Publishing your own music has many benefits. First and foremost, you will be in charge of your music and your profits. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, publishing your own music is a great choice.
There are three major organizations that can help you create your music company, The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), and the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers (SESAC). It is important to research each organization to ensure that you are picking the company that will best suit your individual needs. Once you have selected the company you wish to work with, you will need to submit three names for your potential music publishing company to help ensure that one of the names is available for use. When choosing names, make sure your choices are representative of your music company as this is your calling card.
Upon name approval, you will need to form a business via the guidelines in your local region. This process may be simple if you are the sole entity attached to your music business. However, if you are collaborating with multiple artists, writers or business partners, consider creating a more complex business such as a corporation or a Limited Liability Company (LLC). When creating your business plan, detail is essential. Indicate how artists and collaborators will be compensated, create guidelines that specify what to do when gaining or losing artists and be specific in each person's role in the company.
After you have successfully created your business and your music organization has accepted your application you can begin publishing music. Each song you publish must be registered with your organization, who will act as the middle man in regards to royalties. Your organization will pay you as your music is played on the radio or in television and movies. It is important to research the royalty processes for the company you choose thoroughly.
Although creating a music publishing company is not a simple process, it can be hugely beneficial and profitable if you put in the work and do your research.
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