Songwriting Is Only Half the Story: Why Understanding Music Publishing Is Non-Negotiable
You can write the most beautiful song in the world—but if you don’t understand how music publishing works, there’s a good chance you’re not getting paid what you deserve.
As songwriters, we spend hours perfecting melodies, lyrics, and hooks. But what many don’t realize is that those creations have value far beyond the studio. That value lives in publishing—the often misunderstood engine that powers your long-term income, ownership, and opportunities.
Let’s demystify publishing—and talk about why partnering with the right team (like Elizabeth Music Group) is one of the smartest moves a songwriter can make.
What Is Music Publishing, Really?
Music publishing is the business of monetizing and managing your compositions—not the sound recordings, but the song itself: lyrics, melody, chord progressions, hooks. These are protected by copyright, and when your song is used, someone is making money.
With proper publishing, that someone can (and should) be you.
Every time your song is:
Streamed
Performed live
Broadcast on TV or radio
Placed in a film, show, ad, or video game
Sold digitally or physically
Or even printed in a songbook
...you’re owed royalties.
If you’re not registered properly—or don’t have someone collecting those royalties—you’re leaving real money behind.
Why Every Songwriter Must Pay Attention
1. To Actually Get Paid
Let’s be blunt: If your music’s out in the world but your publishing isn’t set up, your income is slipping through the cracks. Whether your song has 100,000 or 100 million streams, you might not see a dime without registration and administration in place.
2. To Protect Your Work
Publishing gives you control. You can set terms on:
Who can license your songs
How royalties are split
What kinds of projects your music appears in
Without understanding this, you risk signing bad deals or being miscredited.
3. To Create New Opportunities
Great publishing isn’t just about collecting royalties—it’s about creating momentum. The right publisher can:
Land your songs in sync placements (TV/film/ads)
Connect you with producers and artists for cuts
Pitch your catalog internationally
Help build your long-term strategy as a creator
Publishing Isn't Optional—It's Foundational
As the line between indie and mainstream blurs, music publishing has become a core skill for modern songwriters. It’s what separates the hobbyist from the professional. And if you're serious about building a career in music, you need more than talent. You need a structure that supports and protects your work.
Enter Elizabeth Music Group: A New Model for Songwriters
Most publishing companies were built to serve labels or executives. Elizabeth Music Group was built for songwriters, by a songwriter.
Founded by producer, songwriter, sync composer, and artist TheZachMichael, EMG exists to help creators understand their rights, collect every dollar they’re owed, and open doors to new opportunities.
Here’s how EMG stands out:
Transparency-First
No smoke and mirrors. EMG breaks down where your royalties come from, how splits work, and what every deal means—so you can make informed decisions.
Education & Support
EMG offers not just publishing administration, but community and mentorship—including a Discord server filled with sync briefs, live resources, and a team available every week to support your growth.
Creative Collaboration
You’re not alone. EMG connects songwriters with producers, topliners, and artists across its roster to create co-writing opportunities and build better songs together.
Sync Access
Through strong relationships with sync agents and supervisors, EMG actively pitches music for use in television, film, and advertising—helping your songs find new life and new revenue streams.
Writer-Friendly Deals
Flexible agreements. No predatory terms. EMG’s deals are designed to grow with you and support your evolution as a creator.
Real Results, Real Creators
Writers at Elizabeth Music Group have contributed to major releases, sync placements, and global collaborations. But more than that, they’ve gained clarity, control, and confidence in their careers. The difference? EMG isn’t just managing publishing—it’s empowering the songwriter behind the song.
Final Thoughts: Write With Heart, Protect With Strategy
At the end of the day, songwriting is your art—but publishing is how that art becomes a career.
You do need to understand how your work generates income, how to protect it, and who to trust with it.
Whether you're just getting started or already have a few songs out, learning the publishing landscape is the difference between a moment and a movement.
Ready to Take Control of Your Publishing?
Learn how Elizabeth Music Group can support you at
👉 elizabethrecords.net/elizabethmusicgroup
Songwriting is your superpower. Publishing is your protection.
Master both—and build something that lasts.
