A Sub-Publisher is a local partner in a foreign country that represents your music catalog in that specific territory. Their job is to register your songs with local societies (like GEMA in Germany or SACEM in France), collect royalties in the local currency, and transfer the money back to your main publisher. Without them, your international earnings often get stuck overseas.
The music industry is global. Your song might be written in India or the USA, but it can be streamed in Brazil, played on the radio in the UK, or used in a TV show in Japan.
This creates a massive logistical problem: How do you collect Yen, Euros, and Pounds from 50 different countries?
You can’t. That is why you need a Sub-Publisher.
The “Travel Adapter” Analogy
Think of a Sub-Publisher like a travel adapter for your electronics.
- You have a US/Indian plug (Your Copyright).
- The wall socket in England is different (UK Copyright Laws).
- To get the “power” (money) flowing, you need an adapter that fits that specific socket.
A Sub-Publisher is that adapter. They “translate” your copyright data so the local society understands who to pay.
Why You Can’t Just Do It Yourself
“Why can’t I just register directly with PRS in the UK?”
- Language Barriers: Societies in Japan, South Korea, and France often require registration in their local language.
- Tax Complications: If you collect money directly from Germany, you might be subject to complex “Double Taxation” laws unless you have a local representative to handle the tax forms.
- The “At Source” Issue: International societies often prioritize payments to local entities. If you are an outsider, your money sits at the bottom of the pile.
The “Black Box” of Foreign Royalties
This is the scariest term in the music business.
When a radio station in France plays your song, they send the money to SACEM (the French PRO). SACEM looks at their database.
- Scenario A: They see your Sub-Publisher listed. They pay the Sub-Publisher immediately.
- Scenario B: They see no local representative. They put the money in a holding account called the “Black Box.”
After 2–3 years, if no one claims that money, SACEM takes it out of the box and distributes it to their top local artists (like Daft Punk or Phoenix) as “market share.” Your money literally pays other artists.
How Does the Money Flow? (The Chain)
Here is the journey of a dollar earned in a foreign country:
- The Usage: Someone streams your song in London.
- The Collection: PRS (UK Society) collects the money.
- The Sub-Publisher: Your publisher’s UK partner claims the money from PRS.
- The Main Publisher: The UK partner takes a small fee (usually 10–15%) and sends the rest to your Main Publisher (e.g., Audiobulb).
- You: Audiobulb pays you your share.
Stat-Bait: For a globally successful song, international royalties (Non-Domestic) can account for up to 40% of the total publishing revenue. If you don’t have sub-publishing, you are losing nearly half your potential income.
FAQ: Sub-Publishing
Do I have to find Sub-Publishers myself?
No! That is the job of your Publishing Administrator (like Audiobulb). When you sign an admin deal, you are instantly tapping into their pre-existing network of sub-publishers worldwide. You sign one contract; they handle the 50+ foreign contracts.
How much do Sub-Publishers cost?
Sub-publishers typically take a commission of 10% to 20% of the royalties collected in their territory. This is standard industry practice. It is better to have 80% of a Euro than 100% of nothing.
Does DistroKid act as a Sub-Publisher?
No. DistroKid collects master royalties globally, but they do not have a network of sub-publishers to collect performance or mechanical royalties from foreign societies.
Summary: Go Global or Go Home
The beauty of the streaming era is that your music can travel anywhere. But your business structure needs to travel with it.
You don’t need to know the name of the society in Sweden (STIM) or Australia (APRA). You just need a Publishing Administrator who does.
Your Next Step: If you suspect you have fans outside your home country, Contact Audiobulb to see how we can help you unlock your international royalties today.