Six Steps to Songwriting Success: The Comprehensive Guide to Writing and Marketing Hit Songs

In its First Edition, 6 Steps to Songwriting Success provided novices hoping to pitch their songs to artists other than themselves an easy to understand, step-by-step approach to mastering those elements consistently found in hit songs. Incorporating inspiring anecdotes from the author’s own success story and instructive quotes from music industry professionals, as well as 30 effective exercises for practicing, honing, and expanding one’s songwriting skills and helpful checklists for objectively accessing one’s strengths and weaknesses, the book offered a concise analysis of the six steps essential for songwriting success.

Updated, substantially revised, and expanded, the Second Edition increases the book’s relevance for performing songwriters writing primarily for themselves or their bands. The revision reflects industry changes since the First Edition, such as the advent of MP3s, the increase in music sampling, and the fact that CDs have replaced cassettes as the industry standard for presenting material. Fifteen new or significantly revised exercises are also included, as are new quotes from industry professionals. Finally, the Appendix has been completely updated to present the most comprehensive and up-to-date listing of songwriter resources available.

Jason Blume is a staff writer for Zomba Music. He has written songs for the Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, as well as John Berry’s Top 5 country single, “Change my Mind” and Steve Azar’s country hit “I Never Stopped Lovin’ You.” He also developed and teaches the BMI Nashville Songwriters Workshop. He lives in Nashville, TN.