Music publishing

CHAPTER

MUSIC PUBLISHING

Publishers are song salesmen. They are in the business of obtaining copyrights by

signing staff writers or purchasing existing catalog and exploiting their use. They do

this by licensing song rights to artists, record companies, film and television studios,

and advertisers. The publisher negotiates and issues licenses for songs, collects earn-

ings, and ensures that proper royalties are paid. Publishers also act as managers of the

songwriter's career. They critique newly written songs and give creative input, publi-

cize the writer's achievements, and set career goals. An essential role of the publisher

is to introduce the writer to other songwriters, artists, and producers with whom they

may co-write or pitch songs to. Publishers also may try to secure recording contracts

for artist/writers or production jobs for producer/writers.

This chapter focuses on five areas of music publishing: Executive Office; Creative

Services; Film, Television and Advertising Licensing; Business Affairs; and

International. Similar names are often used to define departments within large pub-

lishing firms, while smaller companies may only divide the responsibilities into

Creative Services and Business Affairs or Administration.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER · PRESIDENT · VICE PRESIDENT/

GENERAL MANAGER (MAJOR MUSIC PUBLISHER)

JOB OVERVIEW

These chief executives chart the direction of a company, manage daily operations,

and ultimately are responsible for all business decisions, including selling or acquiring

catalogs and signing new writers. At Windswept Pacific, Jonathan Stone oversees all

aspects of the day-to-day operations and provides motivation and direction for the

staff of 60. His primary focus is to discover and sign songwriters, whether they are

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