Print Royalties
There are 4 kinds of royalties in music and they are Mechanical Royalties, Performance Royalties, Synchronization Royalties and Print Royalties. While each of them is important to the songwriter, but if we were to come out with a rating based on their importance, then perhaps Print Royalties would be placed at the 4th position.
That’s because the songwriter can make the least amount of money from this. But this is money nonetheless, and so the songwriter would definitely not want to miss out on the earnings from this. And of course, if someone plans to use the work for a commercial purpose, then the creator who has the copyright has every right to claim compensation. After all, a lot of hard work and creativity went into it.
Print Royalties Explained
What exactly are Print Royalties? If you are the songwriter, this is the money that must be paid to you by the company that will print your composition. In exchange for the money, the company will get the legal rights to print it. In other words, this is the money the printer agrees to pay to the songwriter towards the license for print music. The license offered to the printer is generally for a term that can be anything between 3 and 5 years.
Often the money paid as royalty is also shared between the publisher and the songwriter. Usually it is paid to the publisher, who will then share the earnings 50/50 with the songwriter. The amount paid is based on a percentage of the sales. The money paid to the publisher is 20% of its retail price. The folio royalties are about 10% of the retail price. In the case of personality folios, an additional 5% of the retail price is paid to the publisher – an additional consent or license is required for publicity.
Sometimes the folio consists of work done by just one songwriter. In such a case, just that writer’s publisher will get the Print Royalties. On the other hand, if the writers on the folio vary, all the publishers will get the royalty on a pro-rate basis. For instance, if one particular publisher has 10 songs from 20 in the folio, then the publisher will receive 50% money of the 10% retail price. In other words, if the 10% of retail price comes to $5.00, then the publisher will receive $2.50, which is its 50%.
The Percentage of Print Royalties Offered May Vary
Though on an average, the percentage offered is 20% and 10% for folio royalties, but usually it is not the same always. For instance, new songwriters are usually paid less. On an average a new songwriter can expect to get about 12% to 14%, but some of them have even been offered just 8% of the retail price. Established songwriters are better known in the industry and naturally can get a better deal. Many established writers also favor particular publishers and printers, and one reason for this is the higher Print Royalties they get from them.
The term offered, which is between 3 and 5 years, is however the same for both new as well as established songwriters. But no matter what percentage is paid, there will be a prior agreement before the deal can proceed.
Print Royalties for Church Music
Print Royalties are also offered for Church music. This kind of music, which is based on a written work is however relevant only in certain parts of the world such as Europe and the US. Examples of Church music include anthems, hymns and songbooks.
Sometimes the music book is actually a play, and it can also be dramatized. Print Royalties are not paid for dramatization rights because they fall under another right – the Grand Right. The income generated here is shared by everyone involved – the composer, the playwright, the producer, director, and sometimes even the actors. The royalty here is decided through negotiations.