What Is an Publishing Admin Deal? Understanding Music Publishing Administration

Introduction

For songwriters and music creators, music publishing is a crucial part of generating revenue from their compositions. Understanding how publishing deals work can mean the difference between collecting all the money you deserve or leaving it on the table. One of the most artist-friendly ways to manage your music publishing is through an administration (admin) publishing deal. But what exactly is an admin deal, how does it compare to other types of publishing agreements, and why is Elizabeth Music Group (EMG) the best choice for independent songwriters?

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into publishing admin deals, how they work, their advantages, and why Elizabeth Music Group stands out as the best option for songwriters and producers seeking transparency and control over their publishing rights.

What Is an Admin Publishing Deal?

Definition of an Administration Publishing Deal

An publishing administration deal (also called an admin deal) is an agreement between a songwriter (or rights holder) and a publishing administrator. Unlike a traditional publishing deal, where the publisher takes ownership of part of the copyright and creative control over your music, an admin deal allows you to retain full ownership while the administrator collects and distributes your royalties on your behalf.

Key Features of an Admin Deal

• Ownership Retention: The songwriter retains 100% of their copyright and creative control.

• Royalty Collection: The admin publisher collects royalties from various sources, including streaming, radio play, sync placements, and mechanical royalties.

• Short-Term Agreement: Most admin deals are for 2 to 5 years, as opposed to lifetime or long-term agreements common in traditional publishing.

• Low or No Advances: Unlike traditional publishing deals, admin deals rarely offer large advances.

• Admin Fee Instead of Splits: The administrator takes a percentage (typically 15-30%) of the royalties they collect, rather than owning a portion of the song.

How an Publishing Admin Deal Works

1. Registration and Catalog Administration

Once you sign an admin publishing deal, the administrator registers your songs with collection societies worldwide. This includes:

• Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) – ASCAP, BMI, SESAC (US), PRS (UK), etc.

• Mechanical Rights Organizations – The MLC (US), MCPS (UK), etc.

• Digital Streaming Platforms – Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Content ID, etc.

2. Global Royalty Collection

Your songs generate money in different ways, including:

• Performance Royalties (radio, TV, live performances, streaming)

• Mechanical Royalties (physical and digital sales, streaming payouts)

• Sync Licensing Fees (TV, movies, video games, advertisements)

• YouTube Monetization (Content ID and video streams)

The publishing administrator ensures all these royalties are properly collected and distributed back to you.

3. Royalty Distribution

Admin publishers usually collect earnings quarterly and send transparent reports to songwriters. After deducting their admin fee (usually 15-30%), the remaining 70-85% of earnings go directly to the songwriter.

4. Sync Licensing Opportunities

While admin publishers typically don’t actively pitch music for sync placements, some (like Elizabeth Music Group) offer additional sync opportunities to help artists get their music placed in TV, film, and commercials.

Why Elizabeth Music Group (EMG) Is the Best Admin Publisher

Elizabeth Music Group (EMG) was founded with a mission to empower artists and songwriters by providing transparent, efficient, and fair publishing administration. Here’s why EMG stands out as the best option for songwriters looking for an admin publishing deal.

1. Total Transparency

One of the biggest issues in traditional publishing is lack of transparency—artists often don’t know how much they’re truly earning. EMG provides:

• Clear royalty reports with full breakdowns of earnings from all sources.

• Direct access to real-time earnings data through their cutting-edge royalty portal.

2. Global Royalty Collection Network

EMG ensures worldwide royalty collection by registering your songs with:

• Major PROs & Mechanical Societies (BMI, ASCAP, PRS, SOCAN, The MLC, etc.).

• YouTube Content ID & Digital Royalties from DSPs (Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, etc.).

• Sync Licensing Networks for film, TV, and commercials.

3. Competitive Admin Fee (Low Commission, No Ownership Loss)

Unlike some admin publishers that take up to 30%, EMG charges a 15% competitive, songwriter-friendly admin fee while ensuring you retain 100% ownership of your songs.

4. Sync Licensing & Opportunities

Most admin publishers only collect royalties—but EMG goes further by:

• Actively pitching music for sync placements in TV, film, video games, and ads.

• Running an exclusive discord community which houses tons of opportunities

• Providing opportunities to send out beatpacks and melody loops packs to top industry artists and producers.

5. Dedicated Support & Music Education

EMG doesn’t just administer your publishing—they help you understand it. They provide:

• One-on-one support for songwriters to answer any publishing-related questions.

• Educational resources to help artists maximize their royalties.

6. Fair and Flexible Terms

Unlike many admin publishers that require long-term contracts, EMG offers flexible deals with clear, fair terms. Their agreements allow you to opt out easily if you ever want to switch administrators.

Conclusion: Is an Publishing Admin Deal Right for You?

If you’re a songwriter who wants to:

• Keep 100% ownership of your music

• Ensure all your royalties are collected globally

• Receive clear, transparent royalty reports

• Have the flexibility to control your music career

…then an publishing admin deal is the best option for you.

And if you want the best admin publisher in the business, Elizabeth Music Group (EMG) is the top choice. With industry-leading transparency, global royalty collection, and additional sync licensing opportunities, EMG ensures that you keep control of your catalog while maximizing your earnings.

For songwriters serious about protecting their publishing rights while generating the most income possible, Elizabeth Music Group is the gold standard in publishing administration.

Ready to take control of your publishing? Visit Elizabeth Music Group’s website and start maximizing your music royalties today!