Guide · The business of songwriting
Music publishing for songwriters
Music publishing is about how a musical composition is used and monetized. ASCAP says a music publisher controls that, and that its royalties are split 50/50 between writers and publishers. ASCAP also says joining as both writer and publisher ensures you can collect all the royalties coming your way. This is general information, not legal advice.
Updated 20 Oct 2026
What a publisher does
ASCAP describes a music publisher as someone who controls how a musical composition is used and monetized. (ome.ascap.com, checked 20 Oct 2026.) The MLC's Get Started page lists independent songwriters, music publishers and administrators, and says connecting is free. (themlc.com, checked 20 Oct 2026.)
The writer share and the publisher share
ASCAP says its royalties are split 50/50 between writers and publishers, and that joining as both a writer and a publisher ensures you can collect all the royalties coming your way. Its page says joining as a writer is free, and lists a non-refundable fee for joining as a publisher. (ome.ascap.com, checked 20 Oct 2026.) Other organisations have their own terms. See BMI vs ASCAP.
Self-publishing or a publishing deal
- Our plain-words summary, not from the sources: some writers register as their own publisher, which may mean more admin and more control.
- A publishing deal may involve a company handling this in return for a share of income. Terms differ, so read the contract.
- Read any contract closely. See the 35-year rule for how past grants can sometimes be taken back.
What to ask before you sign
- What rights are you giving up, for how long, and in which countries?
- What share do you keep?
- Can you get the rights back, and when?
- Who registers the songs and collects the royalties?
Get advice
A publishing deal can be long-term, so read the term. Ask a music lawyer before you sign. This page is general information only.
Keep your song details straight
A publisher or a PRO may ask for titles, writers, shares and recordings. In songdrafts every take of a song stacks on one card, in the order you add them unless you reorder them, with the lyrics and notes on the same song.
Common questions
What does a music publisher do?
ASCAP describes a publisher as someone who controls how a musical composition is used and monetized.
Do I need a publisher?
This page does not say whether you need one. ASCAP's page says you can join as a writer and a publisher together, and that this is free (checked 20 Oct 2026). Whether a deal helps depends on its terms.
What is the writer share and publisher share?
ASCAP says its royalties are split 50/50 between writers and publishers.
Is it free to join ASCAP as a publisher?
ASCAP's page lists a non-refundable fee for publishers and says joining as a writer, or as a writer and publisher together, is free.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is general information. Ask a music lawyer.
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