Co-Publishing Agreement

In-Depth Explanation

A Co-Publishing Agreement (commonly called a "co-pub deal") is a music publishing contract where the songwriter and the publisher co-own the copyright to the musical composition. The songwriter typically retains 50% of the publishing share while transferring the other 50% to the publisher in exchange for an advance, administration, and creative services. The songwriter keeps 100% of the writer's share, resulting in a 75/25 income split in their favor.

How a Co-Publishing Agreement Works

When a songwriter creates a song, they own 100% of the Composition (the publishing rights). In a traditional full publishing deal, the songwriter transfers 100% of that copyright to the publisher. In a co-publishing deal, the songwriter and publisher agree to co-own the copyright, typically on a 50/50 basis.

To understand the financial structure, you need to know that publishing income is divided into two equal halves:

1. The Writer's Share (50% of total income): Always belongs to the songwriter. It cannot be transferred or sold.
2. The Publisher's Share (50% of total income): Owned by whoever holds the publishing rights.

In a traditional full publishing deal:

• The songwriter keeps 100% of the writer's share (50% of total income).
• The publisher keeps 100% of the publisher's share (50% of total income).
• Result: the songwriter gets 50% of total income.

In a co-pub deal (50/50 co-ownership):

• The songwriter keeps 100% of the writer's share (50% of total income).
• The songwriter also receives 50% of the publisher's share (25% of total income).
• The publisher keeps the remaining 50% of the publisher's share (25% of total income).
• Result: the songwriter gets 75% of total income, the publisher gets 25%.

Use our Publishing Royalty Split Calculator to model these splits with your own numbers.

Real-World Example

A songwriter named Maya signs a co-pub deal with a major publisher. The publisher pays her a $75,000 advance. Her song generates $200,000 in publishing income in the first year (from Performance Royalties, Mechanical Royalties, and a Sync License).

Under the co-pub split:

• Maya's share: 75% of $200,000 = $150,000
• Publisher's share: 25% of $200,000 = $50,000

However, the advance is recoupable from Maya's share. The publisher recoups the $75,000 advance from her $150,000 portion. Maya receives $75,000 in actual payments that year. The publisher keeps their $50,000 share.

Once the advance is fully recouped in subsequent years, Maya collects her full 75% of all future income. The publisher collects their 25% for as long as the co-ownership agreement remains in effect, which can extend well beyond the term of the contract.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

A co-pub deal costs you 25% of your total publishing income. Before signing one, evaluate whether the publisher's services justify that cost. The three main reasons songwriters accept co-pub deals are:

1. The Advance: Publishers provide upfront cash payments that admin services generally do not. For emerging songwriters, advances typically range from $15,000 to $150,000. For established hitmakers, they can reach seven figures.

2. Creative Services (A&R): A good publisher functions as a creative manager. They arrange co-writing sessions with established producers, pitch your songs to major label artists, and actively help build your career. Admin services do not typically offer this level of creative involvement.

3. Sync Placements: Major publishers maintain dedicated teams that pitch your catalog to Music Supervisors for film, TV, and commercial placements. A single sync placement can generate more income than years of streaming royalties.

If you do not need advances or active pitching, a Publishing Administration service (like Songtrust or CD Baby Pro) collects your royalties globally for a 10 to 20% commission with no ownership transfer. Some songwriters use admin deals for their general catalog while signing specific high-value songs to co-pub deals for active pitching.

Always negotiate a reversion clause that returns your ownership share if the publisher fails to meet pitching targets or other obligations. Read our detailed guide on co-publishing deals and our overview of how music publishing deals work before signing anything. The US Copyright Office provides authoritative information on copyright transfer requirements.

Related Terms

• Publishing Rights - The ownership rights that a co-pub deal splits between songwriter and publisher
• Publisher - The company that co-owns your catalog and provides creative and administrative services
• Publishing Administration - The alternative to a co-pub deal that retains 100% ownership
• Advance - The upfront payment recoupable from your future royalties
• Sync License - A high-value revenue stream that publishers actively pitch for