Songwriting - The Split Letter

The Split Letter or sometimes called a Split Sheet is a standard music industry form that can take many shapes and forms (no pun intended!).  However, it always carries the same information relevant to the composition. 

In this letter, the songwriters to a particular song are listed along with the percentages each contributor is responsible for, creating therefore, a "split" or division in income takes.  

If you co-write with someone else, then the split sheet or split letter takes on a very important role, as this form will carry forward onto the PRO's and publishers and writers, involved.  Each person may get different amounts of splits according to their particular contribution. 

It may seem like a lot of trouble, but trust me, you don't want to be involved in an issue where back payments are being held by ASCAP (for example) because of a discrepancy in the split sheet and the writers of the work.  Payments are behind anyway from a PRO to a the writer and publisher, so the more issues that arise, the more you will have to wait in order to see your cut or income from the song. You should have the split sheets ready to go at each of the recording sessions for future reference, and give each of the contributors a signed copy of it. 

Now, what to include in it?  Well, as with any document worth something, you should include worthy info.  A name and a signature will not be sufficient.  You can download a copy of a split sheet at your PRO's site, or simply call them and ask for a sample. Google documents is another good place to start.  But for example, include, the name (or names) of the songwriters.  Include their Social Security numbers, addresses, PRO's involved, publisher of each songwriter, Driver's License info, and any other info that may be of service in case of an identity issue.  Hold back from including financial info such as routing and account numbers from banks as this info should be already available at the point of payment such as at the PRO's database.  This also limits the liability of that type of info going around in a form from one hand to another.  Having a notarized copy will also help but it may not be necessary.  For more info on split letters (split sheets) visit ASCAP, SESAC, or BMI for their songwriter resources and FAQ sections.  Here is a good example of what a split sheet must contain.