Music publishers work with recording companies and musicians to protect the music's rights as well as to publish the music in television shows, advertisements and films. You will need a publishing contract in order to receive royalties for any use of your music. This can be done by searching for a music publisher or by working with a recording company.
Instructions
1. Assemble recorded music and information about your music or band. Once you are an established musician, you should have a public relations package that explains the success and details of your musical career. If you don't have a lot of press material, such as reviews and promotional pictures, you should at least have a professionally recorded copy of your music.
2. Go to the Music Publishers Association website (See Resources). This website is a great tool and resource for musicians which allows them to communicate with other musicians in the forum and receive news updates concerning copyright laws. One of the most useful services that the association provides in an extensive directory of music publishers.
3. Click on "About the MPA" at the top of the main page and then "Directories" to search for a music publisher. Click on the name of a publisher to read more, including address and other contact info.
4. Get a recording contract. Find a recording company that is willing to sign a publishing contract. The benefit of finding a publisher this way is that you don't have to worry about finding the right publisher. However, since you'll be working through a middleman, some of your money will be going to the recording company.
