Ever wonder why the industry keeps you in the dark when it comes to owning your music? Setting up your own music publishing company is a game-changer—one that gives you full control over your work and stops others from profiting off your talent. But the industry doesn’t want you to know how easy it can be to take charge of your royalties and manage your music rights on your own terms.

Take Control: Why You Need Your Own Music Publishing Company

Creating your own music publishing company puts you in the driver’s seat. It allows you to collect every cent of the royalties your music earns, and, most importantly, it cuts out the middlemen who’ve been taking a big slice of your earnings. From affiliating with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) to setting up the right business structure, building a music publishing company gives you the power to protect your rights, collect your royalties, and shape your own success.

Step 1: Affiliate with a PRO and Start Getting Paid

Affiliating with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) is crucial. These organizations—like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC in the U.S.—collect public performance royalties on your behalf. Every time your song plays on the radio, streams online, or is performed live, you’re owed money. But without a PRO, you won’t see a penny of it.

First, choose the right PRO for you. Look at their market share, reputation, and what resources they offer publishers. Once you’ve decided, go through the application process to officially register. This includes providing your details, paying a registration fee, and listing your published works. This step alone will make sure your hard-earned money doesn’t vanish into the abyss of unclaimed royalties.

Step 2: Build Your Business Structure—LLC or Corporation?

The structure of your publishing company matters. If you want to limit your liability while keeping things flexible, setting up a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a great choice. It protects your personal assets, offers flexibility, and avoids double taxation.

But if you’re thinking bigger, a corporation might make more sense. It comes with additional benefits, like raising capital through stock issuance. However, corporations also involve more paperwork, complexity, and double taxation, so weigh your options carefully.

Step 3: Create a Brand That Stands Out

Having a music publishing company is about more than just collecting royalties—it’s about making your mark in the industry. Developing a strong brand identity helps establish your presence. Choose a unique company name, design a logo that reflects your values, and establish an online presence. Build a professional website and be active on social media to promote your music and engage with your audience. If you want to be taken seriously, your brand needs to tell people who you are and what you’re all about.

Step 4: Build a Diverse Music Catalog

A diverse and high-quality catalog is the foundation of your publishing company. Work with talented songwriters and composers to create a varied portfolio of music that resonates with your target audience. You can even consider purchasing existing music catalogs to expand your offerings and increase revenue streams. And don’t forget to actively seek out licensing opportunities for film, TV, advertising, and video games to maximize the potential of your catalog.

The Solution: Empower Yourself with Knowledge

Setting up a music publishing company is not just a business move—it’s a declaration of independence. The traditional industry players don’t want you to know how easy it is to take control because it means you’re no longer relying on them. You deserve to be in charge of your own music and to reap all the benefits of your creativity.

But navigating this process can be overwhelming, and that's where The Musician's Guide to Music Publishing comes in. This book breaks down every step of establishing your music publishing company—from affiliating with PROs to building a brand that gets you noticed. With this guide, you’ll have all the tools you need to protect your music, manage your royalties, and take your career to the next level.

Don’t let others profit off your work any longer. Grab your copy today from our site or Amazon, and start building the foundation of your music empire.