Boutique music publisher for local songwriters

Songwriters and bands who pay you through a share of their royalties, and music users such as labels, producers, media companies and creators who pay license fees.

You keep an agreed share of the income your songs earn (royalties and license fees), or charge an admin fee for handling registrations and collections. Income builds slowly as the catalog grows.

• Understanding of copyright and royalties
• Organized record keeping
• Networking in your local music scene
• Clear contract negotiation

• Have contracts reviewed by an entertainment attorney before you sign any songwriter
• Check each performing rights organization's rules for registering as a publisher and for the writers you sign
• Check how mechanical royalties are collected, for example through The MLC for US streaming and downloads
• Income can take many months to arrive, so keep costs low
• Check your state and city for local business license and home occupation rules

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on legal review of contracts, registration and admin tools. These are estimates. Income can take many months to arrive, so keeping costs low helps.

Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $1,500, depending on how many songs you represent and how much they earn. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours per week, and royalties often arrive slowly.

Have contracts reviewed by an entertainment attorney, and check each performing rights organization's rules for publishers and writers. Check how mechanical royalties are collected, such as through The MLC, plus local business license and home occupation rules.