Whether you're a budding songwriter or a seasoned musician, understanding music publishing is essential to making money from your music. Yet, it's one of the most overlooked aspects of the music business. So what exactly is music publishing—and why should you care?
Let’s break it down.
What Is Music Publishing?
Music publishing refers to the business of owning, managing, and monetizing the rights to a musical composition—the melody, lyrics, and arrangement of a song.
Think of it this way: there are two main parts of a song:
The Composition – the song’s melody and lyrics (protected by copyright)
The Sound Recording – the actual recorded performance of the song
Music publishing focuses on the composition side. This is especially relevant for songwriters and composers who create the music and lyrics, even if they’re not the ones recording it.
What Rights Are Involved in Music Publishing?
When a song is written, it automatically comes with copyright ownership. These rights allow the songwriter (or their publisher) to control how the song is used. The main rights include:
Performance Rights – When the song is played on radio, TV, or performed live.
Mechanical Rights – When the song is reproduced, like on a CD, vinyl, or digital download.
Synchronization Rights (Sync) – When the song is used in TV shows, films, ads, or video games.
Print Rights – When sheet music is sold.
Each time your song is used in one of these ways, it generates royalties—and music publishing ensures you get paid.
How Do You Make Money from Music Publishing?
Here are the main ways songwriters earn income:
Performance Royalties
Collected when your song is played publicly (e.g., radio, concerts, streaming services). These are paid by Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) like SAMRO (South Africa), ASCAP, BMI, or PRS.
Mechanical Royalties
Paid when your song is reproduced, such as when it’s streamed or downloaded. In South Africa, CAPASSO helps collect these royalties.
Sync Fees
Earned when a company licenses your song for film, ads, or TV.
Print Music Sales
Although more niche, selling sheet music also brings in revenue.
What Does a Music Publisher Do?
A music publisher helps manage and promote your compositions. Their key responsibilities include:
Registering your songs with PROs and mechanical agencies
Pitching your songs to artists, labels, TV, and film producers
Collecting royalties on your behalf
Licensing your music for different uses
Protecting your copyright and fighting unauthorized uses
In return, they typically take 10% to 50% of your publishing income, depending on the deal.
Do You Need a Music Publisher?
Not necessarily. Today, many independent artists use self-publishing to keep 100% of their rights and royalties. But going solo means you’ll need to:
Register your own songs with PROs and collection societies
Monitor usage and collect your own royalties
Promote your music for sync deals or covers
If you’re serious about music and have a growing catalog, working with a reputable publisher—or at least using a publishing admin service like Songtrust or TuneCore Publishing—can help simplify the process.
Music Publishing in South Africa
In South Africa, music publishing is managed by organizations like:
SAMRO (Southern African Music Rights Organisation) – collects performance royalties
CAPASSO (Composers, Authors and Publishers Association) – handles mechanical royalties
SAMPRA / RiSA – deal with neighboring rights for performers and producers
As an artist or songwriter, make sure you're registered with these organizations to ensure you get every cent you deserve.
Final Thoughts
Music publishing might not be as glamorous as performing on stage, but it’s the backbone of long-term income for songwriters. If you own your compositions, you're sitting on a potential goldmine—but only if you understand your rights and claim what’s yours.
Whether you go the DIY route or partner with a publisher, learning how music publishing works is a major step toward building a sustainable music career.
