The Songwriter Checklist: A Guide to Getting Paid

If you’re an independent songwriter navigating the world of music royalties, it’s important to make sure you’re not missing out on any money you’ve earned. That’s why we created The Songwriter Checklist — a straightforward, downloadable guide designed to help creators like you take the necessary steps to receive your royalties. Whether you’re just getting started or already have music out in the world, this checklist can help you stay on track and collect the royalties you’re owed.

How the Songwriter Checklist Can Help You

As a songwriter, you earn different types of royalties when your music is streamed, publicly performed, or used in visual content — but those royalties don’t automatically find their way to you. It’s important for you (or your publisher or administrator partner) to make sure your works are properly registered and that you’re set up with the right organizations to collect all of the royalties you’re owed.

If you’re self-administered (meaning you don’t have a publisher or publishing administrator managing your songs), you’ll need to take a few extra steps — and this checklist walks you through them.

What’s in the Songwriter Checklist

The Songwriter Checklist breaks down the process of registering your songs and claiming your royalties into clear, manageable steps, depending on your situation. The checklist includes action items for all songwriters, composers, and lyricists, along with a specialized section for those who are self-administered. Here’s a preview of the topics covered:

• Deciding how your publishing is administered (fully or partially self-administered, or fully administered)
• Joining a PRO (performing rights organization) as a writer
• Becoming a Member of The MLC
• Registering your musical works with your PRO, The MLC, and the U.S. Copyright Office
• Using The MLC’s Member tools to identify unmatched usage of your works

Each section includes space to fill in important details and track your progress so you can stay organized and confident in your royalty collection process.

Download the Checklist

Whether you administer your own rights or rely on a partner, this checklist makes it easier to understand what royalties you’re owed and how to collect them.

👉 Click Here to Download the Songwriter Checklist (PDF)

We're Here to Help

Becoming a Member of The MLC is free and easy, and our Support Team is here to assist you every step of the way. If you have questions about the checklist, or any part of the registration or royalty process, we’re just a click or call away.

Visit themlc.com to learn more and get started today.