Music Publishing, Administration
Publishing administration is the process of managing, registering, and collecting royalties for musical compositions on behalf of songwriters, without taking ownership of the songs. It's the modern alternative to traditional publishing deals.
What Does A Publishing Administrator Do?
A publishing administrator handles the business side of your songs so you can focus on creating. Here's what that includes.
Registering each composition with collection societies, PROs, and mechanical rights organizations worldwide. This includes filing correct metadata, IPI numbers, and ownership splits.
Actively collecting all royalty types, mechanical, performance, sync, and print, from every territory where your music is played or streamed.
Processing incoming royalty statements from dozens of sources, matching payments to songs, and providing transparent reporting to songwriters.
Issuing and managing mechanical licenses, responding to sync inquiries, and ensuring proper licensing for all uses of your compositions.
Monitoring for unauthorized use of your compositions and taking action when infringement is detected, from unlicensed covers to unauthorized sampling.
Working with local sub-publishers or direct society relationships in international territories to maximize collection efficiency.
Song Registration
Registering each composition with collection societies, PROs, and mechanical rights organizations worldwide. This includes filing correct metadata, IPI numbers, and ownership splits.
Royalty Collection
Actively collecting all royalty types, mechanical, performance, sync, and print, from every territory where your music is played or streamed.
Royalty Accounting
Processing incoming royalty statements from dozens of sources, matching payments to songs, and providing transparent reporting to songwriters.
License Management
Issuing and managing mechanical licenses, responding to sync inquiries, and ensuring proper licensing for all uses of your compositions.
Copyright Protection
Monitoring for unauthorized use of your compositions and taking action when infringement is detected, from unlicensed covers to unauthorized sampling.
Global Sub-Publishing
Working with local sub-publishers or direct society relationships in international territories to maximize collection efficiency.
Choose how your publishing is managed
Choose the support you need and understand what you give in return. Here’s how JukeHouse compares with a traditional publishing deal or managing publishing yourself.
| What to compare | Publishing administration | Traditional publishing deal | Self-publishing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | You keep 100% of your copyright. | The publisher may own or co-own rights, depending on the deal. | You keep 100% of your copyright. |
| Fees | Standard: $0 upfront, and you keep 95% of your publishing royalties. Pro: $100 USD/year, no revenue share. | Royalty shares, fees, and any advance depend on the agreement. | No administrator’s fee. You cover your own registration and collection costs. |
| Creative control | Stays with you. | The publisher may have approval rights. Check the agreement. | Stays with you. |
| Registration & collection | We register and collect for your share through 60+ societies across 150 territories. | The publisher handles the rights and territories covered by your deal. | You arrange registrations and follow up on collection. |
| Statements & payments | Monthly statements. Payments once your balance qualifies. | Reporting and payment schedules depend on the agreement. | You track statements and payments. |
| Agreement term | 28-day initial term, then at least 28 days’ written notice to end administration. | Length, renewal, and exit terms depend on the agreement. | No publishing administration agreement; society and service terms still apply. |
| Sync pitching | Signing up does not guarantee pitching or a placement. | Pitching services depend on the agreement; placements are not guaranteed. | You pitch your songs or arrange representation. |
| Advances | Signing up does not include a promised advance. | Availability, amount, and repayment from royalties depend on the agreement. | No publisher advance. |
The highlighted column describes JukeHouse; other administrators’ terms vary. The other columns describe general options, not a specific offer. On Standard, you keep 95% of your publishing royalties, including the writer’s share a society pays you directly. Our 5% comes out of what we collect for you, after the taxes and third-party costs in the agreement. After removal, limited collection of previously earned income can continue for 12 months. Read our full terms.
Why JukeHouse For Publishing Administration
JukeHouse is a next-generation publishing admin platform built for independent songwriters who want professional-grade administration without giving up ownership or revenue.
- 0% commission on Pro plan ($100/yr)
- Monthly payouts, not quarterly
- Direct registrations with 60+ societies
- Real-time royalty dashboard
- 100% ownership retention
- No long-term lock-in contracts
Get Professional Publishing Administration
Register your songs, collect royalties globally, and get paid monthly. No ownership transfer required.
Ready to collect what you're owed?
JukeHouse registers, tracks, and collects royalties from 60+ societies worldwide.