Co-Publishing Agreement Template
Co-publishing only works when the terms are explicit. This agreement divides the publisher’s share, names who administers the songs, and locks down how income is accounted for and paid.
Get the Co-Publishing template — $10
Keep a good partnership good — fillable PDF + editable Word.
What is a co-publishing agreement?
A co-publishing agreement splits the publisher’s share of a song between two or more parties, sets who administers it, defines the administration fee, and details income accounting. It is the structure behind most modern publishing partnerships.
When you need it
- Partnering with a publisher or another writer-publisher
- Formalizing a label or production deal’s publishing side
- Defining administration and accounting on shared songs
What’s included in the template
- Division of the publisher’s share
- Administrator designation and admin fee
- Income accounting and payment terms
- Term, territory, and reversion language
- Fillable PDF plus an editable Word file
Frequently asked questions
How is the writer’s share affected?
Co-publishing typically concerns the publisher’s 50% share. The writer’s share usually stays with the writer, though specifics depend on your deal — spell it out in the agreement.
What is a typical admin fee?
Administration fees vary widely by deal and leverage. The template lets you set whatever percentage you negotiate.
Do I still need a split sheet?
Yes — a split sheet records songwriting ownership per song; a co-publishing agreement governs the publishing relationship across songs.
Related templates
- Publishing Administration Agreement Template
- Exclusive Songwriter Agreement Template
- Songwriter Split Sheet Template
- Music Publishing Power Pack — all 10 contracts for $50
These are professionally drafted templates, not legal advice. Have a qualified attorney review any agreement before you sign.