Guide
Is it safe to sell my music royalties?
By the Sell Your Song team · Last updated:
Selling your music royalties is safe when you deal with a real, registered buyer, get everything in writing and never pay a fee to receive an offer. Whether it's a good idea depends on your situation — for some people keeping the song is the better choice.
How to check any royalty buyer
- A registered company. Look the buyer up on Companies House (for UK companies). Check the name, number and that it's active.
- A written contract. It should say exactly what you're selling, how much of it, and the price.
- Clear payment terms. When and how you'll be paid should be written down before you sign.
- No fees to get an offer. A genuine buyer pays you. You should never pay to be valued or made an offer.
Red flags of a royalty buyer scam
- Asking for an upfront "admin", "processing" or "release" fee.
- Pressure to sign quickly or "before the offer expires today".
- No company name, no company number or no physical address.
- Asking for your distributor or bank logins.
- A contract that's vague about what you're selling.
Questions to ask before you sell
- Exactly which rights and what percentage am I selling?
- Is it a sale for the life of the copyright, or for a fixed period?
- When will I be paid, and how?
- What happens to royalties already owed to me for past periods?
- Can I have time to read the contract and get advice?
How we meet each point
- Sell Your Song is a trading name of Royalties Inc Ltd, a UK registered company (number 16952577), and registered with the ICO (ZC251417).
- Every offer is in writing and every sale uses a written contract that you sign electronically.
- The contract states the price and when we pay you.
- Valuations and offers are free. We never charge you a fee.
- There's no pressure and no obligation. You can take as long as you need.
When not to sell
Don't sell if you don't need the money and the song is growing, if you're unsure what you own, or if you feel rushed. Selling is final for the share you sell. Read can I sell my song? and other ways to finance your song first.
Frequently asked questions
Is selling music royalties a good idea?
It can be if you want cash now and certainty. It's not a good idea if your song is growing fast or you don't need the money.
How do I know a royalty buyer is legitimate?
Check them on Companies House, insist on a written contract and clear payment terms, and never pay a fee to get an offer.
Should I ever pay a fee to sell my song?
No. A genuine buyer pays you. Upfront fees are a common sign of a scam.
Is Sell Your Song a real company?
Yes. It's a trading name of Royalties Inc Ltd, UK company number 16952577.
Can I change my mind after getting an offer?
Yes. Nothing is binding until you sign the contract.
Will you ask for my distributor password?
No. We ask for royalty statements, never your logins.
Sell Your Song is a trading name of Royalties Inc Ltd. This is general information, not financial or legal advice.