Say you're an eighty-year-old songwriter who weighs twelve hundred pounds. You have an inoperable mole the shape — and approximate size — of Paraguay on your forehead, a half octave range, and a voice that sounds rather like a duck with bronchitis. It's likely that you may encounter some difficulty getting a record deal and might consider focusing your efforts on writing songs for other people to record.

Thinking Past Your Personal Limitations

It's important to know that you can write songs that exceed your own performance limitations. Even if you can't sing anything with complex trills or a big range, you must be able to write for people who can. You might not be able to play some chords or grooves without making mistakes, but you can write them and let the studio musicians do the playing. Learn to think beyond what you can do; with songwriting, the only limitation is your ability to imagine.

Learn to write songs that sound good for other voices than your own. This goes for lyrics, too. With a little study and effort, an eighty-year-old grandmother could write a song from the viewpoint of a young soldier. By the same token, a big, burly biker could write a convincing song on the joys of motherhood.

Writing with the Artist

One of the best ways to get a cut is by writing with a recording artist. Think about it: If you were doing an album, would you rather record someone else's song or one that you helped write and will get writer's royalties on?

While it's probable that you can't just call up Alan Jackson or Missy Elliot and ask to write with them, you can start by writing with the up-and-coming singers in your town, especially if you live in a music hub. Learn their styles and get to know them. Learning to work well with artists can really pay off when you get a staff job at a publishing house and have access to major label recording artists.