Top Four Questions to Ask a Publisher Before Signing
Signing with a music publisher is a major step in your career. A great publisher can help you collect royalties globally, get your songs placed in TV and film, organize your catalog, and support your long-term growth as a songwriter, producer, or artist. A bad one can slow you down, take a cut without providing value, or lock you into a deal that limits your opportunities.
Before committing, it is essential to ask the right questions. Here are the top four questions every songwriter should ask a potential publisher, along with how Elizabeth Music Group answers each one.
1. What exactly will you do for my catalog?
Why it matters:
Not all publishers offer the same services. Some only collect royalties. Others actively pitch songs, secure placements, or provide career resources. You need clarity on what your deal will actually include so you understand the value.
Elizabeth Music Group’s answer:
Elizabeth Music Group provides full-service publishing designed to maximize your catalog’s earning potential. We handle global royalty collection across every major pay source. Our team actively monitors global usage to make sure no royalties slip through the cracks.
Beyond royalty collection, we offer hands-on sync pitching. That means your songs are curated into targeted playlists, pitched directly to music supervisors, and submitted for ongoing briefs across TV, film, advertising, and gaming opportunities. We track trends in sync so we can position your music strategically, not randomly.
We also give creators access to our private Discord community, where you’ll find collaboration channels, educational resources, monthly opportunities, Q&A sessions, and a supportive network of producers, writers, and artists. It’s a built-in ecosystem dedicated to helping you grow your catalog, improve your craft, and get more opportunities in real time.
In short, Elizabeth Music Group doesn’t just collect your royalties - we actively help you monetize your music, grow your creative network, and put your work in front of decision-makers.
2. How often will I get paid, and how transparent is the royalty reporting?
Why it matters:
Timely and accurate royalty reporting is crucial. You should know how often you will be paid, how detailed the statements will be, and what platforms income will come from.
Elizabeth Music Group’s answer:
Elizabeth Music Group pays out publishing royalties every month we receive royalties for your catalog and provides transparent, easy-to-read royalty statements. Our system breaks down income sources clearly so you can see exactly where your money is coming from. We collect from all major global societies and digital platforms, ensuring nothing is missed.
3. Will you pitch my music for sync opportunities? If so, how?
Why it matters:
Many songwriters hope for TV, film, or commercial placements, but not all publishers actively pitch. Asking how pitching works reveals whether the publisher truly invests in sync.
Elizabeth Music Group’s answer:
Elizabeth Music Group actively pitches songs to music supervisors, networks, production companies, and brands. We submit catalogs for briefs, curate playlists for supervisors, and leverage relationships across the sync landscape. When you sign with EMG, your tracks are considered for ongoing opportunities, and you can also access additional calls for submissions inside our Discord community which houses a ton of high value sync briefs with ne wones added regularly.
4. What support or communication can I expect after signing?
Why it matters:
Some companies disappear after onboarding. You want a publisher who will stay engaged, answer questions, and help you grow as a creator.
Elizabeth Music Group’s answer:
Elizabeth Music Group prides itself on accessible, artist-first communication. We offer support through email, scheduled check-ins, our exclusive Discord community, phone calls, and community channels. Whether you need help with registration, catalog questions, or sync opportunities, our team responds quickly and keeps you informed.
Final Thoughts
The right publisher should empower you, protect your rights, and elevate your career. Asking these questions ensures you partner with a team that genuinely supports your vision.
If you are looking for a transparent, musician-built publisher that champions creatives, Elizabeth Music Group is dedicated to helping artists collect globally, understand their catalogs, and pursue sync opportunities with confidence.
