How to Get a Music Publishing Deal

A music publishing deal helps songwriters make money from their songs. Publishers work with songwriters to get their music used differently and collect payment when songs are played. This article explains how to get a music publishing deal and what to expect.

What Music Publishers Do

The Publisher’s Role

Music publishers handle the business side of songs. They register copyrights, collect royalties, and find opportunities to use songs. Publishers pitch songs to record labels, TV shows, movies, and commercials. They also handle paperwork and track when songs are played.

Types of Publishing Deals

Publishers offer different kinds of deals. An administration deal lets songwriters keep their copyrights while the publisher collects money and handles business matters. A co-publishing deal means sharing ownership of songs with the publisher. In an exclusive publishing deal, the publisher owns all the copyrights.

Getting Ready for a Publishing Deal

Building a Strong Catalog

Publishers want songwriters with multiple good songs. Write at least 20-30 strong songs before looking for a publisher. The songs should work in current pop, country, R&B, or film/TV markets. Make sure your songs are properly recorded as demos.

Protecting Your Songs

Register your songs with the copyright office before showing them to publishers. Join a performing rights organization like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. Keep good records of when you wrote each song and who helped write them.

Creating Professional Demos

Record clear, professional-sounding demos of your songs. The recordings should show how the songs could sound on the radio or in a film. Use good singers and musicians. The production quality must be high enough for publishers to hear the song’s potential.

Finding Publishers

Research and Targeting

Look up publishers who work with music similar to yours. Read music industry news to learn which publishers are signing writers. Find out which publishers represent songs and writers you admire. Make a list of publishers that match your style of music.

Making Connections

Meet people in the music industry who can introduce you to publishers. Go to music industry events and conferences. Join songwriter organizations. Work with other writers who have publisher connections. Take songwriting workshops where publishers give feedback.

Direct Outreach

Contact publishers through their official submission process. Many have online forms or specific requirements for sending songs. Write a short, professional email introducing yourself and your music. Include links to your best songs and brief background information.

The Meeting Process

First Meetings

Publishers who like your songs will set up meetings. Be ready to play more songs live or share recordings. Talk about your background, goals, and writing process. Ask questions about how the publisher works with writers.

Follow-Up Meetings

Good first meetings lead to more meetings. Publishers want to know you can write consistently good songs. They may give you feedback and watch how you develop. Building trust takes time before deals are offered.

Publisher Feedback

Listen carefully to publisher feedback about your songs. They know what kinds of songs are needed in the market. Use their feedback to improve your writing. Show them you can take direction and create songs that fill specific needs.

Understanding Deal Terms

Common Contract Points

Publishing deals cover things like:

• How long the agreement lasts
• Which songs are included
• How money is split
• What the publisher must do
• What the writer must do
• How to end the deal

Advances and Recoupment

Publishers may offer advance payments. These are loans paid back from your share of song earnings. Bigger advances mean the publisher believes your songs will earn well. Advances affect how much money you get as songs earn income.

Revenue Splits

Different deals split the money in different ways:

• Admin deals: Writer keeps 85-90%
• Co-publishing: Writer keeps 65-75%
• Full publishing: Writer keeps 50%

After Getting a Deal

Working with Publishers

Stay in regular contact with your publisher. Send new songs often. Respond quickly to opportunities. Keep writing appointments and deadlines. Build good relationships with the publishing team.

Co-Writing

Publishers set up co-writing sessions with other writers. This helps create more songs and builds your network. Be professional and prepared for writing sessions. Learn to write well with different people.

Career Development

Publishers help develop your career. They give feedback on songs, suggest co-writers, and find opportunities. Work closely with them to improve your skills and industry connections. Stay focused on writing great songs.

Tips for Success

Be Professional

Treat songwriting as a business. Meet deadlines, communicate clearly, and handle yourself professionally. Build a reputation as someone reliable and easy to work with. Keep learning about the music industry.

Keep Creating

Continue writing songs even while looking for deals. The more good songs you have, the better your chances. Publishers want writers who consistently create quality work. Stay productive and keep improving your craft.

Build Relationships

The music business runs on relationships. Be friendly and professional with everyone you meet. Help other people when you can. Build a network of industry contacts over time. Good relationships lead to opportunities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Poor Preparation

Many writers approach publishers before they’re ready. Make sure you have enough good songs and professional demos. Understand how publishing works before taking meetings. Being prepared shows publishers that you’re serious.

Bad Timing

Sending songs to publishers at the wrong times hurts your chances. Research submission guidelines and follow them exactly. Wait for publishers to ask for more songs rather than sending too many. Respect publishers’ time and processes.

Wrong Publishers

Approaching publishers who don’t work with your style of music wastes everyone’s time. Research thoroughly to find the right matches. Focus on publishers who work with similar music to yours. This increases your chances of success.

Next Steps in Your Career

Keep Developing

Getting a publishing deal is just the start. Keep growing as a writer and professional. Learn from experienced people in the industry. Stay current with music trends and business changes.

Other Income Streams

Don’t rely only on publishing income. Look for other ways to earn from music like:

• Playing live shows
• Teaching songwriting
• Producing for others
• Licensing music directly

Long-Term Planning

Think about your long-term career goals. Plan how publishing fits with other music activities. Build multiple income sources from music. Stay flexible as the industry changes.