Music Publishing Admin Crash Course: Why You Need It

If you're an independent artist, producer, or songwriter, chances are you're leaving money on the table without even knowing it. You’ve got streams. Maybe placements. Maybe collaborations blowing up. But here’s the thing:

If your music is being played, performed, streamed, or synced—you’re owed publishing royalties.

And unless you have a publishing admin team in place, you’re probably missing out.

Let’s break it all down—and explain why Elizabeth Music Group is the smartest way to collect every cent you deserve.

What Is Music Publishing?

In simple terms: music publishing is about managing and collecting royalties tied to the composition (not the recording) of a song.

So if you’re a songwriter, producer, beatmaker, or composer, you own a portion of the song’s publishing rights—and there’s money being generated from:

• Spotify & Apple Music (performance + mechanical royalties)

• YouTube (Content ID + ad revenue)

• TikTok & Instagram Reels

• Radio & TV performances

• Live shows

• International streams

• Sync placements (TV, film, ads)

Publishing = the backend money most creators miss.

Types of Royalties You Might Be Missing

Without proper publishing admin, these are royalties that likely aren’t being collected:

• Performance Royalties

• Mechanical Royalties

• Sync Licensing Royalties

• International Royalties

• Micro-sync Royalties

Most platforms don’t pay you directly unless you’re registered. Even if you’re signed up with a PRO like ASCAP or BMI—you’re only getting part of the pie.

What Does a Publishing Administrator Do?

A publishing administrator:

• Registers your songs with global databases

• Collects royalties worldwide

• Tracks usage (radio, film, YouTube, etc.)

• Issues sync licenses

• Makes sure you get paid

Why Elizabeth Music Group Is the Best Choice for Publishing Admin

There are a lot of publishing admin companies out there but Elizabeth Music Group stands out in three powerful ways:

1. Personalized Admin for Creators

Unlike big-box companies that treat you like a number, Elizabeth Music Group takes a hands-on approach. You’re not just another track in a spreadsheet—you’re part of a curated roster of quality creators.

I started Elizabeth Music Group because I’ve always had a deep passion for music and a strong belief in the power of artists when they’re truly supported. I saw a gap in the industry—too often, creativity and individuality were pushed aside in favor of trends and numbers. I wanted to build something different. With Elizabeth Music Group, my goal was to create a space where artists feel seen, heard, and empowered. This isn’t just about management; it’s about collaboration, growth, and helping artists develop their voice and connect authentically with their audience.

2. Global Collection Without Giving Up Ownership

EMG offers full global publishing administration. You keep 100% of your ownership, and they make sure your music is registered and monetized across the globe.

3. Sync-Ready & Metadata Focused

With a growing number of Elizabeth Music Group tracks placed in TV shows, ads, video games, and films, they know how to tag and register music the right way—making sure it's actually discoverable by music supervisors and sync agents.

If you’re aiming for sync, Elizabeth Music Group makes sure:

• Your songs are properly split and registered

• Metadata is clean and accessible

• Your music ends up on the radar of real decision-makers

Elizabeth Music Group works diligently to provide high quality sync briefs to all signed writers via their exclusive discord community. In here, you can find opportunities to pitch music to major companies and campaigns.

Who Should Sign Up for Publishing Admin?

You need publishing admin if:

• You write or produce original music

• You have major label or big independent placements

• You have songs on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, etc.

  • Especially if you have millions of streams on your catalog

• You’ve registered with a PRO, but that’s all you are signed up for

Bonus: What You Don’t Need a Publisher For

Let’s clear this up: you don’t need a publisher who keeps secrets. You need a publisher like Elizabeth Music Group that leads with education and transparency.

What you do need is:

• Proper registration with global royalty collection societies

• A team that understands how to tag, track, and collect globally

Final Word: Publishing Is Not Optional—It’s Essential

If you're serious about your music career then publishing admin is not a luxury. It’s a necessity.

And while there are many companies offering cookie-cutter solutions, Elizabeth Music Group gives you a customized, artist-first approach that prioritizes transparency, education, and long-term growth.

You made the music. Elizabeth Music Group makes sure you get paid for it.

Ready to get started?
Learn more about Elizabeth Music Group and reach out for publishing admin support!