Music publishers play a vital role in the music industry; developing music, helping to protect it, and negotiating a value for it in the market place.

Helping songwriters to develop their skills is a key aspect of publishing. Publishers often work in conjunction with record companies to find and nurture new writing talent, and to help more established writers continue to grow. In addition to this, by taking care of the business aspects of a songwriter's career, publishers give their writers more time to concentrate on writing and composing.