A self-publishing entity is a structure that allows individual songwriters or composers to act as their own music publisher. Instead of assigning the publishing rights of their music to a third-party publishing company, creators set up their own publishing entity to directly manage the collection of publishing royalties.
This setup gives songwriters greater control over their royalties, including:
Public Performance Royalties: Collected by Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) or Collective Management Organizations (CMOs).
Mechanical Royalties: Earned from physical or digital reproductions of their music.
Synchronization Licenses: Fees from using music in TV, films, ads, and other media.
Why Creators Use a Self-Publishing Entity
Increased Revenue: Songwriters receive both the writer's share and the publisher's share of royalties.
Control: Full authority over licensing decisions and royalty management.
Transparency: Direct oversight of income streams.
Global Collection: The ability to collect royalties from international markets through affiliated organizations.
Steps to Set Up a Self-Publishing Entity
Decide on a Name: Choose a name for your publishing entity that aligns with your brand.
Example: "[Your Name] Music Publishing."
Register with a PRO or CMO: Apply as a music publisher with your local PRO (e.g., ASCAP, BMI, PRS, or SOCAN).
Understand Licensing: Learn the processes for issuing synchronization licenses and collecting mechanical royalties.
Register Your Works: Ensure all your compositions are accurately registered with relevant societies.
Affiliate Internationally: To collect royalties from global markets, affiliate your entity with international societies through reciprocal agreements.
Benefits of Setting Up a Self-Publishing Entity
Dual Royalties: Earn both writer's and publisher's shares for your music.
Licensing Authority: Retain the ability to negotiate and manage your own licenses.
Financial Transparency: Direct control over royalty collection and reporting.
Global Reach: Collect royalties from international societies for worldwide usage of your music.
FAQs About Self-Publishing Entities
Do I need to be signed with a PRO to set up a self-publishing entity?
Yes, you'll need to register as a music publisher with a PRO or CMO.
Can I register songs retroactively?
Yes, but the ability to claim past royalties depends on the rules of the PRO or CMO.
What is the difference between a self-publishing entity and working with a traditional publisher?
A self-publishing entity gives you full control and earnings, whereas a traditional publisher manages these aspects for a share of your royalties.