These Top 10 Songwriting Books Will Help Unlock Your Creativity

Top 10 Songwriting Books

If you think of all the amazing resources available to songwriters and artists, we are truly living in a Golden Age of musical information—especially when it comes to songwriting books.

For the first 100 years of the modern music industry, virtually every aspect of how to make music was locked away tighter than Fort Knox. Gatekeepers kept everything from how to write a song to how to play an instrument largely hidden or inaccessible from the general public, like modern-day priests of pop culture.

And while you can endlessly scroll through YouTube video shorts, this is one of the beautiful things about songwriting books: they demystify the songwriting process in a way that anyone can understand, shining a light on every aspect of how to write a song from start to finish. And, additionally, they really take some deep dives.

Sure, you could watch a 90-second Rick Rubin video, but how about taking in Rick’s entire career and knowledge and reading all about it in his book, The Creative Act!

And that’s why I decided to create this article and “best of” directory below, containing my favorite books on the subject, as well as a potential treasure trove for further exploration.

girl in front of bookshelf and guitar

Now, of course, there are many different ways to write a song, which means there’s a treasure trove of songwriting books for every kind of musician. Someone learning how to write a song on guitar is most likely to have a much different approach than an electronic musician learning how to write a song for the first time.

Even the best songwriting books can teach someone with absolutely no musical background or experience how to write a great song. And sometimes, the best books on songwriting go beyond technicalities, teaching you how to overcome the creative blocks, hurdles, self-worth issues, and even manifestations that can plague musicians, setting your voice free and teaching you how to express yourself like a true artist.

The Best Songwriting Books: Benjamin’s Top 10

The Artist’s Way – Julia Cameron

The Artist's Way - Julia Cameron (book cover)

Link to The Artist’s Way

No list of best books on songwriting (or being creative in any way, be it sculpture, art, writing a book, etc.) would be complete without Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way. It’s not about music theory or lyric mechanics. Instead, it’s a 12-week journey that helps you uncover your creative self, especially when you’re feeling blocked, self-critical, or disconnected from your craft. The book introduced the now-famous practice of “Morning Pages,” a daily writing ritual that clears your mind and strengthens your creative intuition. If you’re burned out or battling imposter syndrome, this is the songwriting book that might pull you out of it. It’s a slow burn, but a powerful one—especially if you’re serious about building a sustainable writing practice.

I’ve just literally started reading the book and there are so many great principles here.

Another great concept in the book is the “artist’s date.” This is where you take your “artist self” out for a personal date (no one else, just you and your artist side) to nurture creativity. This could literally be anything from taking a great hike to going to an art house cinema to checking out that latest museum exhibition.

One passage that rang true for me (and this might resonate if you are a writer/producer for others) or maybe if you have a “professional” nine-to-five keeping you away from your true artist’s self: “Many of us find that we have squandered our own creative energies by investing disproportionately in the lives, homes, dreams, and plans of others.

I’m so glad this book has fallen into my world.

Writing Better Lyrics – Pat Pattison

Writing Better Lyrics - Pat Pattison (book cover)

Link to Writing Better Lyrics

Pat Pattison’s Writing Better Lyrics is considered a stone-cold classic songwriting book for lyricists. It’s got everything you need to elevate your lyric writing beyond the stratosphere. It’s brimming with technical knowledge and expertise, talking about the nearly religious power of repetition to how to effectively use rhythm and meter to emphasize your lyrics. Some of its advice is more philosophical, offering tips on how to collaborate effectively and come up with striking titles for your creation. It’s no wonder it’s the #1 best-selling songwriting book, as well as one of the best songwriting books for lyric writers, for almost 20 years.

In fact, John Mayer (a former student of Pat Pattison’s at Berklee College of Music), says he reads the book at least once a year and also highly recommends it.

As a former student of Pat’s myself, I can testify to the power of this book and the genius of Pat Pattison. Get it and work through it, and thank me later!

How Do I Get a Record Deal? Sign Yourself! Earn Your 1st Million Streams & Find Your 1st True 1,000 Fans – Benjamin Groff

Sign Yourself - Benjamin Groff (book cover)

Link to How Do I Get a Record Deal? Sign Yourself! Earn Your 1st Million Streams & Find Your 1st True 1,000 Fans

OK. Shameless self-promotion time. Yes, it turns out I’m an author, and I’ve been told that my book, How Do I Get a Record Deal? Sign Yourself! is a brutally honest, wildly helpful guide to building a career on your own terms. And hey, it has 4.6+ stars on Amazon, so maybe there’s something there lol.

