Guide · The business of songwriting
How to pitch songs
To pitch a song, finish a clear demo, find out who actually takes outside songs, follow each person's submission rules, send a short message with a link, and keep your splits and details ready. This is general advice from us, not an official rulebook, so check each recipient's own guidelines.
Updated 25 Oct 2026
1. Make the song worth pitching
A pitch is only as good as the song. Finish it and record a clear demo. See how to make a demo at home and the Finished Demo Checklist.
2. Know who you are pitching to
Read what an artist, producer, publisher or music supervisor actually wants, and do not send songs to people who do not take them. Some do not accept unsolicited material, so check their own pages first.
3. Follow their rules
Some have a form or a contact route. Use it. Sending a file where it is not wanted may not help, and some recipients may not welcome it.
4. Send one clear message
Name the song, say in one line why it fits, and link to the demo. A link is usually easier than an attachment. See how to send a demo to a producer and share demo links.
5. Have your details ready
Know who wrote it and in what shares, and have the lyrics and the key and tempo to hand. See what a split sheet is and the split sheet template.
6. Be patient and keep writing
Many pitches get no reply. Keep a record of what you sent and when, follow up once, and write the next song.
Get advice for the business side
If someone offers a deal, ask a music lawyer before you sign. See music publishing for songwriters and how to copyright a song.
Keep every demo findable
In songdrafts every take of a song stacks on one card, with the lyrics, key and tempo on the same song, and you can share a take as one link that plays in the browser with no account.
Common questions
How do I pitch my songs?
Finish a clear demo, find who takes outside songs, follow their rules, and send a short message with a link.
Who should I pitch songs to?
People who actually take outside songs: some artists, producers, publishers and music supervisors. Check each one's own guidelines.
Should I send a demo as an attachment?
A link is usually easier. Follow what the recipient asks for.
Do I need a publisher to pitch?
Not necessarily; it depends on who you pitch to. Check each recipient's rules, and ask a music lawyer about any deal.
How long should I wait for a reply?
There is no rule. Follow up once, politely, and keep writing.
Want this done for you? songdrafts is a board for your voice memos: every take stacked on one card, songs that move across stages, merging half songs, and one share link with comments pinned to the second. Works offline, and nothing you upload trains AI. What is songdrafts?