A co-writing session can leave a song’s credits, agreed shares and latest version scattered across messages and files. Keeping five records together gives collaborators a clear reference when they return to the work.
- Contributor details: Record each songwriter’s full name, preferred credit and email address, and ask them to verify the information. Note other participants and their roles separately so performer credits are not mistaken for songwriting credits.
- Composition shares: Write down each writer’s share, check that the percentages total 100%, and save a dated record of each writer’s confirmation. Label any separate master-recording arrangements clearly and mark unresolved shares as pending.
- Current lyrics: Keep one accessible, dated or versioned copy of the latest lyric. Retain earlier drafts and agree where revisions made after the session will be recorded.
- Reference recording: Save a recording of the melody, phrasing and structure with the song. If there are multiple takes, identify the reference version and confirm that collaborators can play it.
- Shared song record: Keep the lyrics, recording, contributor details and split confirmations in one place, with matching versions clearly identified. Note any title change, add confirmed publishing details as they arrive, and assign someone to obtain missing information.
Share access with every co-writer and check that each person can open the files.
