EntertainmentContracts.com
Home/Music/Songwriter Split Sheet

Songwriter Split Sheet

For songwriters who co-wrote a song and need to document each person's ownership share — covers names, percentage splits, PRO affiliations, and publisher info. Every co-write needs one.

Drafted by a Harvard Law entertainment attorney.

More about this contract

How would you like this contract?

Pick an option to continue.

$50

Custom Contract

Answer a few guided questions and we'll create your contract with your answers built in. E-sign or download when you're done.

Answer a few questions

About 2 to 5 minutes

$50

Editable Template

Download a blank version in Word or PDF that you fill out yourself. Every spot to fill is highlighted in yellow.

Get the blank template

Download instantly

Is this the right contract for your song?

This contract is built for songs written by more than one person. It fits co-writers, producers with writing credits, and artists who want to record each writer's ownership percentage, along with publisher and PRO details, at the time the song is written so registration and royalties stay clear later.

Good fit for

  • Co-writers splitting credit on a song
  • Producers who contributed to the writing
  • Artists writing with collaborators
  • Writers registering songs with a PRO
  • Anyone setting ownership shares at the time of writing

You may also need

Before you start

It helps to have these details on hand before you create your contract:

  • Song title and date written
  • All writers' names
  • Each writer's ownership percentage
  • Publisher information for each writer
  • PRO affiliation and IPI/CAE numbers
  • Whether any samples or interpolations are used

What's Inside This Contract

Song information

Records the song title, date written, and whether any samples are used.

Songwriter ownership splits

Lists each writer, publisher, PRO details, and ownership percentage.

Terms and agreement

Covers ownership, registration, administration, derivative works, sync approvals, and samples.

Disputes and general provisions

Covers standard terms such as notices, how disputes are handled, and signatures.

Points Worth Negotiating

  • Each writer's ownership percentage
  • How contributions like lyrics, melody, and production are counted
  • Whether a producer receives a writing share
  • How the song is registered with PROs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a songwriter split sheet?
It is a written record of who wrote a song and what percentage each writer owns, along with publisher and PRO information.
Who should sign it?
Every writer who contributed to the song signs. Each signature confirms that writer's ownership share and the details listed.
Why do I need a split sheet?
It prevents disputes by recording each writer's share at the time of writing, which makes registration and royalty collection clearer later.
What is a PRO?
A performing rights organization collects certain royalties when songs are performed or streamed and pays writers and publishers. Examples include ASCAP and BMI.
Do producers go on the split sheet?
Yes, when a producer contributes to the composition. They receive a writing share and appear on the split sheet, as the writers agree.
How is this different from a publishing agreement?
A split sheet records who wrote a song and each writer's share. A Music Publishing Agreement is the deal with a publisher to manage and earn from those songs.
Should I choose the custom contract or the editable template?
Choose the custom contract to answer a few questions and have it filled in for you. Choose the editable template if you prefer a blank version with labeled fields to complete yourself.
What are common warning signs in a songwriter split sheet?

These are common issues to watch for in any songwriter split sheet:

  • Percentages that do not add up to one hundred
  • Missing writer or publisher details
  • No signatures from all writers
  • Unclear treatment of a producer's contribution
  • No record of PRO affiliation
Create Your ContractBrowse all Music Contracts