DIY Music Publishing

Music publishing remains a viable part of the music industry. Music publishing involves licensing music for use in television, radio, movies, public settings, etc. You don't have to sign on with a major music publisher and split royalties. DIY (do it yourself) music publishing will allow you to make a great deal of money on your own terms.

Instructions

1. Come up with three different company name ideas, as you will get to submit this many names for consideration to the performing rights organization (PRO) you choose to apply to. Consider names that symbolize some aspect of your life, such as your initials or your favorite song title, or names that fit within your intended market like "Heavy Metal Publishing."

2. Fill out an online application with a performing rights organization (PRO), such as ASCAP, BMI or SESAC, submitting your company name ideas along with it.

3. Register your music publishing business as a sole-proprietorship with the proper authorities.

4. Seek out talented artists and songwriters to sign publishing contracts. Go to shows, talk to your industry contacts, listen to music online, etc.

5. Copyright the songs you plan on publishing by filling out an application on the U.S. Copyright Office's website.

6. Submit your copyrighted songs to the PRO you registered with.

7. Advertise your catalog to clients within your market. For example, if you run a publishing company that specializes in Christian music, contact religious television and radio stations, churches, etc.

References

• TAXI: How to Set Up a Publishing Company

Resources

• Association of Independent Music Publishers
• ASCAP
• BMI
• SESAC