Music Insights

The first thing an artist or songwriter realizes when starting a music career is that having a good music publishing deal can make all the difference between being a star and a failure. But figuring out how to land a publishing deal feels like a mystery.

Besides there’s no degree that guarantees you a job as a songwriter for a major publisher. Musicians often have to navigate this journey on their own. So, where do you begin? The short answer is right here, by reading this.

What’s a publishing deal?

A music publishing deal is a contract between a songwriter/artist and a music publisher. In this arrangement, the publisher helps promote the artist’s music, ensuring it’s used in various ways—like in films, commercials, radio, or streaming services.

In exchange, the publisher takes a portion of the royalties earned from these uses. Here’s all the juicy details you should know about publishing deals:

Types of Publishing Deals:

There are three types of publishing deals: full publishing deals, co-publishing deals, and administration deals.

In a full publishing deal, the publisher typically takes 50% or more of the publishing income, with the artist keeping the rest. Co-publishing deals are more balanced, usually splitting the income 50/50. Lastly,  administration deals involve the publisher taking a smaller cut (typically around 10-25%) for handling administrative duties like royalty collection only.

Why Get a Publishing Deal?:

A publishing deal offers lots of advantages, particularly for new artists. Publishers have the networks and resources to promote your music effectively, helping it reach platforms where it could be monetized. They also manage the legal and administrative tasks, freeing you up to focus on creating music.

What Does a Publisher Do?:

Publishers are essential in managing and promoting your music. They take care of licensing, royalty collection, song registration with performance rights organizations (PROs), and pitching your music for opportunities in films, TV shows, and advertisements.

 How do I get a music publishing deal?

Getting a music publishing deal isn’t easy, but with the right strategy and mindset, it’s definitely within reach. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:

Build a Strong Portfolio: Before you start reaching out to publishers, make sure you have a solid collection of good music. Your portfolio should include high-quality recordings, demos, and, if applicable, sheet music.

Having a robust portfolio increases your chances of catching a publisher’s attention. It’s a smart idea to have at least ten strong songs—five to impress publishers and five more to share when they ask for additional material.

Network in the Music Industry: Just like in every other industry, networking is crucial in the music business. Attend Record Label events, workshops, and industry trade shows to meet people who might connect you with publishers. Building relationships with fellow music artists, producers, and other industry professionals can open doors and create opportunities.

Submit Your Music to Publishers: Once you’ve built a solid portfolio and gotten some industry connections, it’s time to start submitting your music to publishers. Look for publishers who specialize in your genre of music, and be sure to follow their submission guidelines closely. Tailoring your submissions to each publisher shows that you’ve done your homework and increases your chances of being noticed.

It’s important to understand what a publisher focuses on before you send them your songs. For example, if a publisher specializes in Afrobeat, submitting R&B tracks likely won’t get you very far. However, if they’re a pop/rap publisher, they might be very interested in hearing your Afrobeat-infused rap tracks.

Consider a Music Attorney: It is wise to have a music attorney, especially when it comes to signing contracts and legal matters. They will guide you through the complexities of a publishing deal and ensure your rights are safeguarded.

Be Persistent: Getting a publishing deal will take time, no sugarcoating, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t happen right away. Keep refining your music, expanding your network, and submitting your work to various publishers. Persistence with a positive mindset is key in this process.

How much is a music publishing deal worth?

The worth of a music publishing deal can vary widely based on factors like the artist’s popularity, the expected income from the music, and the conditions of the deal.

For instance, if you write a hit song that brings in $500,000 in royalties, the artist’s share would be $250,000, and the publisher’s share would also be $250,000. A publisher invests in artists with the hope of earning a substantial payout in the future. As you become more successful, you may be able to negotiate for a bigger portion or start self-publishing.

Steps on how to self-publish music as an artist

Self-publishing your music offers numerous advantages. You retain full ownership of your copyrights, aren’t tied down by any publishing contracts, and have complete control over where and how your work is used.

However, if you’ve worked with a distributor before, you might have unknowingly opted into their publishing services. Before proceeding, it’s important to double-check that this isn’t the case for you.

Register Your Songs: The first step in self-publishing is to register your songs with a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. to ensure you receive royalties whenever your music is played publicly.

Set Up a Publishing Entity: Create your own publishing company by setting up a legal business entity. This allows you to collect both the songwriter’s share and the publisher’s share of royalties.

Distribute Your Music: Use digital distribution platforms like TuneCore, DistroKid, or CD Baby to get your music onto streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. These platforms also collect mechanical royalties on your behalf.

Promote Your Music: Without a publisher to promote your music, it’s up to you to get the word out. Utilize social media, music marketing services like SounDisruptr, and live performances to build your audience and increase streams and sales.

 Summary

Music publishing is an essential part of an artist’s career, offering a way to protect your music and earn income from it. Whether you decide to pursue a publishing deal or self-publish, understanding the basics of music publishing will help you make informed decisions that benefit your career. With the right approach, you can turn your passion for music into a successful and sustainable profession.