It's great for an artist to have more ways to share their music album with the world.Publishing an album is a bit more confusing because of the rapid expansion of options.Publishing is a key element in earning royalties, so it is worthwhile to go through the process.If you want to register and circulate your music, you can either become a music publisher or work with various publishing entities.
Step 1: If you want to make money from your album, you should publish it.
You want to publish your music because of the money.If you want all the money due from a public performance of your song, the song should be published by a music publisher and registered with a performing rights organization.You can either try to find a publisher who will take you on as a client, or you can register with a PRO and publish your own music.It is possible that you can register your music with a PRO and earn royalties without being a publisher.Where you live and/or create music, you should consult an attorney.
Step 2: Pick a performing rights organization.
You can choose between the three PROs in the U.S.Pick the one that best suits your needs by looking them up on the internet.You can register with multiple PROs, but you can only register a single work with one.Outside the U.S., look for PROs that operate in Canada.
Step 3: Pick a name for your publishing business.
To become the publisher of your own album, you need a business name.If your first preference is already being used, you should pick three names.PROs don't want money to go to someone else, so they will reject names that are similar to those already registered with them.
Step 4: Do you want to form a business?
After the name clearance with your PRO, you should start a business in your state or country.If your business is just going to be you, this process may be fairly simple.It is possible that more than one person is involved in the business.It's strongly recommended that you form a more structured business, for example a limited liability company or corporation.The by-laws for the business should address who does what, who owns what and how members are compensated.It is possible to set up a limited liability company without the assistance of an attorney.
Step 5: You can register your album with your PRO.
After your publisher application is accepted by the organization, each of your songs/albums published by your publishing company should be registered.Make sure to register your new album and include the name of your publisher and your PRO on distributed copies of it.If your songs are played, the radio station will send a check to the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.The album is registered to "Your Name Music Publishing" and cut you a check.
Step 6: Think about using a publisher.
If you prefer a more hands-off approach to publishing your album, do so.The websites of the publishing rights organizations that operate in your country will likely have online lists of affiliated publishers.The liner notes of your favorite CDs can be checked out.It's not a sure thing to land a successful publisher.Be prepared to be turned down many times if you try to build up a network of contacts with various publishers, artists, and others in the music business.
Step 7: Use a publishing administrator instead.
A publishing administrator is a newer creation of the digital age and performs the same functions as a traditional publisher.Signing up with a publishing administrator is worth considering if you are concerned about royalty collection when your album is downloaded, streamed, or used online.A publishing administrator can charge a one-time fee and a percentage of your royalties for its services.Make sure the publishing administrator has an existing working relationship with the PRO you are using so that the process of collecting and distributing your royalties is streamlined.
Step 8: Another option is to work directly with an online music service.
You can focus on publishing and distributing your album through a particular online music service.You may be able to work with them.Similar to a traditional publisher or third-party publishing administrator, you will pay a fee and surrender a percentage of your royalties/revenues in return for having the administrative work done for you.In return for global distribution of your album across the company's various music platforms, the artist hub charges an initial fee and thirty percent of their revenues.
Step 9: Do you want more money or time?
If you are willing to spend the time to do the administrative work, you can become the publisher of your own album and collect one hundred percent of any royalties it earns.It may be worth the initial payments and royalty reductions to sign on with an existing publisher/administrator if you prefer to focus on creating and sharing your music.
Step 10: It's Copyright.
As soon as you create your music, it is copyrighted.If you register your copyright according to the procedures in the nation where you live and/or operate, you will have legal "teeth" to your copyrighted works.In the U.S., you can submit a digital or physical copy of your album to www.copyright.gov, pay the fee, wait several months for processing, and receive a copyright registration that will protect your musical creation.If you are working with a publisher, acting as your own publisher or not, register the copyright for your work.You have legal rights to your album.
Step 11: Your music can be uploaded.
Signing up with a PRO or using a publisher is not required.It is a better way to protect your rights and claim any money due to you by way of your album.If you want to get your album into the hands of people, you can simply upload your music to your chosen social media pages, personal websites, and so on.If you are an independent artist looking to distribute your album freely and start to make a name for yourself, this simpler approach might work; if you want to control dissemination and earnings, follow a more structured publishing approach.
Step 12: Sell or give away CDs.
Depending on your definition and expectations, publishing can be as simple as making a bunch of CDs of your album and selling them at a coffee shop, flea market, or other venue.If you are a new, independent artist trying to spread the word, this may be your easiest route.