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A publishing company can get a song heard and recorded, and performs other vital functions for it’s songwriters. Here’s a general overview of music publishing companies.
When you write a song, you own the publishing rights (and copyright) as soon as the song is completed. But the process of getting your song heard and actually making money from it can get somewhat complicated.
A reputable publishing company has the expertise to control what happens with a song, from placing it with recording artists to collecting royalties.
You can start your own publishing company, but the business of publishing requires extensive knowledge of many diversified fields. Getting a publishing deal with an established company is generally the best route to take.
Publishing deals
When a song is signed with a music publisher, the usual split of royalties is half to the songwriter and half to the publisher. There are sometimes publishing or co-publishing deals where one side or the other gives up some of it’s publishing rights in exchange for something else.
For example, you might give up some of your publishing in exchange for a cash advance from the publisher. Or, a publisher may give up some of his rights in order to sign a proven hit songwriter.
Functions of a music publisher
A publisher has many functions and responsibilities; here’s an abbreviated list.
- Gathers and signs material from songwriters. This involves listening to demos, visiting songwriter venues, making suggestions to the songwriter for improving his or her songs, and developing talent.
- Produces high-quality demos of the songs and assembles packages for promotional distribution to record labels, movie and TV producers, ad agencies, and anywhere else the song can be placed.
- Collects all royalties due for a song and pays the songwriter.
- Handles all legal affairs regarding the songs, including contracts, licensing, royalty negotiations, copyright registration, royalty statement monitoring and collection of monies due. The publisher also files all necessary paperwork with performing rights and mechanicals organizations.
- Protects its songs’ copyrights and makes sure the songs are not used without permission.
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