Publishing
Publishing Basics: Getting Paid as a Songwriter
Publishing is the business of the song. Here's how songwriter and publisher shares work, and how independents collect.
Writer share and publisher share
Songwriting income is traditionally split into a writer's share and a publisher's share. If you have no publisher, you are entitled to both — but only if you're set up to collect them.
Admin deals vs. co-pub deals
A publishing administrator registers and collects for a fee (often 10–20%) while you keep ownership. A co-publishing deal typically gives a publisher part ownership in exchange for an advance and active promotion.
Getting started
Join a performing rights organization (PRO), register every song with correct splits, and consider an admin service to collect worldwide mechanicals you'd otherwise miss.
Key Takeaways
- Without a publisher, both shares are yours
- Admin deals keep ownership with you
- Register every song with accurate splits
For More Insight
Go deeper with CHI books
40 Crucial Things Every New Music Artist Should Know
The essentials every new artist needs before they start — rights, teams, deals and mindset.
Fund Your Sound
How to fund your music career the smart way — budgets, revenue streams and investment.
Sources
CHI Entertainment Network provides general educational information and does not provide legal, tax, financial or professional advice.