I've been writing many years, got some publisher contracts and indie cuts, but have never gotten that major cut that so many of us crave. I've asked myself, "why" many times and figured I must be doing something "not quite right".

Recently I have been sending myself back to "songwriting school"...reading and re-reading books on the subject, watching videos and reading articles on the 'net, and (of course) paying close attention to critiques on my material and on others' on this forum and applying that to past work and snippets of songs I've yet to write.

I can already see improvements and encourage everyone that reads this to give your writing everything you can to make it the best it can be...that is, if you hope to have a fighting chance in this highly competitive business.

I just watched a video on Songwriter Space from publisher Lynn Gann, talking about writers wanting to co-write with his staff writers. He made a good point (an obvious one, but one that I think some writers do not consider)...what can you bring to the table that HE DOESN'T ALREADY HAVE?

It's a good deal only if it's good for everyone involved.

Most publishers, artists and other music execs are in this business to make money. If they don't make it, neither does the songwriter.

It's true that you can re-write a song to death. But I don't think a few rewrites will kill one. Just keep your original draft and if rewriting doesn't improve, you can go back to it.

Grab the audience's attention...then hold on to it.

“I usually start with a title or maybe a little rhyme or phrase.” - Harlan Howard

Co-writing = Compromise!