Considering Signing A Music Publishing Deal?

Whether You're New To The Industry Or A Seasoned Pro, Understanding the Right Questions to Ask a Potential Publisher Is Essential For Safeguarding Your Music And Earnings.

Common Music Publishing Terminology You Should Know

When exploring music publishing deals, it's essential to familiarize yourself with key terms and concepts. Understanding these will help you navigate contracts and ultimately protect your rights. 

Publishing Deal Terminology
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A Quick Glance at the Types of Music Publishing Deals

Depending on where you are in your music career and your priorities, there are numerous publishing deal options out there. For those wanting to retain ownership and control, administration agreements allow you to keep your rights while paying a fee for royalty collection services. Traditional and co-publishing deals offer more support and services in exchange for a share of your publishing rights. Work-for-hire agreements provide upfront payment but may require you to give up all rights to your compositions. And while these main points are the most obvious differences, it's crucial to ask even more clarifying questions to know what you're walking (or signing!) into.

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With This Guide, Gain an In-Depth Understanding of:

  • The pros and cons of the most common types of publishing agreements

  • Potential services - from creative to administrative - that a publisher may provide to help you develop your music career

  • Critical questions to consider asking potential publishing partners

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Gloria Cavalera

“There is so much to learn with publishing and it is very confusing. I followed a path of many different agreements, learning as much as I could, and trusting someone who took me under their wing and led me to Songtrust.”

GLORIA CAVALERA

Head of Oasis Management

Download the Publishing Deal Decision Guide