In it, I lay out a roadmap to the modern music industry meant specifically for unsigned artists. Instead of chasing labels, I’ll show you how to develop your brand, build leverage, and attract the right attention. But what really makes my book particularly special isn’t the theory. It’s the actionable strategies, philosophical questions, and behind-the-scenes insights. The best part? It’s completely free at BenjaminGroff.com/Book, so grab this songwriting book today and start the journey to the next stage of your songwriting career. Or you can get it at Amazon here: Link to How Do I Get a Record Deal? Sign Yourself!

It’s chock full of my 30 years of experience in the music business and, in my opinion, what you must do as an artist to stand out, create your own culture, to “not” play it safe, and to build your first TRUE 1,000 fans, the ones who will drive 100 miles to see you perform and/or buy everything you put out.

Tunesmith – Jimmy Webb

Tunesmith - Jimmy Web (book cover)

Link to Tunesmith

The “Wichita Lineman” himself, Jimmy Webb, has a surprising amount of wisdom to share. Tunesmith is a philosophical deep dive that isn’t afraid to get technical in its quest to teach you everything there is to know about songwriting. Webb covers everything: melody, harmony, lyrics, song structure, and even the music business. His advice is both practical and poetic, offering exercises and anecdotes from his long, bright career. This book doesn’t shy away from complexity, making it a great choice for intermediate and advanced songwriters alike. If you’re ready to move beyond the basics and master the craft, Tunesmith is one of the best books on songwriting ever written.

And for those of you who are unfamiliar with Jimmy Webb, he’s the modern equivalent of… Hmm, well, unfortunately there isn’t really a modern equivalent, because no one today is “that” good. Just think of him as the “Max Martin” of his day, but on a whole other classic songwriting level.

And yes, I was fortunate enough to have dinner with Jimmy like 20 years ago, and it was a great memory.

The Creative Act: A Way of Being – Rick Rubin

The Creative Act: A Way Of Being - Rick Rubin (book cover)

Link to The Creative Act: A Way of Being

There’s a reason Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act stayed on top of bestseller lists for months, and musically, on the top of the charts for decades. Many reasons, actually. The Creative Act is a masterclass in subtle wisdom.

Rubin has worked with some of the most iconic artists across every genre you can think of. His approach to creativity is part meditation, part philosophy, and part practical insight. What makes this one of the best songwriting books of the past several years is its refusal to give formulas. Instead, Rubin encourages you to listen to your instincts, your environment, and the unique path your creativity wants to follow.

Whether you’re writing your first track or recording your 10th album, this book will help your creativity flourish.

The audiobook I’ve heard is also incredible.

Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself – Dr. Joe Dispenza

Breaking The Habit Of Being Yourself - Joe Dispenza

Link to Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself

It may not seem like an obvious choice for a songwriting books for beginners list (at all), but Dispenza’s Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself is an important read for anyone looking to rewire their inner patterns.

So much of songwriting is internal, rooted in memory, feeling, and mental programming, what you believe is possible for you, and rehashing the same stories of the past.

Instead, Dispenza dives into the neuroscience behind change, showing readers how to shift limiting beliefs and enter a more expansive creative state to literally manifest the new version of yourself…the one that comes along with writing the best songs and living your best life that already exists in the quantum realm.

If you feel like you’re in a limiting loop, this book can help you switch things up. Pair this with a songwriting journal and you’re on your way to breakthroughs.

Note: Woo-woo Level 9+. Just stick with it and turn every page with an open mind. I have been fortunate to spend about two weeks in person with Dr. Joe, and his work is truly epiphanic.

Perennial Seller – Ryan Holiday

Perennial Seller - Ryan Holiday (book cover)

Link to Perennial Seller

While not strictly about songwriting, Perennial Seller is invaluable for anyone who wants their creative work to have a lasting impact. He discusses how to create and market art that stands the test of time.

For instance, why does J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye sell millions of copies per year? The same with Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. Make no doubt, you want to create “one of these.”

Topics include building an audience, refining your vision, and understanding the business side of creativity. This is especially important for independent artists, who might not have a business background or a business team backing them.

