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Music Publishing Agreement

For a songwriter partnering with a music publisher to place and monetize their songs — covers advances, delivery commitments, sync approval rights, and how publishing income is split.

Drafted by a Harvard Law entertainment attorney.

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Is this the right contract for your songs?

This contract is built for a songwriter partnering with a publisher to manage and earn from compositions. It fits deals where the writer grants rights in songs in exchange for an advance and a share of publishing income, and where both sides want the income splits, term, approval rights, and any reversion in writing.

Good fit for

  • Songwriters partnering with a publisher
  • Composers licensing their compositions
  • Artists who write their own songs
  • Producers with writing credits
  • Deals with an advance against publishing income

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Before you start

It helps to have these details on hand before you create your contract:

  • Songwriter name and publisher name
  • Which compositions are included
  • Advance amount
  • How publishing income is split
  • Term and territory
  • Any delivery commitments for new songs
  • Whether the writer approves sync and licensing uses
  • Whether and when rights revert to the writer

What's Inside This Contract

Grant of rights

Sets which compositions are covered and the rights the writer grants.

Term

States how long the agreement lasts and the territory it covers.

Compensation

Covers the advance and how publishing income is split.

Creative and administrative matters

Addresses approvals, delivery commitments, and how songs are administered.

Representations and warranties

The writer confirms ownership and the right to grant the songs.

Disputes and general provisions

Covers standard terms such as notices, how disputes are handled, and signatures.

Points Worth Negotiating

  • What share of publishing income each side keeps
  • Which compositions are included
  • Whether the writer approves sync and licensing uses
  • How long the deal lasts and whether rights revert
  • Delivery commitments for new songs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a music publishing agreement?
It is an agreement where a publisher manages and earns from a writer's compositions in exchange for a share of publishing income, with an advance.
Who should sign it?
The songwriter and the publisher both sign. The signatures confirm which songs are covered, the income splits, and how long the deal lasts.
What is publishing in music?
Publishing is the business of managing and earning from compositions, including royalties when songs are performed, streamed, or licensed.
What is the difference between a song and a recording?
The composition is the song itself, the melody and lyrics. A recording is a specific recorded version. Publishing deals concern the composition, not the master.
Do my rights come back to me?
Only if the agreement includes a reversion. Some deals return rights after a set time, so check the term and reversion terms.
How is this different from a split sheet?
A Songwriter Split Sheet records who wrote a song and each writer's share. A publishing agreement is the deal with a publisher to manage and earn from your songs. Many writers use both.
Should I choose the custom contract or the editable template?
Choose the custom contract to answer a few questions and have it filled in for you. Choose the editable template if you prefer a blank version with labeled fields to complete yourself.
What are common warning signs in a music publishing agreement?

These are common issues to watch for in any music publishing agreement:

  • Permanent assignment with no reversion
  • No writer approval over how songs are licensed
  • Vague split or accounting terms
  • Broad grab of future compositions
  • No audit right
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