Why it Matters:
Owning your own publishing company means collecting 100% of your songwriter and publisher royalties, giving you full control over your music rights and more income from sync and performance licensing.

Step 1: Understand What Music Publishing Covers

Publishing refers to the ownership and monetization of your compositions (lyrics and melodies), not your recordings.

Income includes performance, mechanical, and sync royalties.

Step 2: Choose a Name and Check Availability

Pick a unique name for your publishing entity.

Make sure it’s available:
✅ Domain name
✅ Social handles
✅ No conflict with other publishers on PRO databases

Step 3: Register Your Business

In the U.S., register your publishing company as a sole proprietorship or LLC (check your local laws if outside the U.S.).

Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS (free).

Step 4: Affiliate Your Company with a PRO

Register your company with your PRO as a publisher:
✅ ASCAP: You must have both a writer and publisher account to collect full royalties.
✅ BMI: Same, but publisher registration has a fee.

International artists: Register with your national PRO (e.g., PRS, SOCAN).

Step 5: Start Registering Your Songs Under Your Company

When uploading to your PRO, assign your publisher company as the publishing owner, even if you’re the sole songwriter.

You’ll now receive both the writer and publisher share of performance royalties.

Step 6: Keep Accurate Records

Track your songs, co-writes, and splits.

Keep metadata organized for future licensing and royalty collection.