How to Be a Songwriter in the UK: A Practical Guide

A step-by-step map of the songwriting side of a music career, with links to the guides and free tools for each step.

Songwriting in the UK is really two jobs. One is writing songs worth hearing. The other is the business around them: agreeing who owns what, registering the songs so you get paid, and getting them in front of people who can use them. Most songwriters are far better at the first job than the second.

You do not need a publisher, a record deal or a hit to do this properly. Whether you write alone in a bedroom in Derry, co-write in London or write for your own band in Glasgow, the same steps apply, and the earlier you put them in place, the less you lose.

This page is the map. Each step below links to the guides and free tools on Music Manager Resource that go into detail. It is general information, not legal or financial advice, and fees and rules change, so check PRS for Music and MCPS directly before you pay or sign anything.

1. Write songs and finish them

Ideas are easy. Finished songs are the hard part. Work out what each fragment actually is, whether it is a verse or a chorus, pick a structure, set a date and finish it, even if you plan to rewrite it later. Then record a rough version straight away so you can hear what is working.

If you get stuck, the free songwriting tools are there to help with prompts, lyric development, song structure and chords. Songwriter's block is normal, and it usually has a practical fix.

2. Co-write and agree the splits

If anyone else helps write a song, agree the split before the song goes anywhere. It is far easier to have that conversation while everyone is still friends and nothing has earned any money. Write it down, and make sure the percentages add up to 100.

A short written agreement protects everyone. It also makes registration straightforward, because every writer needs the same split when the song is registered.

3. Join PRS and MCPS and register your songs

PRS for Music collects performance royalties for songwriters when songs are performed, broadcast or streamed, and MCPS collects mechanical royalties when songs are copied or reproduced. At the time of writing, writer membership of PRS is a one-off fee, with a lower rate for under-25s, and MCPS is a separate fee. You do not need to be signed to join, but you need to own the copyright in your songs.

Joining is only half of it. Each song has to be registered, with the right writers and splits, or the money has nowhere to go. Registration gives each song a tunecode, so keep a note of it.

4. Understand publishing before you sign anything

A music publisher pitches your songs, places them in film, TV and adverts, and looks after registration and collection, usually in return for a share of the income or ownership. Some publishers invest in their writers. Others mainly handle administration. You can also publish your own songs, which keeps more of the money but means doing the work yourself.

Read any publishing deal carefully, and get proper advice. Length of term, territory, what you keep and what happens if nothing gets placed matter as much as the percentage.

5. Make a demo and release your songs

A demo shows other people what the song is. It does not need to be expensive, but the vocal needs to be clear and the performance needs to carry the feel of the song. A stripped back guitar and vocal or piano and vocal is often enough.

If you want to release the song yourself, work through the registrations first, choose a distributor and, if it is a cover, get the licence in place. Our release checklist covers the steps in order.

6. Get your songs heard

Songs rarely get picked up by accident. Decide who you are pitching to: publishers, sync libraries, or artists and producers who need songs. Research each one, check their submission policy, and send one or two of your best songs with a short message and a link. Keep a note of who you contacted.

Relationships matter as much as the songs. A clear press kit, a polite follow-up and a habit of turning up at the right events all help people remember you.

7. Keep going, and keep track of the money

A songwriting career is usually built slowly, from many small things rather than one big break. Keep a list of your songs with their tunecodes and splits, invoice for writing and session work, and look after your head as well as your catalogue.

If you also run the business side of your own music, our self-management guide covers the wider picture: agreements, releasing, invoices, touring and building a team.

You do not have to do all of this at once. Start by finishing one song, agreeing the split with anyone who helped, and registering it. Then make a demo and decide who you would like to hear it. If you want a place to begin, the free Starter Pack has checklists for registering with PRS, PPL and MCPS and planning a release.