Why Your Publisher Should Do More Than Collect Royalties
Many songwriters and producers think of music publishers as passive middlemen who simply collect royalties and send checks. While that’s technically part of the role, a modern, proactive publisher does far more and your career can grow exponentially when you partner with one that goes beyond the basics.
The Traditional Role of a Publisher
At its core, a music publisher manages your composition rights. They register your songs with performance rights organizations (PROs), collect royalties from radio, streaming, and other sources, and ensure you’re legally protected.
While these services are essential, relying solely on royalty collection limits your potential income and career growth. Music today is a fast-moving, sync-driven industry, and opportunities require a publisher who actively works to place your music and expand your reach.
What a Modern Publisher Should Do
A forward-thinking publisher adds value by actively supporting your career. Here are key areas where proactive publishers make a difference:
1. Sync Licensing and Placement Opportunities
Music supervision is one of the fastest-growing revenue streams in the industry. A proactive publisher:
Actively pitches your songs to TV shows, films, video games, and commercials.
Maintains relationships with music supervisors and advertising agencies.
Provides curated sync briefs to match your catalog with current opportunities.
For example, in October alone, Elizabeth Music Group received over $800K worth of sync briefs, highlighting their hands-on approach to securing placements.
2. Catalog Organization and Pitch Support
Creates pitch-ready versions of your songs, including stems, instrumentals, and alternate mixes.
Tags songs by genre, mood, and instrumentation for easier discovery.
Develops themed playlists and one-sheets for supervisors and partners.
This level of preparation increases your chances of getting noticed and licensed quickly.
3. Digital Product Launch Support
Beyond placements, a modern publisher helps you leverage your music as a product:
Launching sample packs, loops, and other digital assets.
Advising on marketing strategies and monetization of your catalog.
Expanding your reach to new audiences and platforms.
4. Faster and Transparent Royalty Payouts
Traditional publishers often pay royalties quarterly or semi-annually. Elizabeth Music Group pays out monthly, ensuring you get access to the revenue you’ve earned without unnecessary delays.
5. Artist-Centric Guidance
Provides career advice tailored to your goals and strengths.
Helps with collaborations, co-writing opportunities, and networking.
Offers legal guidance and copyright support for your catalog.
Why Elizabeth Music Group Stands Out
Elizabeth Music Group exemplifies the modern, proactive publisher. They do much more than collect royalties - they actively grow your career. Here’s how EMG goes above and beyond:
Monthly royalty payouts to keep your income flowing consistently.
Sync placement focus, connecting artists to high-value briefs and actively pitching songs.
Catalog optimization, making sure every track is pitch-ready for licensing opportunities.
Support for digital products and marketing, helping artists monetize beyond traditional streams.
Hands-on career guidance, treating artists as partners and investing in their long-term success.
Final Thoughts
A publisher should be more than a passive collection agency - they should be a creative and strategic partner. By actively pitching your music, supporting digital releases, and offering career guidance, a modern publisher like Elizabeth Music Group helps musicians maximize income and unlock new opportunities.
If your publisher isn’t doing more than collecting royalties, you’re leaving money and potential career growth on the table.
