Introduction: Are You Leaving Money on the Table?
If you’ve released music but haven’t registered your songs properly, chances are you’re missing out on significant income. Being the songwriter—not just the performer—entitles you to multiple streams of royalties, many of which are separate from what your distributor collects.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to set up your publishing correctly, join the right collection societies, and use publishing admin services to collect royalties from across the globe.
What Royalties Do Songwriters Earn?
As a songwriter, you’re entitled to two main types of royalties from the use of your compositions:
1. Performance Royalties
- Earned when your music is played publicly (e.g. radio, TV, live gigs, streaming platforms)
- Collected by a Performing Rights Organisation (PRO) like PRS for Music (UK), ASCAP or BMI (USA)
2. Mechanical Royalties
- Earned when your music is reproduced (streamed, downloaded, sold physically, or covered)
- Collected by a Mechanical Rights Organisation, or through a publishing administrator
Step 1: Join a Performing Rights Organisation (PRO)
To collect your performance royalties, you must register as a writer (and optionally a publisher) with a PRO. Each country has its own, and they often have reciprocal agreements to collect globally.
UK Example:
- Join PRS for Music as a writer
- Also register with MCPS (Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society) if you’re handling your own publishing
US Example:
- Choose between ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC as a songwriter
- If you don’t have a publishing company, some PROs will hold the publisher’s share in escrow until you set one up
🔗 Also read: Music Copyright 101 for Independent Artists
Step 2: Register Each Composition
Once you’ve joined a PRO, register every composition you’ve written—regardless of whether it’s released yet.
You’ll need:
- Song title
- Writers and their splits (use a split sheet if collaborating)
- ISWC or ISRC if available
- Recording details if already released
💡 Tip: Don’t confuse the ISWC (composition code) with the ISRC (recording code)—both are essential but collected by different bodies.
Step 3: Consider a Publishing Administrator
Most independent artists don’t have a traditional music publisher. But you can still collect global mechanical royalties through a publishing admin service. These companies act as a publisher on your behalf—without taking full ownership of your rights.
Popular options include:
- Songtrust
- CD Baby Pro Publishing
- Sentric Music
- Tunecore Publishing Administration
- Amuse Pro (Publishing Add-on)
These services typically:
- Register your songs in dozens of international collection societies
- Collect mechanical royalties from downloads and streams
- Take a small commission (usually 10–20%)
⚖️ Note: These are not sync agencies—admin services don’t pitch your songs for TV or ads.
Step 4: Register with the MLC (US-based Writers)
If your music is streamed in the US and you haven’t registered with The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC), you’re leaving money unclaimed.
- The MLC collects mechanical streaming royalties from Spotify, Apple Music, and more
- Free to join
- Available to self-administered songwriters and publishers
- Even if you’re outside the US, you can still register if your music is played there
🔗 Need help? Follow our MLC and SoundExchange Registration Guide
Step 5: Monitor and Maximise Your Royalties
Once everything is registered, make sure you stay on top of your data:
- Track reports from your PRO or publishing admin service
- Use tools like Songtrust Analytics, Royalty Exchange, or Tunecore’s backend
- Ensure metadata and split info are accurate on each track
Bonus: What About Sync Royalties?
Sync placements (music in film, TV, adverts, games) generate both master and publishing income:
- Performance royalties from the broadcast
- Sync licence fees negotiated directly
- Consider working with a sync rep or library to pitch your work
Final Thoughts: Get Paid for Your Compositions
Your songs are your intellectual property—and they can generate royalties around the world, long after release. But you must register them properly to see the money.
Taking control of your publishing admin might seem tedious at first, but it’s one of the most important steps in building a sustainable music career. Don’t wait until your track goes viral to get your house in order.
📚 Learn how to manage splits with co-writers and collaborators: Understanding Royalty Splits and Recoupment
