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Self-Administered
Songwriters

These resources are designed to help self-administered songwriters determine their eligibility for becoming a Member of The MLC.

Are You a Self-Administered Songwriter?

If you're unsure whether you should categorize yourself as a self-administered songwriter, we've got four questions to ask yourself.
See the questions here.

To-Do List for Songwriters, Composers and Lyricists:

We know it can be difficult to navigate all the steps to collect different types of royalties, especially if you don’t have a publisher or administrator. Download our to-do list for songwriters, composers and lyricists to ensure you are receiving all your song-related (aka publishing) royalties.
Click here for to-do list.

Keep your Data Organized and Ready for Registration with the Bulk Work Registration Template:

As a Member of The MLC, there are three ways to register your works. You can register one song at a time directly in the Member Hub within The MLC Portal, send us a Common Works Registration (CWR) file by contacting the Support Team, or upload your registrations in bulk in the Member Hub by using the Bulk Work Registration template. 
Click here for more information.

Catalog Transfers:

It is essential that Members notify The MLC as soon as possible when musical works are transferred from one rightsholder to another so that the works can be updated in The MLC’s database to reflect the new rightsholder. Click here to learn more.

DQI Webinar for Spreadsheet Software Users:

This August 2020 webinar targets those who are using Excel, Google Sheets or similar methods to store their data.
Watch the webinar.

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The MLC Tools

The MLC offers a suite of tools to help you find, register, claim, and manage your musical works (aka song) data so you can collect the digital audio mechanical royalties you've earned. Whether you're a Member or simply checking song information, these tools make it easy to Play Your Part.

View MLC Tools
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Missing Member Lookup

Missing Member Lookup is a database of rightsholders that are not yet Members of The MLC who may be entitled to collect U.S. digital audio mechanical royalties. To see if The MLC may have royalties for you, enter your rightsholder information to search.

Find My Royalties

Resources

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Get Started

CONNECTING WITH THE MLC IS FREE AND EASY 

Whether you’re an independent songwriter, a music publisher or administrator, a collective management organization, or someone looking to better manage your song data, The MLC is for YOU! Join today to connect your songs with the streaming royalties they’ve earned.

become a member
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Stay Up
To Date

News & Press Releases

See More
Press Release

The MLC Launches Music Registration 101 Micro-Course Covering Copyright, Music Registration, and Royalties

May 4, 2026
Press Release

The MLC Seeking Suggestions for Songwriter Candidates for Board of Directors and Advisory Committees

April 23, 2026
Press Release

The MLC Seeking Suggestions for Board of Directors and Advisory Committee Candidates

April 2, 2026
Press Release

The MLC Announces Advisory Committee Updates

January 29, 2026
Article

Take Control of Your Songs: Introducing The MLC’s Songwriter Hub

January 16, 2026
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