Perennial Seller helps bridge the gap between creativity and business, teaching you what you need to know for a long, sustainable career in music. It’s a smart read for musicians in it for the long haul.

All that being said, I never thought I would love his section of his book on “marketing,” but it was truly eye-opening and a game changer for me. I hope it will be for you as well.

How Music Works – David Byrne

How Music Works - David Byrne (book cover)

Link to How Music Works

Talking Heads’ David Byrne explains music from every possible angle in this ranging, fascinating book. He covers how music is shaped by a particular place, a sense of space, the culture that produced it, technology, and economics. For songwriters, this can be eye-opening, as we don’t always take a historical view of our creative process. We don’t always think about the way our environment can shape our output, either, particularly now that so many of us are working with the same tools. In How Music Works, Byrne mixes history and first-hand experience to illustrate how songwriting and performance are constantly evolving. It’s part memoir, part music theory, and part sociology textbook. It’s a thought-provoking, fascinating, and, above all, entertaining read for anyone who wants to understand not just how to write songs, but why songs matter in the first place.

The War of Art – Steven Pressfield

The War of Art - Steven Pressfield (book cover)

Link to The War of Art

This book is a must-have. And really, all my Top 10 here on this list provide incredible insights for yourself as a creative person and aspiring songwriter, hit maker, artist, etc.

If you’ve ever stared at a blank page for hours, you’ve met the enemy Steven Pressfield calls Resistance. His book The War of Art is a punchy, no-nonsense guide to doing the work, even when it feels impossible. This is a go-to for songwriters who have plenty of ideas but never seem to finish a song.

Note: this book doesn’t talk about melody or lyrics.

What it does is give you a way to break through procrastination and perfectionism and your own fear of doing the most remarkable and dangerous work possible. For anyone looking for tough love in their stack of songwriting books, this one is pure fuel. It’s especially helpful if you’re trying to move from amateur to pro.

A great quote from the book here:

“Resistance will tell you anything to keep you from doing your work. It will perjure, fabricate, falsify; seduce, bully, cajole. Resistance is protean. It will assume any form, if that’s what it takes to deceive you.

Resistance will reason with you like a lawyer or jam a nine-millimeter in your face like a stickup man.”

Have you been a victim of “the resistance?” Pick up the book and learn how to crush it and make “the resistance” your friend.

Purple Cow – Seth Godin

Purple Cow - Seth Godin (book cover)

Link to Purple Cow

Here’s another one that has absolutely nothing to do with songwriting, but is still invaluable in every way!

While Purple Cow by Seth Godin is often considered a marketing book, it’s a highly useful tool for any songwriter who wants to stand out in an overcrowded music scene. So, yes, this is a VITAL read today.

Godin’s premise is simple: to be remarkable, you have to be different. For songwriters, this means finding your voice, saying something unique, or delivering a fresh sound. This book is less about writing songs and more about what makes you and any business really (for you this is making art) memorable and worth spreading and sharing in the first place.

If you’re serious about your music career and not just the craft, this is one of the best books on songwriting strategy you can read. Think of it as the bridge between your art and your audience.

More Great Songwriting Books

The Art of Songwriting – Andrew West

The Art of Songwriting - Andrew West (book cover)

Link to The Art of Songwriting

Songwriting is a science, but it is also an art. In The Art of Songwriting, Professor and Head of Postgraduate Studies at Leeds College of Music will teach you to become a master craftsperson in the art of songwriting. Starting out as a course at Bath Spa University, West teaches you how to find your voice while working in a recognizable form, how to develop songs into albums, and how to market and sell your work once it exists. Once you’re finished, you’ll understand how West’s work made its way into Grammy Award-winning shows like Lost, Heroes, and True Blood.

The Art of Practicing – Madeline Bruser

The Art of Practicing - Madeline Bruser (book cover)

Link to The Art of Practicing

The legendary Vince Lombardi is credited with coining the phrase “practice makes permanent, not perfect,” which is another way of saying your music is only as good as your practice, particularly when it needs to be realized in real time. It also helps you to be ready when inspiration strikes.

The Art of Practicing by Madeline Bruser teaches the value of mindful, focused practice, a mandatory skill for songwriters and instrumentalists alike. In this classic songwriting book, Bruser combines practical advice with mental and psychological techniques, helping you to create a compassionate, well-rounded approach for writing, composing, and perfecting music.

