If you have written or co-written any music, which appears in recorded form, it is worthwhile thinking about a publishing deal.

A music publisher registers your work with the appropriate collection agencies and generally promotes and exploits your music commercially. 

This would include:

• ‘placing’ songs with other artists who will perform them
• securing synchronisation deals for film or TV commercials
• actively promoting your talents as a writer and helping to promote any recordings released by the writer.
• Collecting worldwide publishing royalties on your behalf

A publisher may also help the writer find a recording deal if they are also a performer.

Remember that you can collect royalties directly from MCPS and PRS in the UK - you do not need a publisher to do this for you.

However, most professional songwriters and composers have a publishing deal, because collecting royalties can be a complex process, and it is useful to have a professional company looking after your interests.