How can I find out more about a career in music publishing?
Jobs in music publishing
Although the industry does not employ a great number of people, it caters for a wide range of interests and, in many companies, staff flexibility is essential. Often, a lively interest and willingness to accept any job available may be the key. You can then survey the music publishing business from the inside, and learn which particular department best suits you. Practical experience as well as formal education or training is important in the majority of vacancies that occur.
Music publishing jobs tend to fall into a number of broad categories, the majority of which require musical knowledge/experience. The various activities generally covered by each category are outlined below:
A&R (Artists & Repertoire) / Promotion
Actively search for new talent at concerts and gigs
Listen to demos received and make recommendations
Match songwriters/composers and lyricists/librettists
Produce demos for promotional purposes
Develop and maintain wide-ranging music user contacts with a view to their exploiting copyrights, e.g. broadcasters, record companies, concert promoters, film/video production companies, performers and others
Develop and maintain press and promotional contacts with a view to encouraging coverage/performances.
Oversee the career development of composers/songwriters
Rights Administration – Copyright / Legal / Business Affairs Departments
Negotiate and draft publishing agreements with composers/songwriters
Negotiate music user licences
Negotiate sub-publishing agreements
Register new works and catalogues acquired with the collecting societies (eg MCPS, PRS)
Oversee the protection of rights and taking action when these are infringed.
Production & Editorial
Consider manuscript scores received and whether revisions/rewrites are required
Convert edited manuscripts into printed music and oversee style, design and origination
Liaise with typesetters/designers and printers and deal with proofs
Proof read and edit music and text
Commission and publish new music
Contribute to and monitor catalogue development
Sales & Marketing / Hire / Distribution
Devise and implement retail/promotional campaigns designed to highlight new printed music products
Liaison (direct and indirect) with dealers and, in some cases, educational institutions
Attend and organise promotional events
Circulate information and product to media
Manage the hire library and its loan to performing organisations
Control and monitor the use of hire materials
Process orders and oversee the physical movement of product from publisher to customer
Handle invoicing, stock control and warehousing
Accounts / Royalty Administration
Track all uses of works and collecting in royalties and fees for such uses
Manage royalties collected and distribute on to composers/songwriters and sub-publishers
Prepare and analyse profit and loss statements and balance sheets
Payroll and credit administration
Provide statistics for a variety of purposes