How to Cancel CD Baby Legacy Pro Publishing: Complete Step-by-Step Process
If you've decided to transition your publishing administration to TuneRegistry or another service, understanding CD Baby's Legacy Pro cancellation process is essential. The complete process takes 15-24 months from initial request to full transition, involving quarterly termination dates, post-term collection periods, and manual society updates.
Before You Begin: Important Considerations
You do not need to wait for your CD Baby agreement to be canceled to register new works with TuneRegistry. Any songs created after your cancellation request can be registered immediately since they were never submitted to CD Baby.
Understanding the Cancellation Timeline
Your agreement terminates on the last day of the calendar quarter in which you submit your request
CD Baby continues collecting for 1 additional year after termination
You must manually update all collection society registrations
Complete transition typically takes 15-24 months
Step 1: Submit Your Cancellation Request
Submit a CD Baby Support Request using their ticket form:
Select 'Customer Support Request' in the request type dropdown
Enter your email address
Select 'Help with Pro Publishing' in the topic dropdown
Select 'Cancel my CD Baby Pro Administration' in the assistance dropdown
Enter the email associated with your Pro administration agreement
Subject field: 'Cancel my CD Baby Pro Administration Service'
Description:
Include your CD Baby username
Email on file
Artist name(s)
Release name(s)
Cancellation reason
Step 2: Note Your Termination Date
CD Baby will confirm your termination date based on quarterly system:
Request in January-March → Effective March 31
Request in April-June → Effective June 30
Request in July-September → Effective September 30
Request in October-December → Effective December 31
Submit early in the quarter to minimize the continuation period. CD Baby continues collecting royalties for one additional year after your termination date.
Step 3: Update Collection Society Registrations
CD Baby's cancellation does not automatically remove them from society registrations. You must contact each society individually.
For BMI Affiliates
BMI requires mailed signed letters from all interested parties to update registrations. Contact BMI's registration department with your CD Baby cancellation confirmation. Processing can take several quarters.
For ASCAP Members
Contact ASCAP's membership services with your cancellation confirmation. The process varies by situation but generally takes 2-3 months.
For SESAC Members
Contact your SESAC representative directly with documentation.
Step 4: Register Works with TuneRegistry
Once you've notified societies of your administration change:
Register new works with your PRO through TuneRegistry (1-3 business days)
Submit works to The MLC for mechanical royalty collection
Register master recordings with SoundExchange
Focus on commercially active works first
Step 5: Monitor the Transition
Verify direct payments begin from societies
Review statements for accuracy
Keep CD Baby account open 6-12 months for final payments
Claim historical unmatched royalties at The MLC
Why TuneRegistry Makes Cancellation Easier
Unlike CD Baby's complex 15-24 month exit process, canceling TuneRegistry takes less than 24 hours. You maintain direct society relationships, so no re-registration work is required if you decide to change services. This fundamental difference reflects whose interests each service prioritizes.
What to Do Instead
Rather than navigating CD Baby's complex cancellation, many Legacy Pro users simply start registering new works with TuneRegistry while letting existing catalog run its course with CD Baby. This avoids the cancellation complexity while building your catalog in TuneRegistry's system over time.
Ready to simplify your publishing administration? We offer a comprehensive US music rights administration starting from $15/month with zero commission and hassle-free cancellation.