What is music publishing?
Music publishing is the business of managing, protecting, and monetizing song compositions. If you write music, understanding publishing is the key to unlocking a significant revenue stream most artists miss entirely.
Understanding music publishing
Composition vs. Master Recording
Every recorded song has two copyrights: the composition (melody, lyrics, arrangement) and the master recording (the actual audio file). Music publishing deals exclusively with the composition copyright, the underlying musical work that generates royalties independently of any single recording.
The Publisher's Role
A music publisher administers compositions on behalf of songwriters. This includes registering works with collection societies worldwide, licensing songs for use in film, TV, and advertising, collecting royalties from all sources, and ensuring songwriters receive accurate, timely payments.
Why Publishing Matters
Publishing royalties represent a significant, and often overlooked, income stream for songwriters. Unlike master royalties paid by distributors, publishing royalties come from multiple sources: streaming platforms, radio play, live performances, and synchronization placements. Without proper administration, much of this money goes uncollected.
Types of publishing royalties
Song compositions generate multiple types of royalties. Each flows through different organizations and collection pathways, which is why proper administration is essential.
MECHANICAL ROYALTIES
Generated every time a composition is reproduced, whether as a physical copy, digital download, or interactive stream. In the US, mechanical rates for streaming are set by the Copyright Royalty Board.
PERFORMANCE ROYALTIES
Earned when a composition is performed publicly, on radio, TV, in venues, restaurants, and through digital streaming services. Collected by Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC.
SYNCHRONIZATION FEES
One-time licensing fees paid when a composition is synchronized to visual media, film, television, commercials, video games, and online content. Sync placements can range from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
PRINT ROYALTIES
Earned from the physical or digital reproduction of sheet music, lyrics, and tablature. While a smaller revenue stream, print royalties can be significant for compositions used in educational settings.
Types of publishing deals
Understanding the different deal structures helps you make the best decision for your career stage and goals.
| Deal type | You keep | Pros | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Publishing | 100% | Maximum revenue, full control | Songwriters using a service like JukeHouse for administration |
| Administration Deal | 80-90% | Low commission, retain ownership | Active songwriters who want help with paperwork |
| Co-Publishing Deal | 75% | Publisher actively pitches songs, potential advances | Songwriters seeking sync placements and industry connections |
| Traditional / Full Publishing | 50% | Large advances, full-service support | Established writers negotiating large advance deals |
How JukeHouse simplifies publishing
JukeHouse is a modern publishing administration platform built for independent songwriters. We handle the complexity of global royalty collection so you can focus on writing music.
- Register songs with 60+ collection societies globally
- Track song registration destinations and statuses in your account
- Monthly payouts, not quarterly or bi-annual
- Keep 95-100% of your earnings
- Retain 100% ownership of your compositions
- No long-term contracts, leave anytime
Keep 95% on Standard
- Standard Plan
- $0 + 5%
- Pro Plan
- $100/yr + 0%
- Enterprise
- Custom
Choosing your publishing setup
Can I administer my own publishing?
You can handle registrations and collection yourself for rights you control, or appoint an administrator to do that work. Consider the societies, territories, records, and ongoing follow-up your catalog needs. Self-administration and retaining ownership are different choices: you can use JukeHouse and still own your songs.
Is song registration the same as copyright registration?
They serve different purposes. Registering a song with a collection society identifies the song and the shares being managed so royalties can reach the right people. It does not replace registration with a copyright office. We handle society registrations and collect royalties for the shares you ask us to manage.
What should I compare in a publishing agreement?
Look at the rights and territories covered, ownership, fees or revenue share, services, term, termination requirements, and any collection period after the agreement ends. Compare those terms with arrangements you already have so you understand which rights each organization will represent.
How do JukeHouse’s plans fit into publishing administration?
Both plans provide publishing administration while you retain ownership. Standard has no upfront or annual fee: you keep 95% of your publishing royalties, and our 5% comes out of what we collect for you. Pro is $100 USD per year with no revenue share and a dedicated account manager. The homepage explains the plans, payment eligibility, and how to get started.
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Start collecting your publishing royalties
Join thousands of songwriters who use JukeHouse to register songs, track royalties, and get paid monthly.