Publishing Crash Course: Everything You Need to Know About Music Publishing
Music publishing is one of the most misunderstood areas of the music industry. Many musicians focus solely on recording and performing but overlook the importance of publishing, which can be a major source of revenue and career growth. This crash course will break down the essentials and show how a modern, proactive publisher like Elizabeth Music Group can make a real difference.
What is Music Publishing?
Music publishing is the business of managing, exploiting, and protecting the rights of songwriters and composers. When you write a song, there are two key rights to understand:
Composition Rights (Publishing Rights) - These belong to the songwriter and cover the melody, lyrics, and underlying musical composition.
Master Recording Rights - These belong to the performer or label and cover the actual recorded performance of a song.
A music publisher focuses on the composition side. They help you collect royalties, license your music, and ensure you’re being paid fairly whenever your songs are used.
Types of Publishing Income
Understanding the different revenue streams is critical. Here are the main ways musicians earn through publishing:
Performance Royalties: Earned whenever your song is played publicly - on the radio, in live venues, or on streaming platforms.
Mechanical Royalties: Paid when your song is reproduced, like on CDs, vinyl, or digital downloads.
Sync Licensing Fees: Earned when your song is used in TV, film, ads, or video games.
Print and Sheet Music Royalties: Paid when your compositions are published and sold in print.
How a Music Publisher Helps
A music publisher does more than just collect royalties. They:
Pitch songs for placements in media (TV, film, ads, games).
Register your works with performance rights organizations (PROs) to ensure proper collection.
Handle legal agreements and protect your rights.
Provide guidance on songwriting collaborations and career strategy.
Why Elizabeth Music Group Stands Out
While traditional publishers often pay royalties quarterly or semi-annually and focus primarily on collection, Elizabeth Music Group takes a modern, artist-first approach.
Monthly Royalty Payouts: You get paid every month every month we receive royalties for your songs, keeping cash flow steady.
Sync Opportunities: In October 2025, Elizabeth Music Group received over $800K worth of sync briefs, highlighting their active placement efforts.
Full-Service Support: Beyond publishing royalties, they help musicians pitch songs, launch digital products, and navigate the complex world of licensing.
Artist-Centric Approach: Elizabeth Music Group treats songwriters as partners ensuring your career grows alongside your music.
Working with a forward-thinking publisher like Elizabeth Music Group can turn your songs into sustainable income streams while opening doors to exciting creative opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Music publishing might seem complex at first, but understanding the basics is essential for any songwriter serious about building a career. From royalties to sync placements, your compositions are valuable assets that deserve strategic management. With a team like Elizabeth Music Group, you’re not just getting a publisher - you’re gaining a partner dedicated to your success.
