the difference between a "song" and a "recording"?

• A song refers to the underlying composition: lyrics, melody, and structure.

• A recording is a specific recorded performance of that song.
  Publishing deals with songs; record labels deal with recordings.

3. Do I need a music publisher?

If you’re writing or producing original music, especially if it's being streamed, performed, or placed in media, then yes—a music publisher (or publishing administrator) helps track and collect your earnings globally.

4. What types of royalties does music publishing cover?

• Performance Royalties (radio, live shows, streaming)

• Mechanical Royalties (CDs, vinyl, digital sales, streams)

• Sync Licensing Fees (TV, film, video games, ads)

• Print Royalties (sheet music and lyric usage)

• Micro-sync Royalties (YouTube, TikTok, IG Reels)

5. What is a PRO?

A Performance Rights Organization (like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC in the U.S.) collects performance royalties when your music is played in public settings or broadcast.

6. Can I collect all my royalties through my PRO?

No. PROs only collect performance royalties. You still need a publishing administrator (like Elizabeth Music Group) to collect mechanical royalties, sync fees, and international income.

Questions About Elizabeth Music Group

8. What does Elizabeth Music Group do?

EMG is a publishing administration company that helps songwriters, producers, and artists collect their royalties globally.

10. Can EMG help me get my music in film or TV?

Yes! Elizabeth Music Group actively pitches songs for sync opportunities and provides access to exclusive sync briefs, helping artists land placements in media. EMG cannot guarantee sync placements, but the dedicated sync team works to pitch your catalog of music. Additionally, in the exclusive discord community for musicians signed to Elizabeth Music Group, you can access high quality sync briefs that detail what music brands/companies/clients are looking for and you can submit your music for free.

11. Does EMG offer support beyond royalty collection?

Yes. Elizabeth Music Group provides personalized guidance, educational materials, and even networking access through their Discord community.

12. Do I need to be based in the U.S. to work with EMG?

Nope! Elizabeth Music Group works with artists globally and ensures your royalties are collected worldwide.

13. Can producers use EMG’s services too?

Absolutely. If you’re a producer and co-writer of tracks, you’re entitled to publishing royalties. EMG ensures you get your fair share.

Advanced and Niche Music Publishing Questions

14. I use YouTube—am I earning publishing royalties?

If you're generating streams from instrumentals or songs, then yes—you may be earning royalties you’re not collecting. A publishing admin like EMG can help recover those.

15. How are royalties tracked globally?

EMG uses a network of global collection societies and digital systems to register your songs and track their usage in each territory. Clients have access to this data in their personalized royalty portal.

16. What’s a sync license and how does it work?

A sync license allows a third party to use your music in visual content such as TV show, movie, video game, or commercial. These licenses can generate upfront fees + backend royalties. Elizabeth Music Group helps negotiate and secure these deals.

17. What’s the difference between writer’s share and publisher’s share?

• Writer’s share: 50% of performance royalties (goes directly to you via your PRO).

• Publisher’s share: 50% of performance royalties (collected via your publisher or admin—like EMG).

18. Can I sign with EMG if I already have a PRO?

Yes! You should be registered with a PRO, and EMG will handle the rest of your royalty collection, including publisher’s share and global mechanicals.

Quickfire FAQs

• Can Elizabeth Music Group help me register songs with PROs?
  Yes, they assist in registering works with PROs as well as other key databases.

Ready to Take Control of Your Publishing?

Music publishing is one of the most powerful income sources for creators—but only if you understand it and have the right team in place.

Elizabeth Music Group makes publishing simple, transparent, and empowering. Whether you’re chasing syncs, organizing your catalog, or just getting started, EMG ensures you get paid, stay in control, and grow your career.