What are Split Sheets?
A split sheet is a simple document that lays out who owns what part(s) of a particular song.
It should have the following:
Song Title
Date
Names, Publishers & PROs of all writers
Split Percentages
Signatures of all writers
Standard practice is to split the percentages equally amongst the writers. For example, if there are two writers, the splits are 50/50. You can also break it down by lyric & melody. For example, if Writer A wrote the music & Writers B and C wrote the lyrics, Writer A would receive 50% and Writers B and C would each receive 25%.
The importance of the split sheet comes into play when a song is placed.
If you have this split sheet signed and dated by all co-writers, you have proof of ownership.
Split Sheet Example #1
Split Sheet Example #2
Split Sheets 101 with Janie Jennings
Several scenarios could occur without this backup, including the following:
Someone could claim more than their fair share & put the song into dispute. When a song is in dispute, no one gets paid until it is resolved.
You could miss the chance of a song placement because a writer couldn’t be found.
The song could get placed & someone could erase you from the credits. No credit = no royalties.