What songs are eligible for music publishing registration?

To register a song with a music publisher, it must meet these key criteria:

1. Original Composition
   The song must be original — meaning it was created by you, and not copied from another work.

2. Fixed in a Tangible Medium
   The song must be documented in a form that can be reproduced, such as sheet music, lyrics, or a musical score.

3. Musical Composition
   Music publishers handle the musical composition (the melody and lyrics). Sound recordings (the actual recording of the song) are not typically registered with publishers.

4. Published vs. Unpublished
   Both published (released to the public) and unpublished songs are eligible for registration.

5. Public Domain Works
   Songs in the public domain are not eligible, but new arrangements of these works can be registered.

6. Works for Hire
   If the song was created as part of a work for hire agreement, the copyright likely belongs to the employer, but the song can still be registered.