Co-Writing Tips Every Songwriter Needs to Know
- Tara Henton
- Sep 15
- 4 min read
I’ve come to really value co-writing as part of my songwriting. There’s something special about sitting down with another writer, whether that’s in person or over a Zoom call, and seeing where your ideas can take you together. Sometimes the process is smooth, sometimes it’s messy, but it’s always full of learning.
Co-writing can be good for you as a songwriter in so many ways:
It stretches your creativity. You’re exposed to fresh ideas, new turns of phrase, and musical instincts you might never discover on your own.
It helps you finish songs. Having another person in the room brings accountability and momentum.
It builds resilience. Sharing your work-in-progress and opening it up to another person helps you grow in confidence.
It connects you. Some of the strongest friendships in music are forged in co-writing rooms.
But let’s be honest—many songwriters avoid co-writing, even if they’re curious about it.
Common fears include:
Feeling vulnerable. Sharing half-formed ideas can feel exposing.
Not knowing what to expect. Every co-write looks different, and that uncertainty can feel intimidating.
Fear of conflict. What if you don’t agree on where the song should go?
Imposter syndrome. Worrying that your skills aren’t good enough compared to someone else’s.
If any of those sound familiar, you’re not alone. And the good news is that co-writing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right mindset and some simple strategies, you can walk into a session with confidence and leave with new skills—and maybe even a song you love.
Here are some co-writing tips, drawn from my own experience, to help you collaborate with confidence.
Find the Right Partner
Not every great songwriter will be a great co-writer for you. Look for someone whose creative energy feels like a good fit—not necessarily because you write the same style, but because your working styles click.
Try different pairings. Some matches will spark instantly, others may fizzle. That’s normal.
Be upfront about your goals. Are you aiming for a pitchable track, a personal project, or just exploring ideas?
Don’t be afraid to say no. Protect your time and energy by choosing collaborations that excite you.
Set the Scene
A good co-writing session starts before you even strum a chord.
Agree on a time frame. Will this be a quick idea session or a focused writing block?
Decide on tools. Google Docs? Logic? Pen and paper? Get on the same page before you start.
Warm up. A few minutes chatting can break the ice and set a relaxed tone.
💡 Tip: If you’re meeting for the first time, share a song you love (your own or someone else’s) and talk about why it works. It’s a great way to learn about each other’s instincts.
Share Ideas Freely—Then Build
In co-writing, there are no bad ideas—only stepping stones to the right one.
Say it before you edit it. Even a half-formed thought can inspire your partner.
Yes, and… Build on each other’s ideas rather than shutting them down too soon.
Follow the energy. If a lyric, chord progression, or hook sparks excitement, chase it.
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve said something off the cuff, intending it as a joke, only for my co-writer to stop and say, “Wait—that’s actually really good.” Sometimes they’ll build on it, and together we end up finding the exact line the song needs. What feels like a throwaway can often be the spark.
Balance the Input
Sometimes one writer runs with the lyric while the other shapes the melody. Sometimes you swap roles. Either way, keep an eye on balance.
Check in. “Are you happy with where this is going?” is a powerful question.
Step back if needed. Give space for your partner to lead without feeling you have to contribute every second.
Value all contributions. A single killer line can be as valuable as a full verse.
Handle Creative Friction Gracefully
Disagreements happen. The trick is to keep them about the song, not the person.
Separate preference from purpose. Ask: which option serves the song best?
Test both. Play or sing each idea before deciding.
Know when to park it. If you’re stuck, move on and revisit later.
Before You Leave the Room
Once the creative flow has wrapped up, a few simple steps will save headaches later:
Agree on splits. The most common approach is to divide the song equally, unless you’ve agreed otherwise.
Share PRO details. Make sure everyone has what they need to register the song correctly.
Stay in touch. Swap contact details and set a plan for next steps—demo, edits, or future sessions.
It might not be the most exciting part of the process, but getting the business side clear from the beginning protects the song’s journey. None of us can predict where a song might travel—whether it finds its way onto an album, into a publisher’s catalogue, or even onto a film soundtrack. Sorting things out early means you won’t be chasing each other later or missing out on opportunities and revenue because the paperwork wasn’t in place.
Final Thoughts: Show Up and Be Surprised
Co-writing can feel nerve-wracking, especially if you’re with someone new or a writer who seems more experienced. The doubts creep in—the worry about saying something silly, the fear that inspiration won’t come, the quiet voice of imposter syndrome.
But the thing to remember is that we are all creatives at our core, and with that comes a fair share of doubts and insecurities. Those feelings are part of the process—not a sign you don’t belong. When we choose to show up anyway, with openness and a willingness to share, we give collaboration the chance to work its magic. And more often than not, we walk away surprised by what’s possible together.
Over to You: Share Your Co-Writing Tips
Have you tried co-writing before? What worked for you—and what felt tricky? Share your top tips in the comments below, we'd love to hear!
And if you’re a We Write Songs member, remember our Community tier includes live writing sessions and feedback events—the perfect spaces to connect with potential co-writers, swap ideas, and grow your songwriting circle. These sessions are brilliant not only for building skills but also for finding those creative partners who just “click.”
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