Effortless Mastery – Kenny Werner

Effortless Mastery - Kenny Werner (book cover)

Link to Effortless Mastery

There’s no such thing as not being able to make music. Every bird knows how to sing, after all. It’s only humans who overcomplicate things with our perfectionism, overthinking, and comparison. It’s up to us to overcome these restrictions, returning ourselves and our creativity to its natural state.

Kenny Werner’s Effortless Mastery teaches you how to overcome your mental limitations with a combination of mindfulness, meditation, and introspection. With its emphasis on jazz and composition, it also helps ground your songwriting instincts in strong instrumental performances and complex musicianship. If you’re a musician or songwriter who finds themselves frozen by comparison or perfectionism, you need to add Effortless Mastery to your bookshelf.

How to Write One Song – Jeff Tweedy

How To Write One Song - Jeff Tweedy (book cover)

Link to How to Write One Song

Songwriting can feel overwhelming. It can feel a little like pulling a miracle out of thin air and channeling it into permanent, concrete reality. Luckily, learning how to write one song can teach you how to write every song.

In Jeff Tweedy’s warm, entertaining, insightful guidebook into writing a single song, he teaches you the tools and techniques you’ll need to become a successful songwriter no matter what genre you’re working in. Tweedy teaches you how to focus on the journey rather than the destination, helping you to focus on every aspect of the songwriting process. Once Tweedy teaches you how to write one perfect song, you’ll know how to create a hundred. It’s no wonder Uncle Tupelo and Wilco are so good.

Songwriters on Songwriting – Paul Zollo

Songwriters On Songwriting - Paul Zollo (book cover)

Link to Songwriters on Songwriting

If you want to become a master, you go to the source. In the case of Paul Zollo’s Songwriters on Songwriting, you get 52 masters of songwriting. Zollo, a longtime music journalist and biographer, interviews everyone from Tom Petty to Bob Dylan to R.E.M. Learning how even Leonard Cohen struggled for an entire decade on one song can help the most perfectionist grindset, helping you to lean in and love songwriting in all of its shapes and forms.

More Songwriters on Songwriting – Paul Zollo

More Songwriters On Songwriting - Paul Zollo (book cover)

Link to More Songwriters on Songwriting

Great music didn’t stop in the 1980s. Great songwriters exist outside of Classic Rock Radio, too. In More Songwriters on Songwriting, Paul Zollo brings his insight and expert music journalism to conversations with some of the greatest songwriters of all time. He talks to Richard Sherman about writing music for Disney and Kenny Gamble about producing Philly Soul. He picks Norman Whitfield’s brain about what it was like working in Motown and gets the coal miner’s daughter herself, Loretta Lynn, to share what she knows about country music. He even sits down with Stephen Stills to see what he can remember about the 1960s. Zollo’s two volumes are as invaluable as an undergraduate degree in songwriting.

In Their Own Words: Songwriters Talk About Their Creative Process – Bill DeMain

In Their Own Words - Bill DeMain (book cover)

Link to In Their Own Words: Songwriters Talk About Their Creative Process

In Their Own Words is a unique songwriting book. Instead of providing step-by-step instructions or concrete frameworks, this book introduces readers to the minds of some of the most legendary, celebrated songwriters of our time. Through a series of interviews, artists share their personal stories, struggles, and revelations about their songwriting journey. It’s less about the “how-to” and more about the “why,” making it an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to understand the soul behind a song. If you’re looking for songwriting books for beginners, this one offers the kind of honest, behind-the-scenes insights that can be both reassuring and deeply inspiring.

Help! 50 Songwriting, Recording, and Career Tips Used by The Beatles – David Rowley

Help! 50 songwriting, recording and career tips as used by The Beatles - David Rawley (book cover)

Link to Help! 50 Songwriting, Recording, and Career Tips Used by The Beatles

More than just a nostalgic look at The Beatles’ legendary career, Help! offers 50 practical tips going far beyond songwriting. Drawing from interviews, session notes, and historical documents, this book breaks down how the Fab Four approached recording, lyric writing, collaboration, and career decisions. For those searching for the best songwriting books with practical takeaways, this one delivers in spades. Whether you’re analyzing Lennon’s lyrical nuance or McCartney’s melodic instinct, each tip is grounded in real-world experience. It’s also an approachable read, perfect for those just starting their songwriting journey or fans looking to decode the creative magic behind one of the most magical songwriting collaborations of all time.

