If you write songs, your royalties are an asset you can sell. Many songwriters do, to fund new projects, buy a home or simply turn unpredictable income into capital.
What a songwriter can sell
- Publisher's share: if you self-publish or own your publishing company, you control this part and can sell it.
- Writer's share: the part of the income that belongs to you personally as the writer. It can also be sold, through structures that respect collecting society rules.
- Both, or a percentage of each.
- Selected songs instead of your whole catalog.
If you already have a publishing deal, check what your publisher owns and for how long. You may still be able to sell your writer's share or your retained share.
What buyers need to see
- Registrations with your collecting societies for every song.
- Split sheets signed by all co-writers.
- Statements from your society and publisher or administrator, ideally three years.
- Any publishing or administration contracts, including term and reversion dates.
How songwriter catalogs are valued
Publishing income is often considered stable because it earns from every version and use of a song. Buyers value it as a multiple of normalized net income, with higher multiples for older, steady earners and diversified income. Read How Much Is My Music Catalog Worth?.
Tips before you sell
- Register any songs that are missing, including co-writes.
- Claim unpaid income from other territories.
- Review your publishing contract for reversion dates.
- Compare several buyers, since publishing attracts many types of investors.
Next step
If you are a songwriter considering a sale, start with our free catalog readiness check or read Publishing Deal Checklist: 10 Clauses to Negotiate. Ready to talk? Book a confidential call.