Self-published vs. represented by a publisher
Each writer on a composition independently chooses how their publishing rights are arranged — self-published, represented by a publisher, or unpublished.
Last updated August 22, 2026
What publishing rights are
When a composition is used commercially — played on radio, streamed, synced in a film — two types of royalties are generated: performance royalties (collected by PROs on behalf of writers) and mechanical royalties (collected through publishing rights). Publishing rights determine who controls and collects the mechanical and synchronisation income from a composition.
The three publishing dispositions
In Guided Song Setup, every writer answers a publishing question for their own writer share. The choice is per writer, not a single choice for the whole song:
- Self-published — the writer retains their own publishing rights; no external publisher is involved
- Has a publisher — a publishing company holds the publishing rights for that writer's share
- Unpublished — publishing arrangements have not yet been decided
Self-published
Self-published means the writer controls their own publishing for this work. MRP can record that relationship without an external company, but a registration workflow that needs a publisher identity may require a distinct self-publisher company and Publisher IPI. A writer IPI is not a substitute for a Publisher IPI.
Represented by a publisher
If a company represents a writer on this song, select I have a publisher and choose or enter the company. Record the Publisher IPI and Publisher PRO when available. MRP treats the company identity separately from the writer and preserves the selected relationship as part of the locked record.
Unpublished
Choose Unpublished when no publishing arrangement is in place or it has not been decided. This records an intentional answer rather than leaving the publishing question unresolved. Whether a work can proceed is shown by the current Passport and registration-readiness checks.
Per-writer, not per-composition
Publishing dispositions are set per writer. It is entirely normal for one co-writer to be self-published while another is represented by a publisher. Each writer's publishing arrangement applies only to their own share of the composition.
Publishing agreements are between you and your publisher
MRP records your publishing arrangement for rights documentation purposes. The terms, percentages, and conditions of your deal with a publisher are governed by your agreement with them — not by what is entered in MRP. If you are unsure about your publishing rights, speak with a music lawyer or your PRO.