The Songwriting Secrets of The Beatles – Dominic Pedler

The Songwriting Secrets of The Beatles - Dominic Pedler (book cover)

Link to The Songwriting Secrets of The Beatles

The Beatles’ songwriting genius is far too deep to fit in a single volume. Considered by songwriters in a wide range of different genres to be one of the best books on songwriting ever written, this deep dive into The Beatles’ back catalog reveals the musical architecture behind their greatest hits. Author Dominic Pedler dissects everything from chord progressions and key changes to lyrical themes and rhythmic structure. What makes this book special is that it’s not just for Beatles fans. It’s a masterclass in songwriting theory using real, timeless examples from The Beatles’ discography. Best of all, it’s available as an eBook if you’re hunting for songwriting books PDF resources, making it fast and easy to search all 1,078 of its pages. Musicians looking to sharpen their compositional toolkit will find this book both challenging and exceedingly rewarding.

The Complete Singer-Songwriter – Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers

The Complete Singer-Songwriter - Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers (book cover)

Link to The Complete Singer-Songwriter

This book lives up to its name. The Complete Singer-Songwriter is a thorough, hands-on guide that doesn’t just teach you how to write a song but also how to perform, record, market, and safeguard your work. Author Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers alternates between chapters focusing on the craft of songwriting with legal and technical advice, offering a comprehensive toolkit for modern musicians. If you’re serious about building a career in music, this is one of the best books on songwriting to own. It’s also one of the few songwriting books that speaks equally to both the artistic and business sides of being a singer-songwriter, making it essential reading for any independent artist.

Dark Mirror: The Pathology of the Singer-Songwriter – Donald Brackett

Dark Mirror - Donald Brackett (book cover)

Link to Dark Mirror: The Pathology of the Singer-Songwriter

Being a singer-songwriter isn’t all sunshine and picnics and pre-choruses. It can be lonely, isolating work. Putting all of the pain, fear, grief, hope, and confusion of the world you’re living in can be a lot, too. Donald Brackett’s Dark Mirror: The Pathology of the Singer-Songwriter features a series of raw, intimate conversations with singer-songwriters about how to translate their personal experiences into timeless works of relatable art. While it might not be the most technical songwriting book out there, it’s good preparation for dealing with some of the struggles that can come from being a musician and songwriter.

Big Secret of Songwriting: How to Write One Song a Day – Egils Peterson

Big Secret of Songwriting - Egils Petersen (book cover)

Link to Big Secret of Songwriting

Songwriting is full of secrets. Egils Petersen shares handfuls of them with you over the course of Big Secret of Songwriting: How to Write One Song a Day. Before you know it, you’ll see how the songwriter featured in Peterson’s book could have written over 200 songs by the time she was 18. It’s also available on Audible, as a bonus, in case you’re someone looking for songwriting audiobooks.

Inside Songwriting: Getting to the Heart of Creativity – Jason Blume

Inside Songwriting - Jason Blume (book cover)

Link to Inside Songwriting: Getting to the Heart of Creativity

Inside Songwriting by Jason Blume is an empathetic, story-driven guide designed to help you find your voice as a songwriter. Rather than just giving you a songwriting formula, Blume teaches you self-reflection and persistence, introducing examples with real-life stories from his own career. Since its publication in 2003, Inside Songwriting has become a favorite in creative writing circles due to its emphasis on the emotional side of songwriting. It’s among the best songwriting books for people who crave authenticity in their music. Beginners will appreciate the conversational tone, while seasoned writers may find new meaning in their creative process. This book captures the heart of what makes songwriting such a personal and transformative act.

The Everything Songwriting Book – C. J. Watson

The Everything Songwriting Book - CJ Watson (book cover)

Link to The Everything Songwriting Book

As the name implies, The Everything Songwriting Book is a comprehensive, practical resource that covers just about every aspect of writing a song, covering everything from song structure, melody, and harmony to collaboration and publishing. It’s especially popular among beginner songwriters because it’s written in an easy-to-understand style without dumbing anything down. If you’re searching for songwriting books for beginners, this should be high on your list. It’s also one of the most accessible songwriting books in PDF format, making it useful for studying on the go. With checklists, exercises, and practical examples, it’s a fantastic tool for getting started and staying motivated.

