Types Of Publishing Deals

A lot of songwriters want to sign publishing deals, but don’t really understand what that means or what comes with them. Continuing March’s Music Monday series on publishing, here are some of the different types of music publishing deals.

Standard Publishing Deal

In a standard publishing deal, the songwriter is signed exclusively to a music publisher for a time period. The writer is then given an advance check against future royalties (the amount of which is negotiated & depends on the writer’s bargaining power).

The publishing company then co-owns any songs you write during this period, takes care of the administration & exploitation of the catalog, and is entitled to the publisher’s share of the royalties. They can also connect you with other writers and producers for collaborations, in addition to providing insight on what major artists are looking for songs.

Co-Publishing Deal

In a co-pub deal, the songwriter and the publisher are co-owners of any songs written during the contract period. The songwriter collects the 50% writers share, and as “co-publisher”, splits the publisher share 50/50 with the publisher.

In the end, the writer receives 75% of the income, and the publisher receives 25%.

Administration Deal

In an admin deal, the songwriter licenses a selection of their self-published songs to an outside publisher (or independent administrator) for a time period. The publisher is responsible for handling the administration on behalf of the songwriter, and collects a commission fee of 10-20%.

In this deal, the writer retains 100% ownership of the copyright.

Other Types Of Publishing Deals

Single Song Agreement:
the writer grants publishing rights for one or more songs to a music publisher.

Collection Agreement:
like an administration deal, except the publisher isn’t responsible for exploiting the copyrights. Usually handled by an accountant, attorney, or business manager, the “publisher” only collects the royalties on behalf of its client.

Foreign Sub-Publishing Agreement:
also like an administration deal, except that you’re signing with a foreign publisher to collect royalties in that country.

Purchase Agreement:
when one music publisher acquires the catalog of another publisher (whole or partial).

How do I get one of these?

Long story short: write great songs and get them in front of people.

In all seriousness, there is no one way to get a publishing deal. Some started out pursuing a record deal and people liked their songs. Some started out with an agent that pitched to music publishers. Some got lucky and someone heard their tunes on the internet.

Your job as an artist is to cultivate the creative gift you’ve been given. Chasing money before your gift is cultivated is a quick way to ruin your career before it even begins.

Success can be found at the intersection of Preparation and Opportunity. Yes, you will need for someone to give you a chance to get to the level of success that you desire. However, if you aren’t properly prepared for the opportunity, it will pass you by and you may not get another one.

Think about it in terms of real estate. If you sell an empty lot, you may get $500 for it. If you hastily build a house on this lot with a shaky foundation, you may get $20,000 and a bad reputation for shoddy work. If you take your time and build a strong foundation, a beautiful home and brilliant landscaping on this lot, you could get upwards of $1,000,000 for it.

Get to writing.