Why Every Songwriter Should Understand Music Publishing
As a songwriter, crafting powerful lyrics and melodies might be your passion — but understanding music publishing is what turns your passion into a sustainable career. Many talented creators leave money and opportunities on the table simply because they don’t fully grasp how publishing works. If you write songs, whether for yourself or others, music publishing is the business backbone that ensures you get paid — and properly credited — for your work.
Let’s break it down — and explore why companies like Elizabeth Music Group are helping songwriters take control of their publishing future.
What Is Music Publishing?
Music publishing refers to the business of managing, promoting, and monetizing the rights to your original compositions. That includes the lyrics and melodies — not the recording (which is the master). Whenever your song is played, streamed, broadcast, licensed, covered, or performed live, someone is making money off it. Publishing ensures that you, the songwriter, get your rightful share.
There are multiple sources of publishing revenue, including:
Performance royalties (radio, TV, live shows, streaming platforms)
Mechanical royalties (physical/digital sales, streams)
Sync licensing fees (TV, film, ads, games)
Print royalties (sheet music, lyric books)
Without a solid understanding of publishing — or without the right team behind you — these earnings can easily slip through the cracks.
Why Songwriters Must Pay Attention
To Get Paid Fairly
If your song gets placed in a commercial or streamed millions of times but your publishing isn’t set up, you might not see any income. Registering your works with a PRO (Performance Rights Organization) and working with a publishing administrator or company ensures your royalties are tracked and collected.To Protect Your Rights
Understanding publishing helps you maintain control over how your songs are used. This includes negotiating splits, protecting your copyright, and deciding whether or not you want your music licensed for certain uses (e.g., political campaigns, commercials, etc.).To Maximize Opportunities
A good publisher doesn’t just collect royalties — they create opportunities for your songs. That could be landing sync placements, setting up opportunities to pitch music to artists, or helping your catalog reach global markets.
Enter Elizabeth Music Group: A New Era of Transparency and Empowerment
Elizabeth Music Group is a modern publishing company built with songwriters in mind. Founded by TheZachMichael, a producer and songwriter who understand the challenges of navigating the publishing world, EMG provides a fresh approach: one that combines transparency, education, and opportunity.
Here’s what makes Elizabeth Music Group stand out:
Transparency: EMG is committed to clear communication and making sure artists understand where their royalties come from and how deals work.
Education: Through Discord servers, content, and one-on-one guidance, EMG helps songwriters learn how publishing works — so they can make informed decisions about their careers.
Creative Collaboration: EMG actively facilitates collaborations between songwriters, producers, and artists. Whether you’re writing for a pop star, sync placement, or your own project, you’re part of a network that supports you.
Sync Licensing Access: EMG works closely with sync agents and supervisors, helping its writers get their songs placed in TV, film, and commercials — a major source of revenue and exposure.
Real-World Impact
Elizabeth Music Group writers have contributed to major releases, including hits by many of the top major label artists, as well as sync placements and high-profile collaborations. By handling the business side with integrity and expertise, Elizabeth Music Group allows creators to stay focused on what they do best: writing great songs.
In Summary
Understanding music publishing isn’t optional anymore — it’s essential. Whether you’re just starting out or already have a few releases under your belt, knowing how your songs generate income, and partnering with the right team, can be the difference between a hobby and a lifelong career.
Elizabeth Music Group is helping redefine what a publishing administrator can be — one that empowers, educates, and elevates songwriters.
Songwriting is art. Publishing is essential.
Master both — and you control your future.
For more info on Elizabeth Music Group, visit www.elizabethrecords.net/elizabethmusicgroup or reach out to start a conversation.