The Musician’s Journey: Crafting your Career Vision and Plan – Jill Timmons

The Musician's Journey - Till Timmons (book cover)

Link to The Musician’s Journey: Crafting your Career Vision and Plan

Art doesn’t exist in a vacuum. While you might create some great songs while pulling yourself up by your bootstraps, you’ll be far more capable of remaining creative and productive with some resources. As paradoxical as it sounds, to be the best artist you can be, you also need to be at least a passable businessperson. In The Musician’s Journey, Jill Timmons takes you through every step from the blank page to the boardroom. It’s worth reading for the bibliography alone, which can be as useful as a BFA in music business.

Song Man: A Melodic Adventure, or, My Single-Minded Approach to Songwriting – Will Hodgkinson

Song Man - Will Hodgkinson (book cover)

Link to Song Man: A Melodic Adventure, or, My Single-Minded Approach to Songwriting

Song Man might read like a memoir, but underneath its anecdotes there’s a wealth of insight into the real world of songwriting. Author Will Hodgkinson introduces his approach to songwriting through a series of fascinating, often hilarious conversations with some of music’s most lovable oddballs. If you’ve ever wondered how Keith Richards writes a rhythm guitar line or how XTC’s Andy Partridge helped usher in a new golden age of psychedelic music, Song Man is going to be your new bible.

Six Steps to Songwriting Success, Revised Edition: The Comprehensive Guide to Writing and Marketing Hit Songs – Jason Blume

Six Steps To Songwriting Success - Jason Blume (book cover)

Link to Six Steps to Songwriting Success, Revised Edition: The Comprehensive Guide to Writing and Marketing Hit Songs

Jason Blume’s Six Steps to Songwriting Success is a must-have for writers trying to break into the professional music industry. The book provides a clear roadmap, starting from the spark of an idea to pitching songs to publishers and recording artists. What makes this one of the best songwriting books is its realistic advice and its balance of inspiration and strategy. For those overwhelmed by the creative process, Blume offers techniques for bringing structure to your writing routine. It’s especially helpful for those looking for songwriting books for beginners, as it demystifies the industry without sugarcoating the hard work involved.

The Addiction Formula: A Holistic Approach to Writing Captivating, Memorable Hit Songs. With 317 Proven Commercial Techniques & 331 Examples, Including “All of Me” (Holistic Songwriting) (Volume 1) – Friedemann Findeisen

The Addiction Formula - Friedemann Findeisen (book cover)

Link to The Addiction Formula: A Holistic Approach to Writing Captivating, Memorable Hit Songs. With 317 Proven Commercial Techniques & 331 Examples, Including “All of Me” (Holistic Songwriting) (Volume 1)

Pop music is an art form, but there’s a science to it. In The Addiction Formula, Friedemann Findeisen shares over 300 tips, secrets, and formulas taken directly from recent hits. Unlike many of the other songwriting books on our list, The Addiction Formula goes beyond craft to focus on the listener’s experience. If you’re looking for a songwriting book that can help you connect your builds, breakdowns, bridges, and key changes to your listeners’ inner worlds, you need to check out The Addiction Formula.

Lyric Writing Books

Song Maps: A New System to Write Your Best Lyrics – Simon Hawkins

Song Maps - Simon Hawkins (book cover)

Link to Song Maps

Certain aspects of songwriting are as old as humanity itself. Simon Hawkins’ Song Maps teaches the art of songwriting through the timeless art of storytelling. He teaches you how to structure your songs following familiar beats, themes, and story arcs that appear everywhere from ancient myths to sitcoms to Top 40 radio. If you’re looking for one of the best books for songwriters that will also make you a master of The Hero’s Journey, get yourself a copy of Song Maps as fast as you can.

