Q: How can I start my own publishing company?

A: This is actually not as hard as you might think. You can start a publishing company by becoming affiliated with ASCAP or BMI or any other Performing Rights Society. There is a specific form you can fill out with either society and then they check the name you select for the company and make sure its not in use by anyone else. You pay dues and whamo you are essentially a publisher. Doesn't mean you will earn a dime though, you have to also get a State Sales Tax ID Number, and set up a bank account, a DBA, keep tax records etc like any business. All publishing and being a member of the societies actually do is provide a means for you to be paid royalties. You can find out more on ASCAP or BMI's web sites.