How to split publishing rights

Writer’s share vs. publisher’s share

Every composition has two halves: the writer’s share (50%) and the publisher’s share (50%). These are separate from the ownership percentage. If you own 40% of a song, you receive 40% of the writer’s share. If you also self-publish, you receive 40% of the publisher’s share too. A split sheet documents the ownership percentages. A co-writer agreement can additionally specify how publishing is handled.

When all writers self-publish

If no external publisher is involved, each writer controls their own publisher’s share. The split sheet only needs to document the ownership percentages. Each writer registers with their PRO and collects both halves of their share.

When a publisher is involved

If one or more writers have a publishing deal, the publisher typically takes some or all of the publisher’s share for those writers. This doesn’t change the other writers’ shares. But it does mean the co-writer agreement needs to specify who administers publishing and how income flows. Use the co-writer agreement generator to include publishing administration terms.

How to decide the split

Publishing splits follow ownership splits. If you own 50% of the composition, you receive 50% of both the writer’s and publisher’s share. Use the music split calculator to determine fair ownership percentages based on contribution.

How to document it

For simple collaborations where all writers self-publish: a split sheet is sufficient. For collaborations involving external publishers, sync licensing, or territorial restrictions: use a co-writer agreement that includes publishing terms. Read how to split song ownership for the foundational guide on deciding percentages.