Songwriting Without Boundaries: Lyric Writing Exercises for Finding Your Voice – Pat Pattinson

Songwriting Without Boundaries - Pat Pattison (book cover)

Link to Songwriting Without Boundaries

This book isn’t about theory; it’s about doing the work. Songwriting Without Boundaries is filled with timed writing prompts and creative challenges aimed at sharpening your lyric writing, overcoming writer’s block, and discovering your unique lyrical voice. Pat Pattison, a professor at Berklee College of Music, offers an approach grounded in years of teaching experience. For anyone struggling with discipline or feeling creatively stuck, this book provides a daily practice that builds confidence over time. Among the best books on songwriting ever written, this one is a practical favorite for those looking to write more, write better, and stay inspired.

Artist Mindset Books

The Inner Game of Music – Barry Green

The Inner Game of Music - Barry Green (book cover)

Link to The Inner Game of Music

Music may be the most serious thing in the world, but it’s also a game. Like any game, there are skills that can be mastered, rules that can be learned, and hacks that can take your music to whole new levels. Barry Green’s The Inner Game of Music feels like a cheat code when everyone else is still trying to find the rulebook.

The Inner Game of Music is crammed full of useful exercises for every stage of the songwriting process. It’ll show you how to overcome the doubt and anxiety of imposter syndrome. It will help you silence your inner critic, teaching you invaluable skills that will help you recognize your own voice rather than those installed by society. It will also teach you how to concentrate and focus when it’s time to sit down and focus on songwriting. The Inner Game of Music can even help you overcome stage fright, elevating your live music game and helping you to bring your music to life in front of live audiences.

This Is Your Brain on Music – Daniel J. Levitin

This Is Your Brain On Music - Daniel J Levitin (book cover)

Link to This Is Your Brain on Music

Daniel J. Levitin’s This Is Your Brain on Music might not teach you how to write a chorus, but it might change the way you hear and understand music forever. Levitin, a neuroscientist and former record producer, breaks down the cognitive and emotional impact of music—why certain melodies stick, how rhythm affects our bodies, and what the brain does when we hear a perfect hook. If you’re looking for songwriting books for beginners who are curious about why music works, don’t miss this one. It doesn’t just make you a better songwriter; it makes you a better listener. That’s often where the best songs begin.

Making Ideas Happen – Scott Belsky

Making Ideas Happen - Scott Belsky (book cover)

Link to Making Ideas Happen

Scott Belsky’s Making Ideas Happen is a practical roadmap for turning creativity into completed work. Ideas usually aren’t the problem; it’s the execution part that breaks a song to pieces. As the founder of Behance, a popular social media site for designers, Belsky explores how to build systems that support your output. From setting up project workflows to collaborating effectively, this book gives you the productivity backbone to actually finish the songs you’re dreaming about. While it doesn’t talk about music explicitly, it’s become one of those songwriting books in PDF format that creative types love to carry on their phones and tablets for those moments when they’re struggling to balance inspiration with discipline. It’s especially relevant if you’re juggling music alongside a day job or side hustle.

Final Thoughts on Songwriting Books

It’s such a comfort to know you don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time you want to write a song and that you also have some amazing guides and coaches in the above books to help you on your way.

Yes, writing a song is a singular work of individuality and creativity. We’re always standing on the shoulders of giants, though. Songwriting books give you access to all of the wisdom of the great songwriters who have come before.

The best songwriting books can be like a college degree, a trusted mentor, and a personal trainer that’s always in your corner.

(This article was co-written by J Simpson)

About the Author

The Author of “How Do I Get A Record Deal? Sign Yourself!”

My career in music publishing extends over 25 years, including BMG Music (bought by Universal) and EMI Music Publishing (bought by Sony), as well as the 1st U.S. employee of Kobalt Music Publishing, where he helped build the roster over 10 years as Executive VP of Creative.

Benjamin is currently heading up his own publishing company, Brill Building, as well as label and music filter, We Are: The Guard. Benjamin’s signings range from Ryan Tedder, Kelly Clarkson, The Lumineers, Grimes, Savan Kotecha, OneRepublic, SOPHIE, Ariel Rechtshaid, Greg Kurstin, Tiesto, Kid Cudi, TOKiMONSTA, TR/ST, Cut Copy, Big Freedia, Lindy Robbins, Peaches and yes, even Steel Panther. His specialty in the music business is early artist, writer and writer/producer development.

post author Benjamin Groff

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Every few days, you’ll receive a new lesson—each one designed to spark breakthroughs and fast-track your progress. Think of it as a free, bite-sized masterclass filled with insights, epiphanies, and proven tools I’ve shared only with top clients… until now.

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