Music publishing can feel like one of the trickiest parts of the industry to wrap your head around. With a flood of acronyms, organisations, and legal jargon, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But understanding how music publishing works is key to making sure you’re getting paid properly for your signs and music and protecting it long-term.
We have a comprehensive guide explaining exactly what music publishing is & means for you when you’re looking to publish new music.
Income Streams in Publishing
There are four main ways songwriters and publishers make money:
- Performing Rights – Royalties earned when music is performed or broadcast publicly.
- Mechanical Rights – Paid when music is reproduced (e.g. CDs, vinyl, streaming).
- Synchronisation Rights – Royalties from licensing music for TV, films, adverts, and games.
- Print Rights – Earnings from printed sheet music.
Types of Publishing Contracts
Music publishing deals can vary depending on your level of experience, output, and goals. Here are the most common types of contracts.
Single Song Assignment
Also known as a “specific agreement.” The publisher only administers individual songs for a set period. You can sign multiple of these with different publishers.
Exclusive Writer Agreement
This covers your entire catalogue. Often includes an upfront advance (which must be recouped) and locks you in exclusively. Make sure to get legal advice before signing and understand the royalty splits, territories, and term length.
Administration Deal
No rights are transferred. Instead, the publisher collects royalties (including from overseas) on your behalf for a fee without offering creative services like sync placements, something Horus Music can support you with.
Sub-Publishing Agreement
Your main publisher partners with another publisher in a different territory (e.g. the US or Europe). They manage rights and collect royalties locally. You may get paid faster, but more parties will take a cut.
Synchronisation Deal
This may be arranged with either your main publisher or a specialist sync agency. Their job is to pitch your music for TV, adverts, and more. Typical royalty splits are 50/50, but always check the track record of placements before signing. Horus Music Publishing+ on top of an administrative deal can support with sync licensing opportunities.
Why Music Publishing Matters for Emerging Artists
If you’re writing music but not thinking about publishing. Publishing ensures you’re paid fairly when your music is played even when you’re not performing it. It also opens doors to additional revenue streams like sync placements.
Many independent artists assume publishing only matters once you’ve “made it,” but it’s just as important early in your career.
Key Publishing Terms (Glossary)
- PRS for Music – UK-based collection society for songwriters and publishers.
- MCPS – Collects mechanical royalties in the UK.
- ISWC – International Standard Musical Work Code, used to identify compositions.
- ISRC – Code that identifies specific sound recordings (not used for publishing).
- Split Sheet – A document that outlines how songwriting credits are divided.
- PRO – Performance Rights Organisation (e.g. PRS, ASCAP, BMI).
How to Register Your Songs in the UK (Step-by-Step)
- Join PRS for Music (UK) or your local PRO.
- Create a songwriter account and link your bank details.
- Register each song with accurate title, splits, and co-writer info.
- Ensure your publisher (if any) is linked to your profile.
- Double-check for ISWC assignment after submission.
Common mistakes include registering under the wrong title, incorrect writer splits, or forgetting to register entirely.
Self-Publishing vs. Signing with a Publisher
| Self-Publishing | Publisher/Admin Deal | |
| Control | Full creative and rights control | Shared rights or partial control |
| Reach | Limited unless you’re well-connected | Access to sync, international markets |
| Royalties | 100% (less PRO cuts) | Typically 85-90%, with admin/publisher cuts |
| Admin Burden | You’re responsible for all registration | Handled by the publisher |
If you’re confident managing everything and want total control, self-publishing is viable. But if you’re aiming for sync deals or global reach, having a publisher may help.
Choosing a Publisher: What to Ask
Before signing any publishing agreement, ask:
- What’s the royalty split and are there any hidden fees?
- Do you offer sync opportunities or purely admin support?
- Which territories will you represent?
- Have you placed similar music in TV/film/adverts?
- What happens when the contract ends?
Avoid vague terms, long auto-renewals, or unclear recoupment clauses.
FAQs
Do I need a publisher to collect royalties?
No – you can collect directly through a PRO like PRS for Music, but a publisher can handle admin and open doors to sync deals.
What’s the difference between PRS and MCPS?
PRS collects performance royalties; MCPS handles mechanicals. You can register with both via PRS for Music in the UK.
How do I collect royalties from abroad?
Either use a publisher with sub-publishing agreements or register directly with foreign PROs — though the latter is more complex.
Can I have multiple publishing deals?
Yes, but only if they’re non-exclusive (e.g. single song deals). Exclusive contracts usually cover our entire catalogue.
What is a CAE/IPI number, and how do I get one?
A CAE/IPI number is a unique identifier assigned to songwriters, composers, and publishers when they join a performance rights organisation (like PRS for Music in the UK). It links your name to your royalties and ensures you’re correctly credited for your work worldwide.
How long does it take for royalties to be paid out after collection?
Royalty payments depend on the collection and distribution schedule of your PRO or publisher. In the UK:
- PRS for Music typically pays out quarterly, around April, July, October, and December.
- There’s often a 6–9 month delay between when a song is played and when you receive payment — this gives time for collection, processing, and reporting from venues, broadcasters, or digital platforms.
If you’re working with a publisher or administrator, they may speed up certain payments (e.g. sync fees), but PRO-related royalties will still follow the standard cycle.
Publishing isn’t just for major songwriters, it’s essential for anyone creating original music. Whether you’re looking to keep things simple with self-publishing or want to expand your reach through sync and sub-publishing deals, understanding your options empowers you to make smarter decisions.
And if you’re not sure where to begin? Check out Horus Music Publishing and our services
