FAQ
Straight answers before you sign.
Publishing has a lot of jargon and plenty of sharks. Here is how it works, what you keep, and what it costs.
What does a music publisher do, and why do I need one if I already use DistroKid or TuneCore?
Every song has two pieces of ownership.
- The master is the recording. Your distributor gets it onto streaming platforms and pays you the streaming revenue.
- The composition is the song itself: the melody and lyrics. This is where publishing lives.
Your composition earns money your distributor doesn't collect, including mechanical royalties(when your song streams or downloads) and performance royalties(when it plays on radio, TV, and in venues).
A publishing administrator registers your songs where that money is held, keeps your splits and metadata accurate, and collects on your behalf. Your distributor does none of that. You need both.
Do I lose ownership or copyrights to my songs if I sign an administration deal with you?
No. You keep 100% of your copyright. Your masters stay 100% yours.
An administration deal is not a traditional publishing deal. In a traditional deal, the publisher often takes a share of your copyright, sometimes outright ownership. In an administration deal, you keep ownership and give me the right to administer your songs for a set term: registering them, collecting royalties, and protecting your rights.
The term and what I can and can't do are spelled out in your agreement. I'd rather you read it carefully than take my word for it.
What is your fee structure, and are there any upfront fees?
Pricing is custom and quoted per client, based on the size and condition of your catalog.
Administration includes upfront fees. I'll tell you exactly what they are, in writing, before you sign anything, so you can see the full cost and what you get for it.
Not sure you need full administration yet? Start with the Mini Audit →
Is this exclusive, or can I still make my own deals?
You stay in control of your career. Any exclusivity applies only to the songs covered by your agreement, and it is stated clearly in writing before you sign. Songs outside your agreement are yours to handle however you choose.
How and when do I get paid my publishing royalties?
The money moves in steps.
- Your song is used: streamed, played on radio, aired on TV, or licensed.
- A collection organization collects it: the MLC, your PRO, SoundExchange, or a society abroad.
- The money is paid to me as your administrator, based on the registrations I've made.
- I send you a statement and your payment on the schedule in your agreement.
Timing varies by source. Domestic payments often arrive within a few months. International societies can take longer, sometimes more than a year. I'll walk you through what to expect when we start.
Ready when you are
Still have a question ?
Email me or book a free call. I'll answer straight.
