The Songwriter’s Guide to Protecting Your Songs and Collecting Your Money U.S. Song Royalties: Understanding Performance, Mechanical, and More!

Becoming a songwriter doesn't come with a manual for safeguarding your songs and ensuring you receive your rightful earnings. If you're an independent songwriter or self-released artist, chances are you're missing out on potential revenue.

This book was written by three independent songwriters, answers most of the questions you have, and some you never thought to ask. Discover how to protect your songs, collect your royalties, and get step-by-step guidance for managing your own music business. Discover the details on:

- Thirteen Royalties That Generate Income in the U.S.
- Navigating PRO Signup and Song Registration.
- Step-by-Step Guidance for Issuing Mechanical Licenses.
- Copyrighting Your Song (and When Not to Bother).
- New Royalties: The MLC, Direct Licensing and Social Media.
- Understanding Sync Licensing and Metadata.
- How To Release Your Own Songs.
- Eight Essential Agreements Every Songwriter Needs.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your understanding of the industry, this resource is your comprehensive companion for navigating the intricate landscape of songwriting and the music business.

Bill O'Hanlon is a seasoned musician and award-winning songwriter, with over 1,700 recorded songs in his music catalog. He is also a prolific author, having written over 41 books, including "Do One Thing Different," which earned him a spot on Oprah's show.

Bill has secured over 100 artist cuts, and his music has been featured in more than 14 TV and film projects, including "Busch Family Brewed" (MTV), "Call Me Kat" (Fox), and "Love in Tahiti" (Indie). His great hooks, fresh song ideas, and generosity have earned him recognition among his noteworthy co-writers including Tom Douglas, Gary Burr, Marty Dodson, Clay Mills, Phil Barton, Mark Irwin, Jason Duke, Georgia Middleman, Bobby Tomberlin, Lee Thomas Miller, Keesy Timmer, Tim James, Marti Jane Dodson, and many other.


Nancy Deckant is a songwriter and publisher with two decades of invaluable experience in the music industry. Her songwriting achievements include top 40 Billboard hits such as "Princess" by Dallas Remington, "Hangin' Moons" by Cody Clayton Eagle, and Trinity Wiseman's "Little Too Late," among others. Additionally, her co-written song "We Are The Stars" with Anelda Spence won the Independent International Songwriters Competition for Pop.

Nancy is the Founder/CEO of DiscoverSooner.com a platform designed to help songwriters make lasting relationships with publishers. Since launching in 2020, Discover Sooner has connected 1,000+ songwriters with music professionals.


Leslie Bowe is a passionate singer, songwriter, who is steadfastly pursuing his dreams in the vibrant music scene of Nashville. Leslie's song "I Can Drink in This Bar" recently cut by the Darrin Morris Band achieved Top 20 status peaking at #11 on the American Country Music Chart (ACM) and #16 on the Texas Country Music Chart (TCM).

Leslie has independently released five CDs: "Wings of your Dreams", "Through My Eyes", "Gypsy", "Color of Sound" and most recently the EP, "Something Right". He has opened or shared the stage with such artists as Ben Harper and Patty Griffin. His songs can be found on all available streaming platforms.He received Nashville Songwriters Association International's (NSAI) prestigious 2020 "Song of the Year" Award for his song, "Been".