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Successful songwriters and composers have a relationship with a publishing company defined by a publishing contract. The publisher agrees to see to it that the composers receive royalties from various uses of their compositions. They also provide in some cases an advances against future income. In return, the publishing company receives a percentage, which is usually 50% and can varies for different kinds of royalties.

There are several types of royalties: mechanical royalties derive from the sale of recorded music, such as CDs or digital downloads. These royalties are paid to publishers by record companies through the Harry Fox Agency as well as through American Mechanical Right Agency the U.S. Performance royalties are collected by performance rights organizations such as BMI or ASCAP and are paid by radio stations and others who broadcast recorded music. Synchronization royalties are required when a composition is used in a film or television soundtrack. These royalties typically pass through the hands of a music publisher before they reach the composer.

Publishers also work to link up new songs by songwriters with suitable recording artist to record them and to place writers’ songs in other media such as movie soundtrack and commercials. They will typically also handle copyright registration and “ownership” matters for the composer. Music print publishers also supervise the issue of songbooks and sheet music by their artists.