What does a publisher do?

Written By Phil Pallen
 

I used to call myself the "Curator of the Song" or "The Custodian" because a publisher takes care of your creation, from top to bottom. They will market, collect royalties, copyright and protect your song legally, so you can spend your time writing.

A publisher is someone you hire to take care of your business. They are a team in place, that is able to address most issues that may arise.

I was in the Creative Department at WarnerChappell, and was responsible for increasing revenue by selling the product and/or Songwriter. I was mostly called a "Songplugger" - someone who peddles songs to the artists that will record them. I would pitch songs to Faith Hill and if she cut a song then the writers got paid and the Publisher would take a percentage of that.

Beyond that a publisher will administrate 360 degrees, so you can actually make money!

A publisher can also be a big mouth-piece, promoting you to the industry, lifting you up to the peers you have always admired.

They are a partner, a sounding board and a good mirror for you. Most importantly, their responsibility is to represent you in the best light possible.

 
Phil Pallen

I'm Phil Pallen, a brand and AI strategist who has spent 15 years helping small businesses figure out who they are, say it clearly, and show up consistently. About six years ago, I started creating content on the side as a way to teach strategy and tools to people who wanted to build their brands themselves. That side project now makes up 80% of what I do, and it has given me hands-on experience with hundreds of tools, partnerships with over 150 brands including Adobe, and a clear sense of what actually works for small businesses.

I have delivered keynote speeches on five continents, written AI for Small Business, and created Brandmasters, a private membership community for small business owners serious about their brand.

I am not just someone who talks about this stuff. I live it, test it, and teach it every day.


Find me at philpallen.co or @philpallen on social media.

https://www.philpallen.co
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