What is publishing?

An introduction to publishing and song writing

Music publishing revolves around the crucial aspects of songwriters and copyrights. Whenever music is used commercially, such as through sales, licensing, or public performances, it is imperative that the songwriter and copyright owner receive their rightful royalties. At our music publishing company, we provide an array of services tailored to benefit songwriters. As your dedicated publisher, we assume the responsibility of administering copyrights by safeguarding the usage of songs and diligently collecting owed royalties.

Music publishing encompasses the essential realms of songwriters and copyrights, forming the foundation of the music industry. When music is commercially utilized, whether through sales, licensing agreements, or captivating public performances, it is the songwriter and copyright owner who rightly deserve their share of royalties. As a reputable music publishing company, we are committed to offering comprehensive services designed to empower and support songwriters throughout their artistic journey.

At our company, we take pride in assuming the role of your trusted publisher, shouldering the administrative tasks and complexities associated with copyright management. Our primary objective is to protect the intellectual property of your songs and ensure that you receive the rightful compensation for your creative endeavors. By adeptly managing the intricate web of copyrights, we safeguard your rights as a songwriter while diligently pursuing and collecting the royalties owed to you.

In addition to our administrative responsibilities, we actively engage in cultivating opportunities on the creative front. As your dedicated publisher, we focus on leveraging and exploiting the copyrights we administer on your behalf. Our experienced team dedicates themselves to securing coveted sync licenses for your compositions, opening doors for placements in film, television, advertisements, video games, and other media platforms. By capitalizing on these sync licensing opportunities, we aim to amplify the exposure of your music and expand your reach to diverse audiences.

Furthermore, our growing and dedicated team plays an integral role in fostering collaborations and co-writing sessions. We understand the immense value of collaboration in the music industry, and our goal is to connect you with fellow songwriters, artists, and labels who can contribute to the creative process. Through strategic networking and pitching, we actively seek opportunities for your songs to be recorded and performed by renowned artists, paving the way for your compositions to leave an indelible mark on the industry.

While navigating the complex landscape of licensing, pitching to music supervisors, and ensuring the collection of royalties can be a demanding task, we strive to alleviate the burden for songwriters. Many deals with larger music publishers often result in copyright owners receiving a meager 50% or less of the royalties generated. However, at our music publishing company, we are committed to providing our clients with the most favorable terms possible. We firmly believe in fostering a mutually beneficial partnership and will always strive to offer the best possible deal in the UK. Should we discover an opportunity to improve upon our existing offerings, we are dedicated to exploring and presenting you with an even better arrangement.

In summary, as your trusted music publisher, we not only handle the intricate administrative aspects of copyright management and royalty collection but also actively seek creative opportunities to maximize the potential of your compositions. We are dedicated to supporting your artistic vision, protecting your rights, and helping you navigate the ever-evolving music industry landscape.

Performance Rights Organizations, commonly known as PROs, play a vital role in assisting songwriters, composers, and artists in the collection of performance royalties. These organizations operate on a global scale, aiming to ensure that local performance royalties are paid to copyright owners regardless of their location.

Performance royalties are remunerations paid to the copyright holder whenever a composition is publicly performed, whether it be through recorded or live performances, radio and television broadcasts, digital platforms, concerts, or other music services. It's important to note that PROs do not handle the collection of mechanical royalties, which are generated when a song is purchased, downloaded, or streamed.

When considering registration of your compositions with a PRO in the United Kingdom, PRS is a popular option. For those in the United States, choices include ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. In Australia, the APRA serves as a suitable PRO option. These organizations act as the initial entry point into establishing the foundation of your music publishing endeavors.

However, it is crucial to educate yourself about the intricacies of music publishing. While choosing a PRO is a significant step, it's equally important to understand how royalties are paid to copyright holders in your specific country and whether the PROs collect royalties directly from other countries.

Each PRO operates with its own set of rules and processes. They establish agreements with foreign PROs through reciprocal agreements or affiliations, allowing them to collect royalties on behalf of their members from other territories. This system ensures that copyright owners receive their entitled royalties even when their compositions are performed or broadcasted internationally.

To maximize your understanding of the music publishing landscape, it is recommended to delve deeper into the royalty collection mechanisms employed by your chosen PRO. Familiarize yourself with the international agreements they have in place, which countries they have affiliations with, and how the collection and distribution of royalties are facilitated. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions and take full advantage of the opportunities available to you as a copyright holder.

Remember, as you embark on your music publishing journey, staying informed about the intricacies of PROs and their operations will equip you with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complex world of royalty collection and ensure that you receive your rightful compensation for the use of your creative works.

Earning Money from Songwriting, Recording, Performing, and Merchandising:

Mechanical Royalties: Mechanical royalties are earned from various sources related to the reproduction and distribution of your music. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Streaming: Every time your song is streamed on interactive platforms like Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, or YouTube, you earn mechanical royalties. The number of streams contributes to your royalty earnings.

Downloads: When your songs are downloaded as mp3 files from digital stores such as iTunes, Amazon, or other platforms, you receive mechanical royalties. Each download adds to your royalty earnings.

Physical Sales: If your songs are sold on physical products like vinyl records or CDs, mechanical royalties are generated. Each sale of these physical formats contributes to your royalty earnings.

Performance Royalties: Performance royalties are generated whenever your songs are publicly performed. Here's a breakdown of the main areas where performance royalties are collected:

Radio: When your songs are played on terrestrial, satellite, or online radio stations, you earn performance royalties. These royalties are collected by Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) and distributed to copyright owners based on the frequency and reach of the radio broadcasts.

Television: Performance royalties are earned when your songs are used in TV shows, commercials, or other visual media. PROs monitor these uses and ensure that copyright holders receive their fair share of performance royalties.

Live Performances: Whenever your songs are performed live, whether by you or by other artists, you earn performance royalties. This includes concerts, music festivals, gigs, and other live events where your songs are performed in front of an audience.

Print Royalties: Print royalties are derived from the sale of printed music materials. Here's how print royalties can be generated:

Sheet Music: When your songs' sheet music, including lyrics, musical notation, and arrangements, are published and sold, you earn print royalties. This applies to physical sheet music books as well as digital sheet music available on online platforms.

Lyrics and Tablature: Websites and platforms that provide lyrics, guitar chords, tabs, or music notation for your songs contribute to your print royalty earnings. These resources are often accessed by musicians, enthusiasts, and performers seeking to learn and play your songs accurately.

Synchronization (Sync) Royalties: Sync royalties are earned when your music is synchronized with visual media. This includes licensing your songs for use in advertisements, video games, films, TV shows, mobile apps, and other audio-visual projects. Typically, sync royalties are paid as one-time fees, granting the licensee the right to sync your composition with a moving image. The fee varies based on the scope and nature of the synchronization.

Merchandising: Another avenue for earning money is through merchandising your brand name and song products. This can include selling merchandise such as t-shirts, posters, physical copies of albums, and other merchandise featuring your brand or song artwork. Revenue from merchandising adds to your overall earnings as a music writer.

It's important to note that the more people who hear and engage with your music, the greater the potential for earning money. However, as your music reaches a wider audience and is used in various ways, tracking and collecting the royalties owed to you can become more challenging. That's where a global infrastructure, such as the one offered by OMP, can help monitor and manage your revenue streams effectively.

By understanding the multiple avenues available for monetizing your music, you can maximize your earning potential as a music writer. Working with professionals in the music industry, such as music publishers, PROs, and licensing agencies, can provide guidance and support in ensuring that you receive proper compensation for your creative works.